Rider University provides assistance to faculty members and administrators interested in seeking external funding to support research, special projects, and other endeavors. The following grant guidelines provide general instructions regarding how much time may be needed to complete a proposal, which individuals on campus need to be contacted prior to preparing a proposal, and what approvals will be required.

Procedure Timeline

9 Step Grants Process

1. Develop Project Idea

  • Identify problem or need to be addressed
  • Articulate goals and objectives
  • Consider outcomes and impact
  • Inventory available University resources as well as outstanding needs
  • Estimate time frame and anticipated costs for endeavor
  • Discuss with Dean or Department Chair

back to top

2. Find Funding Source(s)

  • Review funding sources available on Grants and Research at Rider
  • Contact Cathlene Leary-Elderkin for government funding sources ([email protected] / x7257) or Denise Pinney for corporate, foundation and nongovernmental grants ([email protected] / 5019). Both can assist you in various ways throughout the grant development process.

back to top

3. Review Grant Opportunities and Requirements

  • Review available Requests for Proposals (RFPs), grant guidelines and program announcements
  • Consider feasibility of devising and implementing a project consistent with the other projects a funding organization may have funded in the past
  • Consider the expertise required to oversee the grant
  • Review the deadline for applications and the date by which the grant may officially begin

back to top

4. Develop Proposal Concept

  • With the grant guidelines in mind, begin to formulate a plan and framework for your endeavor
  • Draft a rough budget
  • If your grant will support a special event, complete Rider’s Grant Event Approval Form (DOC)

back to top

5. Thoroughly Review Grant Guidelines

  • Determine whether there is a “good fit” between your goals and those of the organization
  • Determine appropriate first step, ex. Letter of inquiry (LOI), proposal, or a conversation
  • Review past funded grant awards and gifts (if available) to assess size and funding priorities of past grants
  • Review items the organization will and won’t fund

back to top

6. Identify and Meet Requirements

  • Identify resources, equipment and space needs
  • Contact HR if your grant includes personnel costs or requires new personnel to be hired.
  • If working with a team, assign tasks to others to gather data, write sections, create attachments, and so forth.
  • Create submission timeline
  • Institutional Review Board (IRB) review will be required for all projects involving human or animal subjects research (allow extra time for this approval)
  • If your grant will support a special event, please seek approval from your Dean to ensure scheduling and space are available

back to top

7. Develop Proposal & Budget

  • If submitting a federal or state grant, discuss the application process with Cathlene Leary-Elderkin ([email protected]) and Tina Chandler, Grants & Restricted Funds Manager ([email protected]).

back to top

8. Route for Proper Approvals

  • If submitting a government grant, the proposal will need to be routed for approval internally within the required timeframe (2 weeks before due date) along with your draft proposal and budget. Please refer to the Grants Submission Checklist (PDF) for detailed instructions. Please contact Tina Chandler to complete the Proposal Routing Form (PDF). 
  • Proposals being submitted to corporations, foundations, professional organizations/NGO’s should be shared with Denise Pinney ([email protected]).

back to top

9. Review, Edit & Submit

  • When your grant is awarded, please forward the award email or letter along with your budget to Christina Chandler who will assist you by setting up a restricted grant account. Tina can address a myriad of “post-award” questions, as well, and can be reached at [email protected]. 

back to top