Grant Writing Blog

Expert advice for every grant — from EPA to DARPA

Strategies, tips, and deep dives on writing winning grant proposals.

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Tips7 min read
The CHIPS Act Renegotiation: Washington Wants Equity in Your Semiconductor Company

The Trump administration is renegotiating $33 billion in CHIPS Act grants, demanding equity stakes in Intel, Samsung, and TSMC. With only 24 of 161 milestones completed and applications still open, here is what the new terms mean for semiconductor manufacturers and supply chain companies.

Apr 8, 2026Arthur Griffin
Tips10 min read
2 CFR 200 Decoded: What New Federal Grantees Actually Need to Know About Uniform Guidance

The Uniform Guidance governs every dollar of federal grant spending. This plain-language breakdown covers the October 2024 revisions, allowable costs, procurement thresholds, single audit rules, and the compliance failures that get organizations suspended — so first-time grantees can avoid the most expensive mistakes.

Mar 19, 2026Claire Cummings
SBIR13 min read
SBIR & STTR Deadlines 2026: Complete Calendar by Agency

Every SBIR and STTR deadline for 2026 organized by agency — DOD, NIH, NSF, DOE, NASA, EPA, USDA, and DHS. Includes post-reauthorization restart timeline, award amounts, and key dates.

Mar 15, 2026Claire Cummings
Tips7 min read
ARPA-H Just Bet $144 Million That Aging Itself Is a Treatable Condition

The PROSPR program funds seven teams to run human clinical trials targeting biological aging — not diseases, but the process that causes them. Rapamycin analogs, retrotransposon inhibitors, and SGLT2 repurposing are heading to trial. Here is what researchers and biotech founders need to know.

Mar 9, 2026Claire Cummings
NIH8 min read
Congress Said No to NIH Restructuring. It Is Happening Anyway.

The administration proposed merging 27 NIH institutes into 8. Congress rejected every version. But administrative actions are dismantling the agency from within — and researchers need to understand what is changing.

Mar 9, 2026Arthur Griffin
USDA7 min read
Inside USDA

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative is the largest competitive grant program for food and agriculture science. With $445 million across six priority areas and a March 19 deadline, here is how to position your proposal.

Mar 8, 2026Claire Cummings
SBIR5 min read
DOE SBIR Topics for Clean Energy Startups

The Department of Energy funds SBIR proposals in clean energy, grid modernization, advanced materials, and nuclear technology. Here are the topic areas to watch after reauthorization.

Mar 4, 2026Jared Klein
SBIR5 min read
NASA SBIR for Space Tech Startups: 2026 Topic Areas

NASA funds SBIR proposals in propulsion, in-space manufacturing, life support, autonomy, and Earth observation. Here are the topic areas and how to position for the 2026 restart.

Mar 4, 2026David Almeida
SBIR5 min read
SBIR for Biotech Startups: NIH Phase I Strategy

Biotech startups can access up to $275K in non-dilutive NIH SBIR funding for early-stage drug development, diagnostics, and medical devices. Here is how to build a winning Phase I proposal.

Mar 4, 2026Claire Cummings
SBIR5 min read
SBIR Direct to Phase II: When to Skip Phase I

Some agencies allow companies to apply directly to Phase II without a Phase I award. Here is how Direct to Phase II works, who qualifies, and when it makes strategic sense.

Mar 4, 2026Arthur Griffin
SBIR5 min read
SBIR Subcontracting Rules: The 33% Rule Explained

SBIR requires your company to perform at least two-thirds of Phase I work. Here is how the subcontracting rules work, how to calculate work percentages, and what happens when you exceed the limit.

Mar 4, 2026Arthur Griffin
SBIR5 min read
SBIR vs. STTR: Which Program Should You Apply To?

SBIR and STTR fund the same types of innovation but have different rules for university partnerships and work percentages. Here is how to choose the right program for your company.

Mar 4, 2026Arthur Griffin
AI5 min read
AI Grants for Nonprofits: A Complete Guide

Where nonprofits can find $20K-$500K to fund AI pilots and adoption, from federal programs to private foundations investing in social sector technology.

Feb 24, 2026Arthur Griffin
DARPA7 min read
Every DARPA AI Program You Can Apply To in 2026

A current catalog of open DARPA AI programs and BAAs — from I2O office-wide to CLARA, ML2P, and SABER. What is funded, what is closed, and how to respond.

Feb 24, 2026Arthur Griffin
USDA10 min read
USDA Grants for Farmers: The Complete 2026 Guide

Every USDA grant program farmers can apply for in 2026 — from EQIP and REAP to specialty crop and beginning farmer programs. Eligibility, amounts, deadlines, and how to apply.

Feb 18, 2026Marcus Webb
NSF4 min read
What NSF Reviewers Wish You Knew

NSF reviewers reveal what makes a winning grant proposal. Tips on Intellectual Merit, Broader Impacts, storytelling, and measurable outcomes.

Feb 2, 2026Dr. Marcus Webb
NIH3 min read
What NIH Reviewers Wish You Knew

Insider tips from NIH reviewers on what they prioritize in grant proposals. Specific Aims, preliminary data, and pitfalls to avoid.

Jan 30, 2026Dr. Sarah Chen
NIH3 min read
The Reasons Most NIH R01 Proposals Fail

Why most NIH R01 proposals fail and how to fix common mistakes. Avoid unclear aims, weak methodology, and insufficient preliminary data.

Jan 17, 2026Dr. Sarah Chen
Tips3 min read
The Perfect Specific Aims Page

How to write an NIH Specific Aims page that hooks reviewers. Structure, examples, and common mistakes to avoid in your grant proposal.

Jan 11, 2026Dr. Sarah Chen
Tips3 min read
The Perfect Project Pitch

Craft the perfect grant project pitch with SMART objectives, compelling storytelling, and a detailed budget that wins over funders.

Jan 8, 2026Rachel Nguyen
Tips3 min read
The Best Biosketch

How to write the best grant biosketch. Tailor it to each opportunity, showcase relevant expertise, and impress reviewers as the ideal PI.

Jan 1, 2026Rachel Nguyen
Tips12 min read
Scholarship and Fellowship Application Guide

Comprehensive guide to top scholarships and fellowships including Rhodes, Fulbright, Marshall, Goldwater, and more with application strategies.

Dec 20, 2025Priya Chandrasekaran
NSF3 min read
How to Write an NSF Abstract (With Examples)

Your NSF abstract is 250 words that make or break your proposal. See real examples and a template that covers objectives, methods, and broader impacts.

Nov 15, 2025Dr. Marcus Webb
NOAA5 min read
NOAA Marine Debris Removal Grants: How to Apply

Over $54 million in NOAA marine debris funding is up for grabs. Learn eligibility requirements, application strategy, and what reviewers actually look for.

Nov 5, 2025Jordan Valdez
Tips3 min read
Getting your first R01

A practical guide to writing your first NIH R01 grant proposal, from choosing the right institute to crafting a narrative that wins reviewer support.

Aug 24, 2025Dr. Sarah Chen
EPA6 min read
EPA Tribal Water Quality Grants and PFAS Funding

How tribal nations and tribal college researchers can access EPA funding for water quality monitoring, PFAS contamination, and environmental capacity building.

Aug 5, 2025Dr. Angela Crow Feather
NIH3 min read
Common Mistakes in NIH Proposals

Avoid common NIH grant proposal mistakes including vague specific aims, weak methodology, and poor budget justification that lead to rejection.

Jul 7, 2025Dr. Sarah Chen
NOAA5 min read
Coastal Resilience Grants in 2026: A Funding Guide

Navigate NOAA coastal resilience and habitat restoration grants in 2026, including the Transformational Habitat program and National Coastal Wetlands Conservation grants.

Jun 30, 2025Jordan Valdez
Tips4 min read
Become a Grant Writer: Essential Steps & Tips

How to become a grant writer in 7 steps: build essential skills, gain experience, master proposals, grow your network, and price your services.

Jun 21, 2025David Hartwell