What You'll Take Away from This Workshop
Over two engaging days, you'll dive deep into the art and science of grant writing. We've designed this workshop to give you practical, hands-on skills that will transform how you approach funding proposals. The Four Steps to Funding framework is a road-tested method that's helped countless researchers secure the funding they need. Here's what you can look forward to learning:
We'll show you how to articulate the heart of why your research matters. It's about connecting your work to the bigger picture—the goals that drive your field and the priorities of your funding agencies. By the end of this session, you'll be crafting narratives that grab reviewers from the get-go, showing them why your work isn't just interesting, but essential.
Here's where we dig into the core of your research—be it a burning question, a game-changing hypothesis, or an objective that could reshape your field. We'll work with you to position your ideas so they shine in a sea of competing proposals. You'll learn to distill complex concepts into clear, powerful statements that make reviewers sit up and take notice.
It's not just about having the right credentials—it's about presenting them in a way that builds unwavering confidence in your team. We'll guide you through the process of showcasing your expertise and readiness, helping you craft a narrative that leaves no doubt in reviewers' minds that you're the perfect fit for this research.
A great idea needs a solid plan. In this session, we'll help you create a roadmap that balances ambitious vision with practical feasibility. You'll learn to lay out your approach in a way that ties everything together, giving reviewers a clear, logical path from your initial question to your groundbreaking results.
Great research deserves great storytelling. We'll help you elevate your proposal from a dry recitation of facts to a compelling narrative that keeps reviewers engaged from start to finish. You'll learn the art of translating complex ideas into stories that not only inform but inspire, making your project's importance crystal clear.
In today's fast-paced research world, many are turning to AI to speed up the writing process. But here's the thing—AI is a tool, not a magic wand. It can churn out content quickly, but it often misses the nuanced requirements that make a proposal truly shine.
That's where our Four Steps to Funding framework becomes your secret weapon. We'll show you how to use this framework to guide AI tools effectively, ensuring that any AI-generated content aligns perfectly with what reviewers are looking for. You'll learn to produce writing that's not just technically sound, but strategically persuasive—something AI alone can't achieve.
Remember, though, AI is optional. Many successful grants are written the old-fashioned way, and there's a depth and creativity to human writing that AI can't replicate. Whether you choose to use AI or stick to traditional methods, our framework will ensure your proposal stands on solid ground, compelling and credible from start to finish.
What Will Happen Each Day
The Four Steps to Funding Workshop is designed to transform your grant writing approach. Over two immersive days, you'll master our proprietary Four Steps to Funding framework—a clear, step-by-step process that resonates with reviewers. Through hands-on training, examples, and coaching discussions, you'll learn to craft proposals that build both desire for your work and trust in your ability to execute. By the end, you'll have a powerful proposal structure that gives you a distinct competitive edge.
Morning Session: Mastering the WHY
Imagine your research proposal standing out, captivating reviewers from the first line. In the Morning Session: Mastering the WHY, you’ll learn to craft a narrative that makes your research compelling to reviewers from the outset. By deeply exploring the significance of your work, you’ll be equipped to create a proposal that resonates on both intellectual and emotional levels, positioning it for success.
In this session, you’ll gain crucial insights and practical skills:
By mastering the WHY, you'll craft a compelling proposal and reignite your passion for research, ensuring it resonates deeply with both you and your reviewers.
Afternoon Session: Defining the WHAT - Defining the Core Work and Crafting a Big Idea
What if you could distill your research into a Big Idea that instantly captures a reviewer’s attention? In this session, you'll shift focus to the "What" of your proposal—defining the core work you are proposing and crafting a compelling Big Idea that sets your research apart. You’ll learn how to balance innovation with feasibility, ensuring your proposal captivates reviewers without overwhelming them. By the end of this session, you'll know how to create a clear, focused, and compelling "logic story" that guides reviewers through the key pieces of information, while avoiding unnecessary details.
Key Takeaways:
By mastering the WHAT, you'll define a clear and compelling path for your research. This clarity will not only strengthen your proposal but also boost your confidence in its success, ensuring it stands out in the eyes of reviewers.
Morning Session: Establishing the WHO - Showcasing Your Team’s Strength
How can you demonstrate that your research team is the best fit for this project? In this session, you’ll learn how to transform your team’s credentials into a compelling narrative that resonates with reviewers. Day 2 begins with a focus on the "Who" of your proposal—establishing the expertise and credibility of your research team. By the end of this session, you’ll know how to strategically weave your team’s strengths into the text of your proposal, building trust with reviewers and funders while avoiding common pitfalls that can undermine credibility.
Key Takeaways:
By mastering the WHO, you’ll position your team as the indispensable choice to execute the research, ensuring your proposal is both compelling and credible, and significantly increasing your chances of securing funding.
Using AI to Enhance Your Grant Writing
In this bonus session, we’ll explore how AI tools can assist you in implementing the Four Steps to Funding framework more efficiently. You’ll learn how AI can help you analyze past winning proposals, refine your narrative, and tailor your submission to align with reviewer expectations. This standalone segment is designed to give you an edge in leveraging technology to enhance your grant writing process.
Afternoon Session: Structuring the HOW - Creating an Actionable Plan
What does it take to craft a research plan that is both compelling and undeniably feasible? Conclude Day 2 with a focus on the "How"—the development of a solid, actionable plan that not only demonstrates the feasibility of your research but also ties together all the elements of your proposal into a coherent and compelling narrative. In this session, you’ll learn how to construct a step-by-step plan that leaves no doubt about your project’s success, ensuring that reviewers can clearly see how your research will be executed and why it’s bound to succeed.
Key Takeaways:
As we wrap up the workshop, we’ll revisit the Four Steps to Funding—WHY, WHAT, WHO, and HOW—and discuss how each component interlocks to create a compelling, cohesive proposal. You’ll see how your WHY drives the significance of your research, your WHAT defines the core work, your WHO establishes credibility, and your HOW demonstrates feasibility. By mastering these steps, you’ll develop a clear, actionable plan that ties all elements together, ensuring your proposal is both compelling and credible. This structured approach will significantly increase your chances of securing funding and transform the way you approach research funding.
We’ve got you covered. All sessions will be recorded, and recordings will be made available for you to review at your own pace. Plus, you can use the recordings to review and re-review the material. Recordings will be available for a minimum of six months.
The Four Steps to Funding Workshop: Key Benefits
Approach Your Next Grant Proposal with a Proven, Strategic Framework
In the competitive world of research funding, having a clear and effective strategy is essential. The Four Steps to Funding workshop provides a structured, evidence-based approach to help you craft proposals that align with the priorities of top funding agencies. Learn how to present your research in a way that resonates with reviewers and maximizes your chances of success.
Here are some of the additional benefits:
Master the articulation of your research's "Why" and "What" in a compelling narrative that positions your work as the solution to critical, unmet needs. Develop proposals that not only communicate significance but also align with reviewers' priorities, helping you stand out in a crowded field. Real-world feedback from a previous attendee of a workshop: "Getting clarity on the core logic of my proposal (selling it to myself first) was key to helping the writing flow. The workshop taught me to be a 'teacher' in my writing, with empathy for the reader, to get them excited about my work." A researcher from USA.
Showcase your team's expertise in a way that convinces reviewers you're the ideal choice to execute the research. Learn to weave your credentials seamlessly into your proposal, significantly boosting your funding chances.
Our framework breaks down the complex task of grant writing into manageable, step-by-step processes. Reduce overwhelm and work more efficiently with practical strategies to overcome common hurdles like "blank page" syndrome.
Gain a repeatable, strategic process that you can apply to future proposals. No more second-guessing or stress-filled submissions—approach each proposal knowing you're on the right track.
Learn to craft proposals that not only secure funding but also open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and recognition in your field. Set the stage for long-term success beyond just one grant. Real-world feedback from a previous attendee of the Four Steps to Funding workshop: "The workshop provided concrete steps for organizing the writing process and taught me how to think logically about developing my research story. I now set aside time each day to iterate and develop a cohesive, compelling narrative." A researcher from California, USA.
What Makes This Workshop Unique
Unlike typical grant writing workshops, the Four Steps to Funding approach tackles the real challenges researchers face in securing competitive funding by providing systematic frameworks and approaches for developing a more compelling Grant Proposal. Here are some examples:
These are just a taste of our unique approach. By workshop's end, you'll have a toolkit that goes way beyond cookie-cutter grant writing advice, giving you a real edge in the dog-eat-dog world of research funding.
We’ve had the privilege of helping many researchers elevate their grant writing through our workshops. Here’s what some of our past participants had to say:
University of Rochester
"I am very happy to share with you that I have been awarded an R01 from the NIH!...The experience of working with you and other members was eye-opening. It changed my mindset completely and had such a huge impact on how I approach grant writing overall. Thank you so much"
Maine Health Institute of Research
"I was able to identify the blockages that have been hindering my success for many years. This helped me gain clarity and understanding, which I believe will pave the way for my future growth and impact.”
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
"I was afraid that a NIH grant was out of my league. They had rejected me repeatedly. I knew my ideas were good but my writing style was holding me back. I discovered Morgan's Grant Story Funnel and spent 12 weeks immersed in the course. I learned how to write with passion and clarity. My R01 application was funded. I had found a more effective way to express my ideas in all of my communications. "
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
"I am not sure if you got my previous email, where I let you know that I got my last R01 funded. Today I learned that I also got my R21 funded!
So thank you again. You may use my example that even from a “bad” stubborn student you can make quite successful grant writer."
Workshop Details
Join us online and participate from anywhere.
This online format is designed to provide you with the flexibility to participate from anywhere while ensuring that you receive comprehensive, hands-on guidance throughout the workshop. We’ll cover all the essential aspects of grant writing, from defining the “Why” of your research to structuring the “How” of your proposal.
No preparation is required to attend this workshop.
If you have an idea or a proposal that you’re working on or planning to develop, bring it and you can apply what you are learning immediately.
We understand that life can be unpredictable, so if you need to step away during a session, don’t worry. All sessions will be recorded and made available to participants after the workshop, allowing you to revisit the material at your convenience.
Upon completing the Four Steps to Funding Workshop, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate serves as a testament to the skills and knowledge you’ve gained, and it can be used to demonstrate your commitment to professional development in grant writing.
This workshop is ideal for early to mid-career researchers and post-docs who are serious about securing funding for their projects. Whether you’re preparing your first major grant proposal or looking to refine your approach to improve your success rate, the Four Steps to Funding workshop offers the strategic insights and practical skills you need to create compelling, fundable proposals.
Sometimes there’s a concern about your colleagues finding out that you participated in a grant writing workshop. We believe there is no shame in seeking out help with key, career defining skills like this. We also understand that for some people this can be a concern.
For that reason, we are using a meeting service that provides you with anonymity, unlike a typical Zoom meeting. You can rest assured that if you want to keep your participation private, that you can do so.
Note: If you choose to ask questions or come on video, it could potentially reveal identifying information. We do encourage asking questions and participating to maximize your experience, but those are not mandatory.
About the Instructor
Dr. Morgan Giddings is a third-generation scientist with a passion for advancing the frontiers of science through innovative and impactful research. With over $23 million in grant funding secured during her tenure prior to then at UNC Chapel Hill, Dr. Giddings has a proven track record of turning nascent ideas into successful research projects. More recently, as the CEO of SCI•Foundry, she has spent over a decade helping hundreds of researchers secure substantial funding for their work, using unique, step-by-step frameworks like the Four Steps to Funding, that goes beyond just writing to focus on the creative process behind the ideas. This workshop is the culmination of years of experience and innovation, designed to equip researchers with the tools they need to turn their ideas into fundable, impactful projects.
Personal Note from Dr. Morgan Giddings:
“I’m incredibly excited to be part of this journey with you. For me, science has always been about curiosity, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As a third-generation scientist, I’ve seen firsthand how the most impactful research starts with a strong foundation of great ideas and questions.
In this workshop, my goal is to help you focus on that creative process—taking your ideas and shaping them into proposals that not only secure funding but also elevate the quality of your science. Grant writing isn’t just about being persuasive or knowing the right people; it’s about doing better science. By honing your ability to develop and communicate your ideas effectively, you’re not just writing proposals—you’re laying the groundwork for research that can truly make a difference.
I’m here to support you in turning your scientific dreams into reality, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”
Tuition and Value
The Four Steps to Funding workshop is an investment in your research career that can yield significant returns in the form of funded projects, career advancement, and recognition in your field.
Purchase Orders & Institutional Cards: Lock in special tuition discounts with a refundable $100 deposit. Select the 'Institutional Purchase' tab during checkout.
Credit & Debit Cards: We accept all major cards for your convenience.
If within 30 days of completing this workshop, you don't believe your grant-writing growth justifies the value of your investment, we’ll provide you with a full refund, no questions asked, or credit twice the tuition you paid toward the Grant Foundry Accelerator program, or any other future services we offer. We stand behind our work, and we're committed to seeing you succeed.
To ensure you get the most out of your experience in the Four Steps to Funding Workshop, we’re including a powerful bonus that will further enhance your grant writing skills and keep you ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving research landscape.
The Advanced Proposal Strategies Toolkit
Your secret weapon in navigating the complex world of proposal writing
* When you enter your information here, it will take you to the secure check out where you can complete your payment details and get registered for the workshop.
Great science deserves great support. At SCI•Foundry, we’re not just teaching you how to write proposals—we’re about helping you create More Impact with Less of the BS in your research career. The Four Steps to Funding Workshop equips you with the tools to craft proposals that resonate deeply with reviewers, aligning your research with the priorities of top funding agencies.
You’ll learn to articulate the significance of your work, leverage your team's unique strengths, and avoid common pitfalls like "Frame Clash." With our proven framework, you’ll approach your next proposal with clarity and confidence, maximizing your chances of success.
Join us, and let’s ensure your next grant proposal not only stands out but secures the funding your research deserves. We’re excited to support you every step of the way as we work together to advance your career and contribute to the future of science.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is this workshop best suited for?
This workshop is ideal for early to mid-career researchers and post-docs who are serious about securing funding for their projects. Whether you're preparing your first major grant proposal or looking to refine your approach to improve your success rate, you'll find valuable insights and strategies. It's particularly beneficial for those who have written proposals before but want to significantly enhance their approach, as well as those relatively new to grant writing who want to start strong.
What if I can't attend all the live sessions?
Don't worry! We understand that schedules can be unpredictable. All sessions are recorded and will be made available to participants shortly after the workshop. You'll have access to these recordings for several months, allowing you to review the content at your convenience or catch up on any sessions you might miss.
Is there any pre-work required?
No formal preparation is required to attend this workshop. However, if you have a current proposal you're working on or even just an idea for a future project, we encourage you to bring it along. This will allow you to apply the concepts you're learning directly to your work, making the experience even more valuable.
How personalized is the feedback?
While we can't offer individual proposal reviews during the workshop due to time constraints, we do provide opportunities for Q&A sessions and hot seat examples. These allow participants to get targeted advice on common challenges. Additionally, the exercises and worksheets you'll complete during the workshop will help you apply the concepts directly to your own work.
What happens if I'm not satisfied?
We stand behind the quality of our workshop. If within 30 days of completing the workshop, you don't believe your grant-writing skills have significantly improved, we offer a full refund, no questions asked. Alternatively, we'll provide you with credit worth twice your tuition towards our Grant Foundry Accelerator program or any other future services we offer. To request a refund, simply email our support team with your concerns.
I've attended other grant writing workshops before. How is this one different?
The Four Steps to Funding workshop goes beyond traditional "grantsmanship" advice. We focus on the psychology of persuasion, teaching you how to structure your proposal to align with reviewers' thought processes. Our unique concepts like "Frame Meshing" and the "Oneway Switch Principle" offer innovative approaches not typically covered in standard workshops.
I'm in a very specialized field. Will this workshop still be relevant to me?
Absolutely! The Four Steps to Funding framework is designed to be applicable across various scientific disciplines. While the specific content of your proposals will be unique to your field, the strategies for structuring and presenting that content effectively are universal. We've had participants from diverse fields successfully apply these principles.
How much time will I need to dedicate outside of the workshop hours?
The workshop is designed to be intensive during the scheduled hours, minimizing the need for extensive work outside these times. However, to get the most out of the experience, we recommend setting aside an hour or two between days to reflect on the material and apply it to your own work. This isn't mandatory but can significantly enhance your learning experience.
Will this workshop help me if I'm applying for grants outside of NIH or NSF?
While we often use NIH and NSF as examples due to their prominence in research funding, the principles taught in this workshop are applicable to a wide range of funding agencies. The strategies you'll learn for crafting compelling narratives and structuring persuasive proposals are valuable regardless of your specific funding target.
Can I get continuing education credits for attending this workshop?
While we don't currently offer formal continuing education credits, many participants have successfully used their participation in this workshop as part of their professional development activities. We're happy to provide a certificate of completion that details the workshop's content and duration, which you can submit to your institution if needed.
Is there any discount available for postdocs or students?
Yes! We offer a special discount for postdocs, providing 40% off the standard rate. This brings the tuition down to $390, making the workshop more accessible to those early in their research careers, ensuring you can benefit from these valuable skills at a reduced cost.
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