Wesleyan Guideline for Principal Investigators Seeking External Grants

Except in the case of a grant to an individual, Wesleyan University is considered the project applicant and bears fiscal and legal responsibilities in administering a grant.  Wesleyan requests that faculty and staff follow the process described here in order to obtain institutional approval on all applications/proposals seeking external funding.

Step 1: Grant Checklist

Your first step is to complete and return a pre-proposal  Grant Checklist  TWO WEEKS in advance of the proposal deadline.  Unless a checklist is submitted two weeks prior to the application deadline, there may not be sufficient time to process the proposal in a timely manner.  The grant checklist can be found and submitted electronically from your electronic portfolio. The checklist is received by Elizabeth McCormick, North College room 303 (ext. 2863) and is reviewed by the Office of Academic Affairs, the Office of Financial Services, and the Office of Foundation and Corporate Relations (FCR). 

If you are interested in seeking support from a private organization (foundation, corporation, or other private agency) please also contact the FCR office (ext. 2863) first, in order to:

• Avoid possible conflicts with other Wesleyan initiatives and proposals.

• Obtain advice about specific guidelines or existing contacts we may have with the organization.

• Allow for early planning for raising matching funds.

Step 2:  Obtaining signatory endorsement

Once you have submitted the checklist and obtained the necessary approvals, we ask that you submit your proposal, budget and supporting documentation at least THREE BUSINESS DAYS before the application deadline to Elizabeth, FCR office, North College room 303 (ext. 2863) for a signature from an authorized institutional official.  If the entire grant is not ready at that time, at the least you should submit the cover sheet, project summary, final budget with justification and all other forms needing a signature to Elizabeth.

Step 3:  Submission of Application

Elizabeth will notify you when the proposal is ready to be picked up from the FCR office, North College room 303.  You are responsible for submitting the final grant application.  Elizabeth will submit electronic NSF Fastlane applications once the Principal Investigator allows the Sponsored Research Office (SRO) access to view, edit and submit.

Step 4:  Award Notification

When you have received a decision on your proposal, please promptly inform and send a copy of your award letter to Rose Pandolfo in Grants and Restricted Accounts of the Office of Financial Services  so that financial accounts can be established. 

Thank you and good luck with your grant seeking!