Sponsors
Before submitting a proposal to a potential sponsor, it is important to understand the characteristics of sponsors in general as well as specifics about the sponsor you are considering. There are three broad categories of external sponsors:
Government
Federal Programs
- Purpose– One of the missions of government is to provide for the common welfare. It is within this context that federal agencies and Congress appropriate funds for support of education, engineering, defense, health, the arts and social services. In most cases, an agency’s mission is inherent in its name.
- Structure– Because the mission of federal agencies is broad and multifaceted, agencies’ work is carried out through a hierarchy of divisions, programs, and offices. It is important to understand not only an agency’s mission but also its program structure so that the proposal may be written in the proper context and directed to the appropriate office.
- Types of projects funded– Typically, federal agencies sponsor projects of national or universal significance. These range from basic research to service and demonstration projects.
- Deadlines– These can vary but are usually cyclical.
- Review Process– Usually peer review by panel.
State and Local Programs
- Purpose– State agencies exist to fulfill specific legislated missions narrower in scope than that of federal agencies. Local agencies exist to meet local needs.
- Structure– The infrastructure of state and local agencies is often complex and difficult to determine. Personal contact is usually the best way to ascertain the existence and nature of programs and to identify key agency personnel.
- Types of projects funded– State agencies fund projects promising benefit to the people of the state; local agencies fund projects that help people of a particular locale. Funded projects are usually very specific; the scope of work is often determined by the agency.
- Deadlines– These can vary, sometimes cyclical.
- Review Process– Agency or program staff, sometimes peer panel, mail review, or both.