Grants management skills keep funded projects on target

The authors provide detailed information about the process of applying for a grant and the management of a grant once it is funded. The contracting process is described, with attention to the who, what, when, and how of such an endeavor, including financial and space needs for all personnel and funding for supplemental material and administrative support. They emphasize the need for the person writing a proposal, usually the primary investigator or PI, to have a full understanding of his/her organization's direction for the future to assure that the proposed grant project is consistent with the overall aims of the organization. This understanding is critical to "determine whether financial and administrative support will continue once funding is over something increasingly required by funders." Knowing as much as possible about the funding organization, effective budget planning, and the development and use of the proposal as a preliminary work plan once the project is funded are also highly recommended.