Tips on contacting federal funding agency program officers
January 29, 2020
From early career to seasoned professional, faculty members should always consider contacting program officers in advance of preparing a proposal.
While each agency has its own culture that should be respected, there are some fundamental best practices to apply when reaching out (see the image below) and download the PDF here. Many of these tips apply to philanthropic funding organizations points of contact as well. Credit for this handout goes to Carla McBride, Research Advancement Administrator, New College.
High level recommendations:
- Be prepared
- Know the sponsor
- Have an idea
- Understand what they fund and when
- Watch RD's video on landscape analysis here
- Start with an email, do not cold call
- Write a concise email with clear introductions and detailed topic descriptions
- Attach relevant background information
- Explain how your idea fits their work and priorities
- Phone and/ore in-person interactions
- Explain how your work addresses gaps or new ground
- Listen to them
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Apply to Knowledge Enterprise's TRIPS program here
- Follow up
- Send a note of thanks
- Send regular updates if appropriate
- Offer to reconnect again in the future
Additional references:
- Porter, R. (2009). Can we Talk? Contacting Grant Program Officers, Research Management Review, 17(1). https://www.okhighered.org/grant-opps/docs/can-we-talk-contacting-program-officers.pdf