Mission Summary
Our mission is to advance CAU faculty research by expanding access to extramural funding, including grants, contracts, and awards, and by providing comprehensive, strategic support throughout the proposal development process. As the landscape for research funding grows increasingly diverse and competitive, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs is committed to ensuring that faculty have the tools, resources, and guidance needed to succeed.
We offer a full spectrum of pre‑award services designed to strengthen proposal competitiveness, including funding opportunity identification, proposal submission support, budget development guidance, and continuous individualized assistance throughout the proposal development cycle.
Our team is readily available to provide expert consultation and curated resources, including templates, funding databases, and agency‑specific guidance, to streamline the proposal process. Through this personalized and strategic support, we aim to enhance faculty success and elevate the University’s research profile.
Limited Submission Programs
For limited submissions, where the funding agency limits the number of proposals that a university can submit, if the number of notices of intent to submit (RSP form) is greater than the number of submissions allowed, PIs will be required to submit a white paper summarizing their proposal concept and pertinent background information. An internal panel will review White Papers to select the most competitive proposal(s) for submission. Therefore, submit the ‘Intent to Submit’ form for limited submission at least 45 days before the submission deadline to allow adequate time for review and selection.
Find Funding
Our office utilizes Pivot-RP as our primary platform for identifying funding opportunities across federal agencies, foundations, and international sponsors. In addition to Pivot‑RP, we curate and maintain a collection of other reputable funding sources and databases that support a wide range of research interests and disciplines. These resources can be explored below.
Additional Funding Resources
- Grants.gov: Central database for over 1,000 federal grant programs totaling $500+ billion annually.
- Sam.gov (formerly FedBizOpps): Federal procurement opportunities over $25,000 for vendors and contractors.
- Foundation Directory Online: Private and corporate funding sources; registration required.
- Small Business Programs:
- NIH RePORT: Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tool for NIH funding data and research outcomes.
- Research.gov: NSF and USDA grant application status, spending data, and policy resources.
Resource and Guidance Documents
These resources provide guidance and tools to support successful grant development and management. Whether you are identifying funding opportunities, preparing proposals, managing project finances, or engaging community partners, these documents offer practical information to help you navigate each stage of the grants process.
Click on the document links on each tab to access additional information and guidance.
CAU Allowable Budget Expenses Guide
The Allowable Budget Expenses Guide is designed to help ensure that project funds are used appropriately, consistently, and in compliance with institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements. The guide outlines common categories of allowable costs, including personnel, equipment, supplies, travel, and other direct project expenses, while identifying expenditures that may be restricted or unallowable.
CAU Cost Sharing Guidance
The Cost Sharing Guidance Document provides essential information for faculty and staff on the requirements, responsibilities, and documentation associated with cost sharing on sponsored projects. This resource explains when cost sharing is appropriate, identifies allowable and unallowable contributions, and outlines the processes for tracking and reporting shared costs. By following this guidance, investigators and administrators can help ensure compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements while supporting accurate proposal development and award management.
Federal Grant Proposal Checklist
The Federal Grant Proposal Checklist is a practical tool designed to help investigators and research administrators develop complete, compliant, and competitive federal grant applications. The checklist outlines key proposal components, including eligibility requirements, budget preparation, required forms, supporting documentation, institutional approvals, and submission deadlines. By guiding users through each stage of the proposal development process, this resource helps reduce errors, ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, and support timely submission of high-quality proposals.
Non-Governmental Grant Proposal Checklist
The Non-Governmental Grant Proposal Checklist is a comprehensive resource designed to help applicants prepare complete and competitive proposals for foundation, corporate, nonprofit, and other private funding opportunities. The checklist guides users through key proposal requirements, including funder alignment, narrative development, budget preparation, supporting documentation, and submission procedures.
Community Stakeholder Collaboration Plan
The Community Stakeholder Collaboration Plan provides a framework for building and sustaining meaningful partnerships with community organizations, leaders, and stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of a project. This resource outlines strategies for engagement, communication, shared decision-making, and mutual accountability to ensure that community perspectives are incorporated into project planning, implementation, and evaluation. By fostering collaborative relationships and promoting transparency, the plan helps strengthen project outcomes, enhance community impact, and support long-term partnership success.
Grant Personnel Roles Guide
The Grant Personnel Roles Guide is a resource designed to clarify the responsibilities and expectations of individuals involved in sponsored projects. It provides an overview of key grant-related roles, including principal investigators, co-investigators, project directors, research staff, department administrators, and other support personnel. By defining responsibilities throughout the proposal, award management, and project closeout phases, this guide promotes effective collaboration, accountability, and compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements, helping teams successfully manage grant-funded projects.
