Finding it difficult to set aside time to write a grant proposal? The Center for Social Science Innovation hosts a weekly Grant Writers Circle both in-person at our center and virtually to provide social science faculty with time to write, receive constructive feedback, and focus on their goals. 

These 90-minute writing sessions are a fantastic way to keep proposals on track for submission, all while providing access to additional resources and support from colleagues and grant development experts.

Benefits to Joining

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Expert Support

Our grant development staff are available during each meeting to offer one-on-one support to address specific needs or questions.

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Dedicated Workspace

Private workspaces are available for independent work to help you focus on writing and revising. 

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Valuable Commentary

Gain valuable comments from colleagues as you continue to draft and polish your proposal. 

How to Join

Click the link below to sign up for the Grant Writers Circle anytime. The Grant Writers Circle is an ongoing program, so you can join for the period during which you are actively writing a grant, and then leave when you're done.

Make a Commitment

  • A grant writing group functions best when each member fully commits to the process and makes every effort to attend all meetings. Making an individual commitment to your own grant writing timeline and goals will keep you on task and help to prevent last-minute deadline pressures that can negatively affect the quality of your proposal.
  • While emergencies understandably arise, keeping a commitment to attend the scheduled meeting shows respect and appreciation for the time and efforts of your group members and reinforces your personal dedication to crafting a successful application.

Focus on Mutual Support and Encouragement

  • While the level of interaction may differ according to each writer's needs, creating an atmosphere of mutual support, collegiality, encouragement, mentoring, respectful feedback, and positive reinforcement goes a long way to helping the group achieve its goal of supporting its members in submitting winning proposals.
  • It is expected that grant writing group members will have varying levels of experience in drafting proposals. Members are encouraged to ask questions and share their own grant writing tips and experiences with one another.

Set Realistic Goals

  • Individual group members benefit from establishing a realistic timeline with clear, achievable, and measurable objectives for their grant writing projects.
  • ISRC grant development staff are happy to assist individuals in creating a timeline for their grant writing projects, if requested.

Make Use of CSSI Staff and Resources

  • CSSI grant development staff will coordinate and facilitate meetings. We will offer best practices to help position your group for ongoing success and will provide grant-writing information, guidance, and resources that will aid you along the way.