Grant Proposal Process

5 Key Phases of the Proposal Process

illustration of the 5 step grant process

To help to reduce the complexity of the grant process, OSPRA has divided the process into the five (5) main activities. 

OSPRA can help you develop strategies for finding funding at every stage of your research or special project. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or staff member, OSPRA can point you in the right direction in support of your work. Opportunities might include programs available on campus and through external foundations, state or federal government agencies, and commercial, business, or industry sponsors.

  • I’m seeking funding opportunities:

    The PI will complete the Discovery Consultation request form using the link below. This message will be sent directly to Ann Serra, Director of OSPRA, who will reach out to the PI to schedule a Discovery Consultation. Ann Serra can also be reached at: serraam@udmercy.edu | (313) 993-1428,

  • I have identified a funding opportunity

    The PI will email Michele Favoretto (favoremi@udmercy.edu) to schedule a 1-hour Teams meeting and start the project setup in Cayuse. By the end of this meeting, we will have completed 85%-95% of the Cayuse Sponsored Project process. This will give the PI insights and structure for the remaining proposal tasks, enabling them to focus on the budget and narrative.

Immediately upon identifying a viable funding opportunity of interest either through a Discovery Consultation with Ann Serra, or another method, the project is started in Cayuse. The Cayuse Sponsored Projects module offers single-sign-on (SOS)* access for all UDM faculty and provides a personal portal for all proposal materials and activities. The compliance sections guide faculty through considering all aspects of the proposal. Since all projects, grants, subawards and contract proposals are not the same, OSPRA schedules a one-on-one session to get the project started in Cayuse and address any specific customized needs. 

Please contact Michele Favoretto for any Cayuse questions or to get started on your project proposal: favoremi@udmercy.edu | (313) 993-1428

To properly prepare a funding proposal for submission, it is crucial to start preparations as early as possible, ideally 8 months to 1 year in advance of the submission date. Being well-prepared and aware of all the necessary steps significantly increases the likelihood of success. 

All proposals, subawards, and contracts are prepared in Cayuse Sponsored Projects. When the final proposal is completed and uploaded, Cayuse supports the complete internal approval process with a built-in routing system. After approval in Cayuse, the proposal is submitted to the sponsor through the various required methods. Cayuse provides users improved collaboration tools and ensures secure file storage and reporting for UDM. 

Effective post-award grant management is essential for ensuring compliance with funding requirements and achieving project goals. It involves monitoring expenditures, maintaining accurate records, submitting timely reports, and communicating regularly with stakeholders. Proper management helps maximize the impact of the grant and sets the stage for future funding opportunities.

For details on the Post-Award process please contact Cameron Lansdale at lansdaca@udmercy.edu | (313) 578-0390

image of woman sitting at laptop

Working with OSPRA from project concept through award has significantly increased my awareness and understanding of the processes and UDM policies.

OSPRA Workshops

OSPRA offers a series of workshops throughout the academic year. Browse the workshop schedule and register today.

NEW Faculty Members

OSPRA Workshops offer the perfect opportunity to lean more about the sponsored research activities at UDM and gain an understanding of the process and policies. Register today.