Navigating the grant submission process at Portland State doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're applying through the PSU Foundation or Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), this step-by-step guide will help you move from identifying an opportunity to submitting a competitive proposal. From early-stage strategy to final approvals, our Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) team is here to support your success every step of the way.
STEP 1:
IDENTIFY A GRANT OPPORTUNITY
Use tools like Grant Forward and email listservs to identify grant opportunities that align with your work. Contact Corporate and Foundation Relations to explore PSU’s history with specific funders, assess whether a funder is a good fit, or set up a meeting with a program officer.
STEP 2:
SUBMIT A NOTICE OF INTENT FORM
Once you've found a grant you'd like to pursue, fill out a Notice of Intent form. This helps classify your project and determines whether your proposal will be submitted through the Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) or the PSU Foundation.
STEP 3:
DEVELOP YOUR PROPOSAL
Follow submission guidelines from SPA or the PSU Foundation to draft your proposal and gather the required documents. CFR can advise on strategy, share funder insights, and review your drafts to strengthen your proposal from a funder’s perspective.
STEP 4:
ROUTE PROPOSAL AND BUDGET FOR INTERNAL APPROVALS
If your proposal will be submitted by the PSU Foundation, Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) will guide you through submission requirements and help route it for internal approval. All Foundation-submitted grants must be approved by the principal investigator, department chair or dean, and the Foundation’s Chief Financial & Administrative Officer. Proposals submitted through SPA follow SPA’s internal review and approval process.
STEP 5:
SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL
Once your proposal has received the necessary approvals, it will be submitted by either the PSU Foundation or SPA, following the sponsor’s instructions and deadlines.