When I started writing my RISE Grant Proposal I decided to first tackle the sections that I already had a lot of knowledge in, which included the Sustainability Theme, Project Summary, Project Description, Project Value, and Implementation Plan. I had already done extensive research in these areas for our previous paper, so I found myself having an easier time with these sections. I am currently working on the tables for both the Budget and Outreach Plan sections of my proposal. Many universities have their proposals available at their website concerning campus-wide composting, which I have found to be very helpful.
I know I am asking for a lot of money: $400,000 over three years, and I am still trying to see if that amount can be reduced. The costs for an in-vessel unit are quite expensive, so the budgeting section of my proposal will also be very large. I believe the budgeting section will be the most difficult part of this paper for me, and I plan to continue working on it throughout the rest of this semester. I want to devote the majority of my time to this section, and make sure I give it the attention that it needs. This week I plan on finishing the Outreach Plan. I will also complete the Qualifications and Experience section.
I currently have an advisor when it comes to the projects I have worked on in the past, however, they had nothing to do with sustainability. My advisor has experience in the process of writing grant proposals, however, he does not have any experience in the realm of sustainability. I may work towards finding someone else who does have experience in sustainability and composting as well. I know a lot of people in the Biology Department, but I do not know of any who are particularly educated in composting and composting units.
By the end of this week I plan on starting the Presentation portion of this project. I plan on outlining my entire proposal and discussing it. I have found examples at universities websites and through the EPA that I plan to follow as well. I have never used Prezi before so I want to make sure I know how to use it before this weekend. Next week I will finish all of my major edits and consider any relevant attachments I can add to my proposal. I will also include the Budget and Outreach sections to the presentation portion of my project.