Scientific Research Application
Instructions to apply for a scientific research grant
Walder Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals at this time. This web page is provided for organizations that have been invited to apply for a grant.
HOW TO APPLY
A complete application requires submitting an online application form and uploading documents. You will need to create an account in foundationConnect, our grants management system. To create an account, you will need your organization’s EIN.
1. Create an account in foundationConnect and save an application.
Click on the link below and choose “Create New Account”:
Scientific Research application form
You will receive a confirmation email from grants@walderfoundation.org. Click on the link in the email to verify your email address. You will receive a second email from grants@walderfoundation.org. Click the link in the second email to create your password, sign in to your account, and start and save a new application. To save an application, complete the first field, Project Title (you can change this later), and then choose Save. If you do not enter and save a Project Title, your application will not save.
IMPORTANT: If you do not start your application immediately after receiving the confirmation email, you will need to return to this page and click the link above to be directed to the research application form.
If you are already registered in our grants management system, click on the link above and choose “Sign In” and you will be directed to the application form.
2. Continue work on and complete your application.
Once you have saved an application, use the link below to resume work and submit your application:
Walder Foundation Grantee Portal
To continue work on a saved application, scroll all the way to the right, click on the arrow, and choose “Edit” from the drop-down menu.
You can log in any time (up until the deadline) to work on your application and save your progress.
We recommend creating your account early to familiarize yourself with the system and the application form.
>> View a sample application form for complete requirements
An automated email confirmation is generated upon submission of the application. If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours of submitting your application, please check your spam folder and then contact: grants@walderfoundation.org
GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSAL AND BUDGET NARRATIVE
PROPOSAL
The research proposal is an uploaded document that consists of an Executive Summary, Project Narrative, and Budget Narrative. The entire research proposal should not exceed 10 pages.
Executive Summary (500 words)
The summary should indicate the specific problem that the project seeks to address, the approach proposed to solve this problem, and the expected impact of the project (if successful) at the end of the grant period.
Project Narrative (Not to exceed 10 pages)
The page limits noted below are only guidelines for the individual sections. The entire research proposal should not exceed 10 pages.
Project Background (1 page) - Describe the background and previous work that has led to this project. Include a brief review of the literature and, if relevant, any examples of similar projects that have been successful elsewhere. Explain why this research is needed, the specific problem/s you are trying to solve, and the solutions that the work aims to provide. If applicable, briefly present any relevant preliminary data.
Project Aims and Objectives (0.5 - 1 page) – Describe the specific goals of the project and specify any hypotheses that will be tested.
Anticipated outcomes and potential impact (0.5 - 1 page) – Describe how your research might impact your field. Place your work in the wider societal context and describe who might benefit from your research and how.
For renewals/extensions only (0.5-1 page) Describe how this work builds on work previously funded by Walder Foundation.
Research Plan (2-3 pages) - Describe your planned approach and study design for specific project aims and objectives, including key milestones, as well as any supporting services (e.g., community engagement) you may need to complete your work. If applicable, outline any key dependencies between activities or interim milestones that will influence project decisions or directions. Describe your approach to ensuring your work will result in on-the-ground outcomes.
Communications Plan (Up to 1 page) – Describe how you will communicate the results of your project and which audiences and/or communities you aim to engage
Collaborations and Partnerships (Up to 1 page) - Describe the key collaborations and partnerships in this work and their roles. Indicate which partners (if any) you might consider for sub-grants or sub-contracts through this work, and which have their own sources of funding.
Works Cited (not counted in the total 10-page limit) List any published works cited in the project proposal. Citations should include all authors’ names, article/journal title (or preprint server name), book/article title, and publication year.
BUDGET NARRATIVE (Up to 1 page)
Summarize the budget needs of the project. Include a description of any sub-grants/sub-contracts you are considering, naming any organizations, if they are known. (Sub-grant/sub-contract budgets are informational only, as all such decisions are at the discretion of the awardee institution.) Indicate whether any match funding is committed or pending (a match is not required).
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED UPLOADS
Budget Worksheet
Download the required budget worksheet. The spreadsheet contains several tabs:
Instructions: Detailed instructions for how to complete the spreadsheet
Budget: Enter your overall project budget here.
Optional Sub Budget 1: Enter budgets for any significant sub-awards.
Milestones and Payment Schedule: Enter a proposed schedule for payments.
Progress Update: To be used for progress reports, if your grant request is approved.
Bios of Key Project Personnel
List of Co-funders
Any co-funding for this project and other current support for work in your research group.
Demographics form
DOCUMENT FORMATTING
Uploaded documents must follow the formatting guidelines. Files must be saved as Word or PDFs, except the budget worksheet and the demographics form, which should be produced in the provided templates.
Documents should be formatted as follows:
Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman font
11-point font or larger
At least 0.5” margins all around
Single-spaced document
Standard character spacing (neither expanded nor condensed)
Walder Foundation encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including those with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
CONTACT
For inquiries about the grants management system, send an email to grants@walderfoundation.org.
Updated October 2024