If you have a specific project and funding program in mind, you can meet with a GFO to begin planning how best to align the project to the funding program. If you're unsure which funding program best fits your project, they can assist in matching it to a program. They can also meet to strategize about funding your research career goals, map out a schedule of proposal submissions that fits with teaching and other commitments, identify internal sources of cash and in-kind contributions, build your research CV, etc. Or, feel free to contact the GFOs if you have specific questions about deadlines, submission procedures, using the Memorial Researcher Portal (RP), funding agency guidelines, etc. GFOs are available to meet with you at any stage of planning and execution of your research program, project, and funding goals. 

If requested, HSS GFOs can provide Advanced Draft Feedback (ADF) on a draft of your application (in whole or on a few sections only) for any funding opportunity. This review is optional. More details on ADF can be found in our FAQs. ADF is provided well in advance of competition deadlines in order to make it feasible for prospective applicants to review the ADF feedback prior to submitting their proposals for the mandatory, internal HSS deadline. ADF 'aim-for-dates' are typically 2 months ahead of the HSS internal deadline, but may be further ahead for larger grant programs. 

Note that HSS has prepared Budget Help Documents to assist researchers in developing budgets and Guides for assistance with other aspects of research grant application sections. 

Some applications must or can include letters of engagement, letters of support, consent letters (for example, from community groups or Indigenous governing bodies), etc. In some cases, other Memorial units need to provide letters as well. If a letter of support must be provided from Memorial at the institution-level, typically this letter would be signed by the Office of the Vice-President (Research). These letters are prepared by the GFOs and submitted to the OVPR using the Guidelines for Institutional Letters of Support, in coordination with the applicant and other Memorial offices.

To list confirmed in-kind and/or cash contributions in a grant application, back-up documentation (email, letter of support, etc.) from a person with signing authority over the contribution, must be secured prior to the HSS internal deadline. Documenting contributions (often also called commitments) from Memorial collaborators and units, external partners (these might be noted in an external Letter of Support), external colleagues, and other funding sources, can be one of the most complex aspects of putting together a funding proposal. A GFO can assist in identifying and securing Memorial contributions and ensuring the back-up documentation is complete and accurate. 

See a more detailed overview of how to secure contributions in the How do I...? section and consult the Cash & In-Kind Commitments document. To obtain confirmation of certain Memorial contributions, you may be required to complete a Request Form.

All research involving or impacting Indigenous peoples, lands, cultures, or where Indigeneity is a variable of inquiry, must adhere to Memorial's Research Impacting Indigenous Groups (RIIG) policy.

If your project includes Indigenous research, documentation from the Indigenous group(s) confirming "Evidence of Community Engagement (ECE)" or "Agreement in Principle (AIP)" at the "Concept Development Phase" is required and must be secured and on file with the HSS Dean's Office prior to submission of your funding proposal, agreement, or grant application. If you have questions, please direct them to the Indigenous Research Office (IRO) at IndigenousResearch@mun.ca. You can also contact a GFO for guidance. For additional information, see the links under Indigenous Research.

At the time of submission of the grant application, some sponsors may require evidence of application for, or holding of, a research permit or clearance or another kind of permit. For additional information, see the links under Ethics and Clearances.