Module 0 - Orientation to the Course

Overview | FAQ | Sneak Peak | Proposal Steps

FAQ

Q: What does the coursework entail?

The course covers the critical components of developing a competitive NSF ITEST proposal, including forming partnerships; writing a compelling project description; developing research and evaluation designs that are well-aligned and effective planning for fruitful dissemination; preparing a budget; and, finally, submitting the proposal to NSF. During the course, participants will read and view course material and work independently on proposal writing tasks.

Q: What are the course activities?

The activities in each module will involve readings, videos, brainstorming, and other tasks to help you develop your proposal.

We strongly suggest that you download and save your text-based course activities at the end of each module in one easy-to-access document (such as in Google Docs or Word) so that you will be able to retrieve them easily when you are working in the course.

Course activities and assignments are dispersed throughout each of the modules and help to reinforce the information you just reviewed in that section. Activities are found in blue “Activity” text boxes (see example below).

Activity: an activity could ask you to

  • Read a section of the ITEST Solicitation
  • Watch a video
  • Brainstorm in fillable text fields that will ask you to note your thoughts and ideas about a topic
  • Check off a list will help you to track your understanding of topics, mark your progress, or document your work
  • Write a portion for your proposal

Q: What are the assignments?

Course assignments are writing tasks that help you build your proposal. We recommend you take the time to write these and perhaps share them with a colleague or friend for some critical feedback.

Assignments

  • Module 1: Introduction to STELAR, NSF, and ITEST: A brief statement on why you feel your project is best-suited to ITEST
  • Module 3: Writing a Compelling Project Description: A first draft of your narrative
  • Module 5: Developing an Evaluation Plan: A first draft of your research and evaluation plans
  • Module 8: Pulling it All Together: Your one-page Project Summary, including Broader Impact and Intellectual Merit statements

Course assignments are found on the Proposal Steps tab (for modules that have an assignment). 

An assignment requires you to brainstorm or write a piece of your proposal.

Q: Will taking this course help my chances of getting funded?

This course will share ideas, strategies, and tools that will help you fine-tune your proposal, but taking the course itself will not influence your chances of being funded. The ITEST funding and vetting process is handled directly by the National Science Foundation.

Q: My organization has never received NSF funding (or hasn’t in the last 5 years). Are there any extra steps that I’ll need to take to get funded?

Yes, if you are new to NSF and your proposal is approved for funding, your award will undergo a full review through the Division of Grants and Agreements (DGA). You should ensure that your organization will meet the fiscal requirements outlined below before proceeding with a proposal submission, as there are significant administrative and financial accountability requirements associated with federal grant awards. For an overview of the documents required, see “Section D: New Awardee Checklist” in the Prospective New Awardee Guide (p. 14).

 

 

Course Homepage

This course is being preserved for historical purposes. While the project has ended, the materials remain highly relevant for proposal development and can still serve as a valuable resource for NSF proposal writers. The course is no longer maintained, and some content may reference past initiatives or deadlines.