Boilerplate Library
Welcome to the "Boilerplate Library" for IIT proposal writers!
The goal of this library is to provide you with ready-made statements and weblinks describing IIT resources and institutional capabilities. Feel free to use them in your research proposals.
Why a Boilerplate Library? A successful proposal doesn’t just say “Me, too.” It says “Here’s why you need me.” Proposals sent out by IIT need to be able to tell potential funders as much as possible about IIT's "edge" or advantage. Sometimes, IIT’s advantage is its many resources, such as equipment and shared instrumentation available for our researchers. Other times, our advantage is that we have special collaborative relationships among different disciplines and schools. And sometimes both factors combine to put our proposals into the "funded" category.
There's another reason for making sure you include everything possible to make your proposal a success: When your proposal is reviewed at the funding agency, you could lose valuable points because you neglected to include some basic information! Don't let your proposal get downgraded because you did not give prominence to some standard, required feature. For example, a budget justification should be included with your proposal. Use the templates here to get you started, and make sure to follow the funding agency's guidelines. Remember, whenever you craft a proposal, take the time to look through this library and make sure there isn't anything you've forgotten.
Disclaimer: Although we refer to them as “boilerplates,” these ready-made statements are actually “templates,” because it is the responsibility of each Principal Investigator to read and modify them as necessary in order to make them “fit.” By using these templates you agree to read them and modify them as necessary in order for them to represent a true and accurate description of the research activities in your particular circumstance. Also note that although this library is continually updated, it is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to contact the source department if there is any question about the descriptions of IIT resources. For assistance in developing your proposal, please contact Glenn Krell, MPA, CRA, Director of Research Proposal Development, at krell@iit.edu or by telephone at 312.567.7141.
Because the resources of IIT—both physical and intellectual—are so great and are constantly changing, we know it will be an ongoing challenge to maintain this library. It is hoped that this library, with your help, will grow to become a comprehensive resources. We need faculty to submit descriptions (or weblinks) of any shared equipment, instrumentation, or laboratory facilities currently made available to other IIT researchers. It does not matter whether you recharge other researchers for using your resources; all that is needed is a description of what you have available. You are also invited to share information about expertise your group routinely makes available to other faculty on campus. Please send your contributions and questions to Glenn Krell, MPA, CRA, at krell@iit.edu as you use this library.
Office of Research Compliance and Proposal Development
Main Building, Room 301
312.567.7141
orcpd@iit.edu