Although reviewing methods vary, certain procedures commonly take place. One person screens the proposal, looking for such obvious matters as whether or not the proposal fits the purposes of the agency's program and adheres to the stated guidelines. Obviously, then, you must be sure that you are pitching your proposal to the agency that is the most likely catcher, and you must keep to that agency's playing rules while you are writing your proposal. After the initial screening, the proposal is examined by a staff team or review board, in the case of foundations, or by peer reviewers, for government proposals. If a project is especially large, there may be a site visit.
Agencies also do fiscal, legal, and administrative reviews.
Corporations, which do not normally fund basic research, appraise proposals at the executive level. The process is noncompetitive, since secrecy is important, and turnaround time is fast. Networking is essential, because corporations do not usually issue requests for proposals. Foundations have program officers, who do the initial screening, and boards or panels, who do the final selection. Competition is keen, with only about one in ten being funded, and networking can contribute to success.