A sloppy style may consciously or subconsciously convey to the reviewer that your style in the laboratory is equally casual. A positive presentation is likely to rub off on the reader. When you write your proposal, think about the reader s perspective first and your perspective second. For example, avoid giving information that is irrelevant in the context of your proposal just to impress the reviewer. Think about what the reader needs to know rather than what you want to write.
Irrelevant material is likely to confuse and depress the reviewer.
Know what the average current grant budgets are at the agency to which you are applying and try not to be too far out of line. Don t underbudget. It only serves to tell the reviewer that you aren t knowledgeable about what it takes to do the research you have proposed. Understand which items in the budget need the most justification. Many novice grantees forget to justify personnel, often the budget category for which the largest amount of money is requested.