Workshop Overview

Securing funding for research and project-based initiatives is a key component of academic success and institutional advancement. For individual academics, successful grant applications strengthen CVs, support career progression, and expand research opportunities. For higher education institutions, external funding enhances research output, global visibility, and collaborative partnerships.

However, grant funding is highly competitive, with many prestigious funding bodies approving only a small percentage of applications. As funding priorities shift and budgets become more constrained, a well-structured and strategic approach to grant writing is essential.

This full-day, interactive workshop is designed to equip academics, researchers, and institutional leaders with the skills and strategies needed to craft compelling grant applications. Participants will learn how to identify funding opportunities, align applications and proposals with funders’ priorities, and develop strong project frameworks using log frames and performance indicators. The workshop will also cover effective budgeting, reporting, and sustainability planning to enhance funding success and project longevity.

The workshop follows an applied learning approach, incorporating:

  • Case studies of successful applications
  • Hands-on exercises in grant writing and log frame development
  • Expert feedback and peer review
  • Interactive discussions with experienced grant writers

Workshop Outcomes

By the end of the workshop , participants will :

Identify potential funding sources for research and academic projects in their own areas

Analyze funding calls and eligibility criteria to tailor applications effectively

Develop a clear and structured grant application, including goals, objectives, and methodologies

Apply a logical framework to plan project goals, outcomes, and performance indicators

Craft a realistic and justifiable project budget aligned with funding requirements

Workshop Structure

Session 1: Identifying Funding Opportunities

  • Landscape of research and academic project funding
  • Key funding agencies (government, private, international) and where to find them
  • Being notified of calls for fundings 
  • Understanding funding calls and eligibility criteria
  • Matching research/project ideas to funders’ priorities
  • Practical Activity
  •  

Session 2: Structuring a Winning Grant Application

  • Essential components of a successful grant application 
  • Writing a compelling problem statement and project justification
  • Aligning proposals with funding priorities
  • Developing clear, measurable objectives and deliverables
  • Practical Activity

Session 3: Using Log Frames for Project Design & Implementation

  • Understanding goals, outcomes, outputs, and activities
  • Developing key performance indicators (KPIs) and means of verification
  • Risk assessment
  • Monitoring progress and taking actions to keep on track
  • Practical Activity

Session 4: Budgeting, Reporting & Ensuring Grant Compliance

  • Writing a project budget that aligns with funder expectations
  • Reporting progress and financial accountability
  • Managing deviations and modifications in funded projects
  • Writing the final closing report & strategies for future funding
  • Practical Activity

Recap, Action Plan and Workshop Closing

Who Should Attend this Workshop?

This workshop is designed for:

  • Academics and researchers seeking external funding
  • Faculty members leading funded projects
  •  Research office staff supporting grant applications
  • Directors & Deans of Research and Community Engagement
  • Institutional leaders responsible for research development

Facilitators

Prof. Chrissie Boughey
Former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Rhodes University in South Africa

Date : 1st May, 2025
Time :
9:00- 17:00 UAE Time

Early Bird fee: AED 1500
(Prior to 10th April, 2025)

Workshop Fee : AED 1750

Venue:
Hotel Pullman Creek City Centre, Dubai UAE

Duration:

8 Hours

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