Syllabus

Master of Social Work

SSWO 608 Grant Research and Proposal Writing – Spring 2021

Credits - 3

Description

This course discusses the concepts and practices of the discipline of grant research and proposal writing; the techniques and strategies of grant research and proposal writing and tracking of proposals once submitted, and follow up on submitted proposals. We will also explore the types of financial assistance available to agencies and individuals. Using the Internet and relevant published materials as well as lecture and discussion, students will develop the skills to develop and submit grant proposals.

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

School of Social Work Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

1. Practice social inclusion to enable people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society, enhance human bonds in the context of cultural diversity and ensure improved quality of life and equitable resource distribution. EPAS Competencies 2 & 3
2. Engage in culturally-informed relationship building, being respectful of the complexity and diversity of contexts and circumstances. EPAS Competencies 3 & 6
3. Utilize theories of human behavior, social systems and social inclusion when offering interventions with people and their environments. EPAS Competency 8
4. Promote ethical reflection, critical consciousness and shared decision-making based in social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. EPAS Competency 1
5. Balance the roles of helpers, activists, and advocates through collaboration with communities to build healthy and sustainable resources. EPAS Competencies 2, 5, & 6
6. Engage as critical consumers and producers of research as it relates to assessment, intervention and evaluation of clinical and community practices. EPAS Competencies 4, 7, 8 & 9
7. Practice person-centered and collaborative community partnerships across diverse settings. EPAS Competency 6

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Access funding and grant writing resources. PROGRAM OUTCOME 6. As measured by DISCUSSION FORUMS.
2. Develop a program-based grant proposal using logical, focused steps grounded in relevant data and critical thinking specific to program planning. PROGRAM OUTCOMES 3 & 6. As measured by 1) DISCUSSION FORUMS and 2) WRITTEN PROPOSAL.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of how to develop an effective grant proposal and grant writing best practices. PROGRAM OUTCOME 6. As measured by 1) DISCUSSION FORUMS and 2) WRITTEN PROPOSAL.
4. Develop a professional funding pitch presentation. PROGRAM OUTCOMES 3 & 6. As measured by 1) DISCUSSION FORUMS and 2) ORAL PRESENTATION.
5. Work collaboratively (online and on campus) with class colleagues and, when appropriate, area community-based organizations. PROGRAM OUTCOME 7. As measured by 1) DISCUSSION FORUMS, 2) WRITTEN PROPOSAL and 3) ORAL PRESENTATION.

Assignments

A variety of learning activities have been designed to support the course objectives, facilitate different learning styles, and build a community of learners.

Learning activities in this course include the following:

Readings and Multimedia:

Throughout this course you will complete several readings from your textbook, watch videos, and interact with different websites to help you grasp the information being presented in each learning module. There is a lot of material to cover in each module, so be cautious to read and review carefully.

Discussions:

Each week you will engage in a few activities in the discussion boards. You will complete specific discussion question activities with all of your classmates. All of the discussion activities lead toward completion of the research project. Some of the discussions are complex in nature so it is strongly advised that you begin working on them at the start of each module. Each of the discussion questions will be graded on a weekly basis. With the exception of Week 8, your initial discussion post is due Sunday night by 11:59 PM ET, and your two response posts are due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET. For Week 8, the initial post is due Friday at 11:59 PM ET, and the responses are due Sunday at 11:59 PM ET.

Grading and Feedback Method:

The instructor will provide you with weekly feedback on your grant proposal and your class participation.

Writing Assignments, Projects, and Assessments:

The major assignment for this course is the creation of a fully developed grant proposal which will be ready for submission. The grant will be developed in sections and submitted weekly, the instructor will provide you with feedback each week. You will take that feedback and incorporate it into your final proposal which you will submit to the instructor. Other writing assignments will include critiquing some examples of grants each week. These will provide you with a great opportunity to write a proposal and to learn from others based on the course readings and other materials.

Grading Policy

The School of Social Work uses the following grading system for all courses with the exception of field education courses. Students are expected to maintain a “B” (3.0) average over the course of their study. Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to receive their Master’s Degree.

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Assignment	Point Value	Percentage of Grade
Grant Proposal – Weekly Assignments (1–7)	280 points (divided up among multiple weekly assignments)	28%
Discussions	400 points (50 points per week)	40%
Grant Proposal Assignment	320 points	32%
Total:	1,000	100%

Grade Scale

Grade	Points Grade	Point Average (GPA)
A	94 – 100%	4.00
A-	90 – 93%	3.75
B+	87 – 89%	3.50
B	84 – 86%	3.00
B-	80 – 83%	2.75
C+	77 – 79%	2.50
C	74 – 76%	2.00
C-	70 – 73%	1.75
D	64 – 69%	1.00
F	00 – 63%	0.00