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Elements of a submission

A successful submission will generally contain the following elements:

Summary

The summary sets the tone of the submission.  For this reason you may want to write the summary after completing the remainder of the submission.  The summary should be concise, free of jargon and easy to read and comprehend. Remember, this is the reviewer's first contact with your submission. Some of the programmes (e.g. Workplace Productivity Programme and the Collaboration and Structural Reform Fund) have the project summaries of successful submissions published on the DEST website.)

Description

This section generally provides an overview of:

  • The project in non-technical terms.

  • The purpose of the submission.

  • The rationale and need for the project.  It is very important to provide a strong rationale, and an evidence-based need for the project.  The demonstrated need for the project will usually be part of the selection criteria used by DEST.  The need can be demonstrated in various ways.  This is further discussed in our Addressing Key Selection Criteria web page.

  • The benefits of the project for Monash and, if appropriate, the higher education sector and/or the community.

  • A high level overview of activities to be undertaken.  Perhaps indicate why you/your team is well placed to undertake these activities and this project.

Objectives

The objectives should highlight the significance of the project and how they relate to and contribute to the funding priority.  It is advisable to use brief paragraphs.  Do not confuse the Description and the Objectives.

Key Performance Indicators

The intention of the KPIs is to demonstrate how the project's success will be measured.  If successful in obtaining funding, these indicators may be used by DEST to determine the success of the project, and thus form the basis for release of funds throughout the project.

It is useful if the KPIs measure success against the project objectives described above.

Project Plan

The Project Plan must be well thought out, containing detailed and realistic time lines for the activities.  Generally the feasibility of the project, including the appropriateness of the plan, the timescale and the resources applied are all DEST selection criteria.  For further information, go to our Addressing Key Selection Criteria web page. 

Budget

A detailed budget should be developed, including:

  • A clear outline of all anticipated income, including support and finances to be provided by Monash or other collaborating partners

  • An outline of what the income will be spent on and when.

Consideration should be given to what contribution Monash will make (both direct financial and in-kind contribution) and contributions from collaborating partners.  There are some grants (e.g. CDP) where financial contributions by the University or others will form part of the selection criteria of the programme. For further information, go to our Addressing Key Selection Criteria web page.

Delegation

Some funding programmes require grant submissions to be signed off by a delegated authority of the University. Information of who has such delegated authority can be found at the delegations page.

Other Tips

  • Keep it short. Remember the reviewer has many submissions to read.

  • Ensure the submission is easy to read and that you have been very clear in covering all the above areas.  Would this proposal be easy to understand for someone not involved in preparing the submission?

  • Short, clear sentences, plain language, no typing mistakes and a submission presented in a neat and tidy layout all contribute to making your submission easy to read.

  • Read your submission with the reviewer's point of view in mind.  Would you fund this project?  Is there anything unique or important about this proposal?