Episode 2 of ASMN 5.0 (Essentials and Non-essentials of Grant Proposals)

Focal Points

a)Essentials and Non-essentials of Proposal Writing: A Practical Guide to Grant Writing

b) Practical Insights on Grant Writing, Winning, and Implementation – Breaking the Barriers in Research Funding

In this episode, you will gain practical insights on grant writing, winning, and implementation, drawing from rich experiences with winning several grants from top donor agencies globally. When you attend this episode, you will learn Concept note development, Proposal writing, Pitch deck development, Sourcing for funding and grant opportunities (where to look, how to search and submit competitive applications), Grant writing, AI and grantsmanship, among others.

Background and Rationale

Securing research and development grants is a fundamental skill for academics and professionals aiming to drive impactful projects. However, many researchers face challenges in crafting compelling proposals, aligning with funders’ priorities, and successfully implementing funded projects. Additionally, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into research funding opportunities, many non-AI researchers hesitate to apply, assuming that AI-related grants are reserved for computer scientists and machine learning specialists.

It aims to address both of these challenges. It will equip participants with practical skills to write winning grant proposals while also breaking the confidence barrier that prevents non-AI researchers from securing AI-driven grants. The session will provide insights into structuring successful proposals, avoiding common mistakes, developing strong budgets, and ensuring effective project implementation. It will also demonstrate how researchers from diverse disciplines—such as education, healthcare, social sciences, and business—can leverage AI in their work and frame their proposals to align with AI-related funding calls. By the end of this workshop, participants will be better prepared to navigate the competitive world of grant funding and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Objectives

The Episode aims to:

1. Equip participants with the key components of a winning grant proposal, including problem statement, research design, budgeting, and impact justification.
2. Provide practical strategies for aligning proposals with funders’ priorities and increasing competitiveness.
3. Guide researchers on structuring and managing successful grant-funded projects, ensuring compliance, reporting, and sustainability.
4. Break the AI confidence barrier by demonstrating how non-AI researchers can frame their projects for AI-related grants.
5. Offer practical techniques for identifying AI collaborators and integrating AI into research proposals effectively.

Key Topics on Grant Writing and Implementation

1. Understanding the Grant Landscape: Identifying funding opportunities, funders’ expectations, and aligning research goals with funding priorities.
2. Elements of a Winning Proposal: Crafting a compelling research problem, designing a strong methodology, and presenting clear impact justifications.
3. Budgeting and Financial Planning: Preparing realistic budgets, budget justifications, and ensuring alignment with project scope.
4. Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Addressing frequent mistakes in grant applications, improving proposal clarity, and maximizing funder engagement.
5. Grant Implementation Strategies: Managing grant funds, tracking progress, delivering project outcomes, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
6. Dealing with Rejections: Understanding rejection as part of the process, refining proposals, and using feedback to improve future applications.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

• Gain confidence in writing and submitting competitive grant proposals.
• Understand how to effectively manage grant-funded projects.
• Recognize that funding is accessible to all disciplines.
• Feel empowered to apply for grants without needing deep AI expertise.
• Learn how to leverage experts to strengthen their proposals.
• Develop a new mindset toward interdisciplinary collaboration in research.

Host: Professor Evans Osabuohien

Facilitators:  Dr Oghenevwarho G. Ojakovo and Dr Chinwe Peace Igiri

Dr. Oghenevwarho G. Ojakovo is an assistant professor of music and the director of the CADSMM at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). Before his appointment in spring 2024, Dr. Ojakovo worked at the Department of Music, the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, and the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta, Canada. He has previously worked in Africa as an assistant lecturer at Kwara State University, Nigeria. Dr. Ojakovo’s interdisciplinary research lies at the intersection of music-making in Africa and African diasporic performance spaces. He currently sits on the Department of Music and the California State University DH scholarship committees and has won multiple institutional, regional, and international grants and scholarship awards.

Dr Chinwe Peace Igiri is a passionate, innovative, and impactful leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and education. She holds a Ph.D in Software Engineering from Amity University Rajasthan, India, and has carved out a niche in machine learning, AI, and interactive teaching tools. She has a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and a Bachelor of Engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria. She is the Acting Director for Open, Distance, and e-learning (ODeL) at Mountain Top University, Nigeria, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping digital learning strategies. As the Technical Editor for the Cavendish International Journal of Science and Technology, she is deeply engaged in advancing research in AI and computing. Dr Igiri has led workshops on AI applications, interactive teaching tools, and digital transformation, impacting educators and students across Africa.

Beyond academia, she is a consultant with the Education Collaborative and a key contributor to the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Diagnostic Tool project, using AI and technology to improve institutional decision-making. Her research focuses on how computing technology can solve real-world challenges, particularly in adaptive learning, AI-assisted research, and digital equity in education. Through her work, she continues to shape the future of AI in learning, making education more innovative, inclusive, and impactful. For instance, one of her Master’s students, inspired by her AI and Intelligent Systems Class, developed a chatbot for university enrolment, demonstrating how her teaching bridges theory and real-world application.

Register HERE for FREE before 27th April 2025 to secure a space.  

For more information, please contact us via email: info@diaderc.org and programs@diaderc.org

Check Other Episodes in ASMN 5.0 HERE

Bonus learning opportunities include the chance to ask questions and get clarification on any concerns you have about the practicalities of grant writing. Additionally, participants will be able to complete assignments and get a certificate upon completion of the series to assess their level of learning.