At IQSS, our grants administration team makes it simple for faculty to submit proposals and manage grants. IQSS Grants Manager Ali Saren leads a team of experienced individuals who provide comprehensive support throughout the grants administration process. Saren, the primary coordinator and contact for all IQSS grant-related processes, works closely with IQSS faculty affiliates, University representatives, and our in-house professional staff to manage every grant and proposal effectively.

As IQSS faculty affiliates, you can take advantage of our grant support. Simply contact Ali Saren with information about the grant for which you plan to submit a proposal, or bring the details on your project to Saren and let her match you with the best grants for your research. Then you develop the intellectual materials that comprise the project narrative while we manage all the rest. Saren solicits from you all the required information for your proposal, and can help you to develop those details in the best form for your grant.

We work with social science researchers across Harvard's schools, helping with each step needed to complete the grant administration process. Our team has supported faculty throughout the University, including FAS, HMS, and HSPH, facilitating grants by supplying insight and clarity on proposal submissions through such agencies as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

With the professionalization of our grants support, the IQSS grant submission rate has improved every year, from fewer than five submissions in FY06 to more than 30 submissions in FY09. Of the submissions last year, 12 grants were awarded (with two proposals pending) for a total of $1.18M. Less than a quarter into FY10 we already are on track to surpass last year's figures, having submitted 14 applications to date and with more proposals in development.

Specifics with which we can help include developing a draft budget (see our form at http://www.iq.harvard.edu/sites/iq.harvard.edu/files/533/Grant_Budget_Form.pdf), and coordinating narratives and biographical details. Saren can help you to format your proposal for successful submission, and then manage that submission through the University's Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). Or IQSS Senior Research Scientist Dr. Micah Altman can help you put your original research ideas into the form of a competitive research proposal. And, if you are new to the funding process or would like a systematic review of the grant writing and review process, IQSS provides regular seminars on proposal development, as well as individualized consulting and review.

All grant proposals are submitted through the OSP, but Saren remains the primary point of contact throughout the life of the grant. She works with the OSP to ensure compliance of every grant with sponsor and University guidelines and spending principles, and fields issues as they arise. Other team members include Assistant Director Stephen Coady, who provides complete human resource support throughout the grant process, and Assistant Director for Finance Matt Tobin, who works with Saren to manage all financial aspects of grants administration.

Post-award services include setting up accounts and budgets, monitoring monthly spend, and preparing reports. We also provide support for continuation funding as primary grant awards reach expiration, and help you to realize proper budgeting for the end of grant phase. In addition we facilitate final closure reporting on finances and narratives for the University's closure process.

See all about our Grant Administration offerings at http://www.iq.harvard.edu/grant_administration.