Office of
Research Development

Research Development

Services and Programs

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Unlock the power of collaboration and grant success!
Are you struggling to find the right collaborators for your projects? Out of fresh ideas? Need assistance developing your research concepts? We've got you covered. From facilitating planning meetings to providing project management support, we ensure your grant proposals are well-prepared and stand out from the competition.

Grant application support can be a complex and daunting process but we understand the challenges researchers face. That's why our experts at ORD are ready to guide you through every step of the way. Whether you need help with brainstorming sessions or finding the right partners, our dedicated team is here to assist you.

Contact us today to participate in our networking events or to get personalized assistance with your specific needs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your research endeavors!

Proposal Development Services

Based on the number of days until your proposal is due, ORD can provide a variety of supports that are responsive to your project and needs.

  • Internal review panel - other faculty with strong grant track records review the entire proposal and provide written and verbal feedback. > one month
  • Developmental editing - a comprehensive review and revision process that focuses on the overall content, structure, and presentation of the grant application. The service includes evaluating and improving the clarity and coherence of the proposal, ensuring that the research objectives, methodology, and anticipated outcomes are well-articulated, and aligning the content with the specific requirements and expectations of the granting organization. > 28 days
  • Senior personnel documents and letters support. > 3 weeks
  • Project management support for the proposal process. > 2 weeks
  • Scientific illustration/chart support. > 2 weeks
  • Analysis of funding opportunity that includes timeline and checklist. > 2 weeks
  • Line editing or proofreading. > 2 weeks

Participating in ORD programs and using our support services may help researchers at any level increase the competitiveness of their proposals.

Use the ORD Project Planner to get in touch with ORD and secure supports for your proposal.

What ORD Clients are Saying

"We officially submitted the grant proposal yesterday! 🚀 I can't thank you enough for all the help and support you've provided throughout this process. Your guidance and encouragement have been invaluable, especially since this is my first time leading an NSF proposal. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome! Thanks again for everything."

Dr. Ye Wang – Professor and Department Chair, Communications and Journalism 

"It is a great experience to work with Dr. Petri and ORD. Dr. Petri and her team provide valuable support to dSAIC. It includes identifying funding opportunities from federal, state, and private partners, fostering organizational relationships with these partners for future funding opportunities, developing large & interdisciplinary grant proposals, providing advanced editing and technical writing support for proposal materials, and shepherding proposals through to completion and submission. It is very fortunate to have such an outstanding ORD at UMKC!"

Dr. Shu-Ching Chen – Executive Director, Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center (dSAIC); Dean, School, of Computer and Engineering 

"The Office of Research Development exceeded my expectations in arranging and conducting a proposal review panel “mock review” for my R01. Dr. Petri and Shannon Wheeler were attentive to every detail of the review. The expertise from the very experienced panel members was so valuable. I crafted a much stronger application based on their thorough and detailed suggestions for improvement. I believe this process saved at least one round of review for my application which was reviewed and received a very competitive score! "

Dr. Cynthia L. Russell Lippincott – Professor, Nursing and Health Studies

"As a two-time proposal reviewer for the Office of Research Development (ORD), I am thoroughly impressed with their approach. They outlined my role clearly, maintained excellent communication with timely updates, and ensured the entire process was incredibly streamlined. If given the opportunity, I would gladly be a reviewer again. It was not only rewarding to support fellow colleagues in advancing their research but also an invaluable means to enhance my own grantsmanship skills. ORD's commitment to fostering collaboration and supporting UMKC faculty researchers is truly commendable."

Dr. Ryan Mohan – Associate Professor, Biology

Programs

ORD offers professional learning programming through CAFE Research and Creativity Pillar. ORD convenes opportunities for faculty and administrators to connect, share research, and develop a sense of community among active researchers.

Resources for Developing Highly Competitive Proposals

Writing a winning proposal is a strategic process that requires thorough research, planning, partnerships, and execution. 

View available resources

Collaboration and Networking Events

Get to know other faculty researchers and their research, share ideas, and start collaborating on your next project. 

Check out upcoming events and workshops