CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR WATER

APPLIED RESEARCH GRANT PROPOSAL

Project Title and Acronym:
Project PI (Name, Department, and Institution):
Project Partners (Names and Institutions):
Project Type: Small Medium Large
Project Funding Sought (USD):
Project Duration (Months):
Project Submission Deadline (Date):
List of all researchers named in the proposal (and their affiliations):
1. Name, Affiliation
Project Name: Center of Excellence for Water
2. Name, Affiliation
3. Name, Affiliation
4. Name, Affiliation
5. Name, Affiliation
Prepared and Edited by AUC and UCSU teams

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“The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for
International Development or the United States Government”.
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Table of Contents
1 Abstract...................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Introduction............................................................................................................................... 6
3 Scientific Background................................................................................................................. 7
4 Project Objectives...................................................................................................................... 8
5 Applied Research Methodology & Procedures...........................................................................9
6 Significance of the Research.....................................................................................................10
7 Facilities and Equipment.......................................................................................................... 11
8 Budget...................................................................................................................................... 12
9 References................................................................................................................................13
10 Curriculum Vitae.......................................................................................................................14
11 Appendices............................................................................................................................... 15
12 Annex....................................................................................................................................... 16
12.1 USAID ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST..........................................................16

1.1

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About this Proposal Template

This is the template for applied research proposals submitted to the Center of Excellence for
Water.
Unless otherwise indicated, all applied research proposals submitted to the Center of Excellence
for Water should include the following eleven sections:
1. Abstract.
2. Introduction
3. Scientific background.
4. Objectives.
5. Methods & Procedures.
6. Significance of the research.
7. Facilities and Equipment.
8. Budget.
9. References.
10. Curriculum Vitae for PI and all named researchers.
11. Appendices (Any additional documents).
Please use the provided spaces and styles in the following sections in order to provide that
information.
Since the sizes of the grants and the target applicants are different (as indicated in the research
program document under section 31), it is expected that for small grant applications that the
sections of the application form will be limited to few paragraphs.
Note on the Evaluation of Proposals
All proposals for research grants awarded by the Center of Excellence for Water are subject to
careful and fair evaluation.
Figure 1 shows the workflow of the granting process, while another document titled “Research
Program of the Center of Excellence for Water” gives more detail about the various sizes of
research grants, topics, and detailed criteria of evaluation and benchmarks for follow up and
monitoring. It is important that researchers get acquainted with this document (Research Program
of the Center of Excellence for Water) before embarking on writing a research proposal.

1
A. 16 Graduate Students Research Grants (small grants) to fund MSc thesis students and/or PhD
students for 6 months; proposed projects shall not exceed $10K USD for each project and
applicant.
B. 20 Focused Research Grants (medium grants) to fund full-time faculty for one year; proposed
research projects for shall not exceed $50K USD for each project and applicant.
C. 4 Collaborative Research Grants (large grants) of $250K each to foster joint collaborative
research between U.S and Egyptian partner universities for a duration of 2 years, with substantial
private sector participation. The purpose of those grants is to drive research and innovation that
directly impact economic growth.
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Figure 1. Workflow of the grant making process

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1 Abstract
Abstract of the proposal should not exceed one page written in “Calibri” or “Arial” 12 font, with 1 or
1.15 line spacing, “normal” style.
The proposal abstract briefly outlines the proposed project.
The proposal abstract should include a:
1. Summary of your request.
2. Summary of the research topic that the request is tackling.
3. Summary of your objectives and proposed methods.
4. Description of the project in view of Egyptian water needs and connections to the private sector and
technology commercialization.
5. Summary of the benefits of your project and the expected applied impact, including level of
improvement of the technology readiness level (TRL).
6. How your project is innovative.

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2 Introduction
Introduction should not exceed one page written in “Calibri” or “Arial” 12 font, with 1 or 1.15 line
spacing, “normal” style.
The introduction provides a framework for the evaluators, helping them to understand where the
proposal is heading. The Introduction is the beginning of the proposal narrative. It gives the evaluator a
proper background on the application. You should address, in no particular order, as much of the
following as possible:
 Identification of the applicant
 The reason for the grant request – issue, problem, or need affecting Egypt.
 The objectives to be achieved through this funding for the advancement of applied research in the
field
 Brief on the Sustainability plan of the project
 Brief on activities to be conducted to accomplish project objectives

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3 Scientific Background
Scientific Background should not exceed two pages written in “Calibri” or “Arial” 12 font, with 1 or 1.15
line spacing, “normal” style.
This is an important part of the proposal because everything revolves around it. It describes the
circumstances or conditions that you want to change. Your concern should be external to your
organization, not focused on your internal needs. You must have a baseline, which identifies the scope
of the problem and your starting point in addressing it.
The proposal Background should:
 Describe the need for this kind of project.
 Include the problem statement which must provide entry to the other subsections of the proposal.
 Identify the portion of the larger problem you plan to deal with (Research topic and subtopic if
relevant).
 Supply statistical documentation of this specific or local problem (fewer statistics convincingly
presented are better than many explained weakly).
 Include Expert opinions (including quotes) from Egyptian officials, published papers or other
scholars.
 Include Literature review.
 Include the problem identification and explain how your research solves or helps to solve the
problem.
 Include an assessment of the current level of TRL for the specific topic that the project is tackling

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4 Project Objectives
Should not exceed one page written in “Calibri” or “Arial” 12 font, with 1 or 1.15 line spacing, “normal”
style.
Project Objectives should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely (S.M.A.R.T.) in
bulleted format. The project objectives describe clearly the expected general outputs and outcomes of
the project. Objectives should be achievable within the project duration.
You must take into consideration that:
 Objectives should be stated with action-oriented verbs such as “demonstrate”, “test”, “develop”,
etc.
 Objectives must clearly be linked to the overall problem being addressed.
 The Objectives are the basis for determining the procedural aspects of the program, and therefore
must be carefully planned.
 The Objectives must be briefly and succinctly stated; A sentence or two at most for each one.
 Objectives must make clear how they will increase the TRL of the existing product or method
(Starting from level 4 TRL at least).
 The objectives most be stated in a way that measurable advancement can be demonstrated.
 The objectives as a whole must connect applied university research with the private sector and to
support technology commercialization.
 Don't confuse Objectives with methodology. Methodology describe ways of executing Objectives.

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5 Applied Research Methodology & Procedures
Should not exceed 3 pages written in “Calibri” or “Arial” 12 font, with 1 or 1.15 line spacing, “normal”
style.
This section is the core of your proposal. It should describe your project design, and how will you will be
able to achieve your objectives. It should explain in a narrative way, different activities that you intend
to take during the lifetime of the project, and it must explain the rationale for the project (relate it to
the problem) and explain how the project will work. Discuss the innovative nature of the proposed
methodology, its path towards commercialization and / or industrialization of research outputs.
Main elements of this section should include:
 What - Description of the methods/activities you plan to use to accomplish each of your objectives.
 Who – Who will implement these methods? Mention who will be responsible for implementing
each objective (title, and background).
 When - Timeline; Illustrative general Gantt chart is a good tool to use as a "snapshot" in highlighting
when activities will take place and objectives will be achieved.
 How - Description of the activities and/or processes for carrying out your program objectives, and
the reasons for selecting the particular approach.
Methods and objectives are often confused with each other; they’re closely related: “Methods” are the
means to realize the “Objectives.”

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6 Significance of the Research
Should not exceed 2 pages written in “Calibri” or “Arial” 12 font, with 1 or 1.15 line spacing, “normal”
style.
 Provide an assessment of the current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for the subject of the
proposal, and how the applied research, once done, will advance the TRL to a higher level (include
the sought TRL after completion of the project). A explanation of Technology Readiness Level can
be found here:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247705707_Technology_Readiness_Level_-
_A_White_Paper, or https://www.e-education.psu.edu/eme807/node/557, While an excel
template to help assessing the TRL is available at
(https://www.dau.edu/cop/stm/Lists/Tools/DispForm.aspx?
ID=4&ContentTypeId=0x010051CD3A8A368D5347A6595B3B5385510700AA867A0513EB0A44B7EC
5897985C3BB8 ). Since the center of Excellence for Water is targeting only applied research, it is
expected that the current TRL for any proposal will not fall below level 4.
 Provide information on how the applied university research has connected with the private sector
and supported technology commercialization.
 Include a sustainability plan for the grant’s results and achievements.
 Include a quantitative estimation of the potential impact of the project on Egypt in terms of
quantity of water treated, number of people directly impacted, dollars saved, additional water
supplied, level of water quality improvement, or similar measure.

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7 Facilities and Equipment
Should not exceed 1 page written in “Calibri” or “Arial” 12 font, with 1 or 1.15 line spacing, “normal”
style.
Provide a list of the facilities to be used. The proposal should describe such items as specialized
computers, testing equipment, laboratories, field sites, office space, and unusual services. The list
should be divided between existing equipment/facilities, and what is requested to be purchased through
the grant.
Provide justifications for additional items needed to be purchased to complete the work.
If it is necessary to use another organization’s facilities or equipment, document their availability to the
project. The proposal should restrict the purchase of equipment to those that are not available or made
available by any partner of the Center of Excellence’s institutions, private sector partner, or otherwise.

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8 Budget
Please use the below table for proposed budget. “Calibri” or “Arial” 12 font, with 1 or 1.15 line spacing,
“normal” style.
Itemize & account for all proposed costs
Justify budget items
Try not to overestimate or underestimate resource needs
Budget lines include:
 Personnel cost (must be less than or equal to 30% of the total budget): This budget line states the
compensation to be paid to everyone involved in the project. It should contain an estimation of the
percentage of time each person listed will be spending on the project and multiply it by his/her
salary. (you may provide a table of daily rate for everyone that is working in the project for
reference). For Egyptian personnel, the rates applicable are those of the STDF
 Rental, lease, or purchase of equipment (less than or equal to 50% of the project budget): Includes
laboratory equipment, supplies, chemicals, and any other costs necessary for the smooth running of
project.
 Travel: Costs related to travels (cost of tickets, perdiems, etc.). Include travel to one COE-Water
research event to present research findings.
 Paper publications: Costs related to the participation in scientific events, and the cost of publication
of scientific papers in conferences or journals.
Co funding and the mobilization of external funds from industrial partners is a key factor for the
evaluation of the project proposals.

Budget Item Sought Budget from the Co – Funding Amount Percentage of

Center of Excellence for (USD) co fund to total
Water (USD) Budget (%)
Labor2 (Incentives to
Project team3)
Equipment Purchase /
Usage / Supplies4
Travel
Events organization /
paper publications
Total Budget (USD)

2
Should be equal to or less than 30% of the budget of the project
3
Incentive rates for Egyptians should be in line with the STDF daily rates for faculty and staff of the project. Incentive
rates for US staff and faculty should be in line with the standard practice at each US university (based on Salary slips)
4
Should be less or equal to 50% of the total budget of the project
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9 References
Should not exceed one page written in “Calibri” or “Arial” 12 font, with 1 or 1.15 line spacing, “normal”
style.
If the proposal contains a limited number of references, footnotes may be used in the text to cite them.
If references are used extensively, they should appear here and should be referred to accordingly in the
text itself. Each reference listed should include the name of the author, title, publication or publisher,
volume and issue number, page numbers, and date of publication.

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10 Curriculum Vitae
Written in “Calibri” or “Arial” 12 font, with 1 or 1.15 line spacing, “normal” style.
Should include up to one-page biography for each member of the research team, including their
contacts and highlighting their experience that are relevant to the proposal.

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11 Appendices
Written in “Calibri” or “Arial” 12 font, with 1 or 1.15 line spacing, “normal” style.
Any documentation additional to that in the proposal text should be attached here, such as letters of
commitment from industrial partners, letters of commitment to share laboratory facilities and
equipment, letters of support for the research from affected parties.

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12 Annex
12.1 USAID ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST
The purpose of this Environmental Review and Consequences Checklist is to determine whether
the proposed action (scope of work) encompasses the potential for environmental pollution or
concern and, if so, to determine the scope and extent of additional environmental evaluation,
mitigation, and monitoring necessary to fulfill USAID environmental procedures. This compliance
checklist is intended to be used by both the project proponent who submits project proposals and
selection committee members to ensure that environmental consequences are taken into account
before making an award for a proposed activity.
Please provide the following information. This information will assist the Center of Excellence for
Water committee in making an environmental impact determination on the proposed activity.
Note: Every line highlighted in yellow must have text written in it. Text might be required in other
areas, depending upon question responses.

United States Principal Investigator Information

First Name: Last Name:
Position/Title: Institution Name:
Egypt Principal Investigator Information
First Name: Last Name:
Position/Title: Institution Name:

Proposal Title

Type of Proposed Activity

Location (Attach a location map as well as site photos in color, if possible)

Grant/Activity Description: (Provide sufficient description and details for environmental impact
analysis)

Baseline Environmental Conditions: (Provide site specific environmental conditions. Plant and
animal resources, water resource and condition, human population characteristics, land use,
soil, ecosystem condition, air quality. Describe existing environment at the proposed project
site relevant to the scope and potential impact. Include maps and photos as necessary. Use
additional pages as necessary).

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A. CHECKLIST FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES: Check appropriate row as Yes (Y), Maybe
(M), No (N) or Beneficial (B). Briefly explain Y, M and B in the Explanations Section. A “Y” does not
necessarily indicate a significant effect, but rather an issue that requires focused consideration.
1. Resources Y, M, N, B
Grading, trenching, or excavation in cubic meters or hectare
Geologic hazards (faults, landslides, liquefaction, un-engineered fill, etc.)
Contaminated soils or ground water on the site
Offsite overburden/waste disposal or borrow pits required in cubic meters or
tons
Loss of high-quality farmlands in hectares

2. Agricultural and Agrochemical Y, M, N, B

Impacts of inputs such as seeds and fertilizers
Impact of production process on human health and environment
Other adverse impacts

3. Industries Y, M, N, B
Impacts of run-off and run-on water
Impact of farming such as intensification or extensification
Impact of other factors

4. Air Quality Y, M, N, B
Substantial increase in onsite air pollutant emissions (construction/operation)
Violation of applicable air pollutant emissions or ambient concentration
standards
Substantial increase in vehicle traffic during construction or operation
Demolition or blasting for construction
Substantial increase in odor during construction or operation
Substantial alteration of microclimate

5. Water Resources and Quality Y, M, N, B

River, stream or lake onsite or within 30 meters of construction
Withdrawals from or discharges to surface or ground water
Excavation or placing of fill, removing gravel from, a river, stream or lake
Onsite storage of liquid fuels or hazardous materials in bulk quantities

6. Cultural Resources Y, M, N, B
Prehistoric, historic, or paleontological resources within 30 meters of
construction
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Site/facility with unique cultural or ethnic values

7. Biological Resources Y, M, N, B
Vegetation removal or construction in wetlands or riparian areas in hectare
Use of pesticides/rodenticides, insecticides, or herbicides in hectare
Construction in or adjacent to a designated wildlife refuge
Endangered or threatened species are in project area

8. Planning and Land Use Y, M, N, B

Potential conflict with adjacent land uses
Non-compliance with existing codes, plans, permits or design factors
Construction in national park or designated recreational area
Create substantially annoying source of light or glare
Relocation of >10 individuals for +6 months
Interrupt necessary utility or municipal service > 10 individuals for +6 months
Substantial loss of inefficient use of mineral or non-renewable resources
Increase existing noise levels >5 decibels for +3 months

9. Traffic, Transportation and Circulation Y, M, N, B

Increase vehicle trips >20% or cause substantial congestion
Design features cause or contribute to safety hazards
Inadequate access or emergency access for anticipated volume of people or
traffic

10. Hazards Y, M, N, B
Substantially increase risk of fire, explosion, or hazardous chemical release
Bulk quantities of hazardous materials or fuels stored on site +3 months
Create or substantially contribute to human health hazard

11. Other Issues (to be used for categories not captured under1 through 10 Y, M, N, B
above)
Substantial adverse impact
Adverse impact
Minimal impact

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12. Construction Activity: Does the proposal include construction Y, N

of any facilities including remodeling of any existing facilities?

If yes, please indicate the nature of the construction activity.

Indicate the existing conditions of the proposed construction site
and provide photographs pre-construction.

B. EXPLANATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES: Please explain Y, M and B responses.

Use additional pages, as needed.

C. IDENTIFIED SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS (including physical, biological and

social), if any. (Use the environmental checklist above to identify significant environmental
impacts).

D. PLEASE DISCUSS THE PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES (if any). Use additional pages,
as needed.

E. PLEASE DISCUSS PROPOSED MONITORING MEASURES (if any). Use additional pages, as
needed.

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