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Submitting a Grant or Award Application or Contract: The Faculty’s Grants and Contracts Approval Process

Instructions For Obtaining Faculty Approval:

Every grant application, award and contract (i.e., project) requiring McMaster University to provide or receive funding, requires a complete and signed Sponsored Project Checklist.

The Faculty of Science, and the central University research offices (ROADS and MILO) use these forms to gather information on individual applications, commitments and University research activities to aid with planning, support activities, resource allocation and research project setup. Completing the checklist is crucial for setting up research accounts when funds are awarded, helping expedite the process.

SPC Online Form

Please Note that the Faculty of Science has now fully transitioned to the Online Sponsored Project Checklist form. Please complete and submit the checklist form online. This change will be fully implemented by January 1st, 2025. After this date, all checklists must be submitted through the new online platform to streamline the process and improve efficiency.

Application Process:

  1. Discuss with your Chair or School Director to review and provide support for the grant or award proposal before submitting the SPC to the ADR’s Office
  2. Submit your online Sponsored Project Checklist form with a copy of the application (drafts are accepted) and the proposed budget, as well as letters of support (detailing both internal and external financial commitments) if applicable, to the Office of the Associate Dean, Research & External Relations, Science Research Support email: sci_rsch@mcmaster.ca or through our New Online Sponsored Project Checklist form.
  3. Once the package has been approved by the Dean or Associate Dean, Research & External Relations, you will be notified and sent an electronic copy of the approved package. The Office of the Associate Dean, Research & External Relations will forward your approved package to the appropriate research office (ROADS or MILO).

Please allow at least 2 business days for review of your application and to obtain necessary signatures. Note that more complex applications may take more time.

If your application needs a letter of support from the University or involves a need for commitments from the University, such as space, matching funds, deviations from standard overhead rates, etc., please contact Associate Dean, Research & External Relations (adrsci@mcmaster.ca) to discuss commitments at least two weeks before the application deadline. Requests will be considered in terms of the application’s strategic importance to the Faculty.

All requests for approvals, letters of endorsement, and support for a research project should flow through the Office of the Associate Dean, Research & External Relations.

If you have general research related questions, please contact Science Research Support at sci_rsch@mcmaster.ca.

If you are unsure which office is handling a particular program, please consult the Who Does What at McMaster page.