DIRECTORATE OF DRPI-Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP)
Office of Sponsored Projects
OSP assists Muhas faculty members by effectively managing proposals and awards funded by federal and state agencies, foundations, and other public and private sources. The office plays a key role in interpreting and ensuring compliance with university policies, proposal and award conditions, as well as relevant federal and state laws and regulations. OSP reviews and submits proposals for the University and is responsible for drafting, negotiating, and signing sponsored agreements and subawards.
Learn more about our office.
+Short course, Grant Writing Essentials: A Professional Development Course
- The Course is Accredited by DCEPD-MUHAS with 30 Credit Hours
- Course overview
The course is intended for researchers, faculty, postgraduate students, accountants, administrators, project coordinators, project managers, policy analysts and health professionals inside and outside MUHAS seeking to gain knowledge and skills required to write a successful grant proposal, thereby enhancing their chances of securing funding. The course focuses on various funding opportunities from National and International organisations, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Wellcome Trust, Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) and United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI), among others.
This course covers essential steps for developing successful grant proposals, including identifying relevant funding opportunities, writing persuasive research proposals, and preparing budgets that meet funder guidelines. Participants will also learn how to create supporting materials such as biosketches, CVs, and letters of support, as well as navigate submission systems effectively.
Through expert-led lectures, hands-on exercises, and interactive discussions, the course equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to develop competitive proposals.
+Course calender
- 10-17 November 2025
- 02-06 March 2026 upcoming
- 26-30 May 2026
+Funding Opportunities
- Explore funding opportunities previously facilitated by our team
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gh5dc3zsJaGjPmjZ0xA9XtpCqH6crdHjK_bVbM9InE8/edit?usp=sharing
- Funding categories
Early career | Mid-career | Established researchers |
NIH grants; Glocal, R21, D43; Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH); Wellcome Trust early career, GSK, UKRI, AREF, Wennergren | NIH grants; K43, Wellcome Trust Mid-career | Wellcome Trust, Discovery awards; DANIDA, |
Project Life Cycle
Find Funding
Identify Funding Sources: Research and identify potential funding sources, which could include government grants, university research funds, private organizations, or crowdfunding.
Seek Sponsorship or Partners: Sometimes universities collaborate with industry partners, non-profits, or other academic institutions to secure additional financial support.
Understand Funding Requirements: Review the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines for funding opportunities.
Plan Project
- Define Objectives: Clarify the project’s goals, deliverables, and the problem it aims to solve.
- Develop a Timeline: Create a schedule that includes major milestones and deadlines for tasks.
- Resource Allocation: Determine the budget, materials, personnel, and any equipment or facilities required for the project.
- Risk Assessment: Identify potential challenges and devise contingency plans.
- Plan for Evaluation: Set up methods to assess the project’s progress and success.
Compile Proposal
- Write a Clear Description: Detail the project’s objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and significance.
- Budget Justification: Provide a clear, itemized budget that shows how funding will be spent.
- Methodology and Timeline: Explain the project approach, timeline, and activities in detail.
- Support Documents: Include supporting materials like letters of recommendation, institutional support letters, CVs of key team members, and relevant past research or projects.
- Review and Revise: Ensure the proposal meets the guidelines set by the funding body, and revise it for clarity, accuracy, and completeness.
Submit Proposal
Check Submission Guidelines: Verify that the proposal is formatted and submitted according to the funder’s guidelines.
Submit the Proposal: Submit the proposal to the identified funding agency, ensuring all required documents are included.
Track Submission: Confirm receipt and keep track of any follow-up actions, such as additional documents or presentations if required by the funding body.
PI Desk Reference
Online Project Registration Form
Supporting Doc For Grant Application
- Budget
- Budget justification
- Biosketch of Prof. Ngoma
- Letter of intent – needs MUHAS signature
- Letter of support – needs Prof. Ngoma’s signature
- Key personnel document
- Statement of work
- Facilities and equipment document
- Performance site form/information
- Title
Developing a Budget
Identify Project Requirements:
- Determine Scope: Understand the full scope of the project (e.g., research, infrastructure, events) and the resources it will require.
- List Necessary Resources: Identify key resources such as personnel (faculty, students, staff), materials, equipment, technology, and facilities.
Estimate Costs:
- Personnel Costs: Calculate salaries or stipends for team members, including faculty, researchers, or student assistants.
- Material and Equipment Costs: Estimate the cost of consumables, tools, or specialized equipment required for the project.
- Travel and Transportation: If applicable, account for travel expenses for conferences, fieldwork, or meetings.
- Administrative Costs: Include costs for office supplies, software, or administrative support.
- Contingency Funds: Set aside a portion of the budget for unforeseen expenses, typically around 5-10% of the total budget.
Categorize Budget Items:
- Direct Costs: These are costs directly associated with the project (e.g., equipment, materials, and salaries).
- Indirect Costs: These may include overhead costs such as utilities, institutional support services, or maintenance, which are usually a percentage of direct costs.
Align with Funding Sources:
- Review Funding Guidelines: Ensure the budget aligns with the funding agency’s requirements, including limits on specific categories (e.g., personnel, equipment).
- Match the Budget to Funding: Ensure the budget does not exceed the available funding and is consistent with the expected financial support.
Develop a Timeline:
- Break Down the Project into Phases: Create a timeline that includes when funds will be needed throughout the project.
- Distribute Expenses Over Time: Allocate funds based on when resources will be needed, helping to ensure that cash flow matches project milestones.
Create a Detailed Budget Report:
- Provide Itemized Costs: Present the budget in a clear, itemized format, showing the costs for each category and phase of the project.
- Justify Expenses: Ensure that all expenses are justified and aligned with the project’s objectives.
Review and Adjust:
- Evaluate and Revise: Review the budget for accuracy and completeness, making adjustments where necessary to ensure feasibility.
- Consult Stakeholders: Collaborate with team members, administrators, or financial officers to ensure the budget meets both project needs and university financial protocols.
- Final Approval:
- Submit for Approval: Present the budget to relevant stakeholders (e.g., department heads, finance offices, or funding agencies) for approval.
- Adjust as Needed: If feedback requires changes, revise the budget accordingly and resubmit.
Help Desk for PI's
Contracts/Awards
Contract Portal
Identify Funding Sources: Research and identify potential funding sources, which could include government grants, university research funds, private organizations, or crowdfunding.
Seek Sponsorship or Partners: Sometimes universities collaborate with industry partners, non-profits, or other academic institutions to secure additional financial support.
Understand Funding Requirements: Review the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines for funding opportunities.
Pre Award
- Define Objectives: Clarify the project’s goals, deliverables, and the problem it aims to solve.
- Develop a Timeline: Create a schedule that includes major milestones and deadlines for tasks.
- Resource Allocation: Determine the budget, materials, personnel, and any equipment or facilities required for the project.
- Risk Assessment: Identify potential challenges and devise contingency plans.
- Plan for Evaluation: Set up methods to assess the project’s progress and success.
Award
- Write a Clear Description: Detail the project’s objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and significance.
- Budget Justification: Provide a clear, itemized budget that shows how funding will be spent.
- Methodology and Timeline: Explain the project approach, timeline, and activities in detail.
- Support Documents: Include supporting materials like letters of recommendation, institutional support letters, CVs of key team members, and relevant past research or projects.
- Review and Revise: Ensure the proposal meets the guidelines set by the funding body, and revise it for clarity, accuracy, and completeness.
Post Award
Check Submission Guidelines: Verify that the proposal is formatted and submitted according to the funder’s guidelines.
Submit the Proposal: Submit the proposal to the identified funding agency, ensuring all required documents are included.
Track Submission: Confirm receipt and keep track of any follow-up actions, such as additional documents or presentations if required by the funding body.
Resources Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
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How to Find Us
Contact Us:
Email:
osp.muhasuniversity@gmail.com
Phone: +255 222151596
P.O. Box 65001,
Upanga UN Road
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania