What is included in a grant ‘narrative’ section?

The narrative section of a grant proposal is critical as it serves as the main body where the details of the proposed project are elaborated. This part outlines the project's objectives, providing clarity on what the project aims to achieve, and the methodology, which explains how these objectives will be met. Including this information is essential for reviewers, as it allows them to assess the feasibility, significance, and overall impact of the proposed research.

When a grant proposal includes a detailed description of project objectives and methodology, it demonstrates the applicant's understanding of the research problem and outlines a clear, logical approach to address it. This section is often where the applicant can convey the importance of the research, the proposed work's innovation, and how it will advance knowledge in the field.

The other components, although important in their own right, do not constitute the narrative portion of the grant. For instance, summarizing team qualifications provides context but is not the central focus of the narrative. Similarly, a checklist of budget items, while necessary for the funding review process, is more of a logistical detail rather than an explanation of the research. Lastly, discussing related literature and prior work can form part of the broader context or background section, but without the core objectives and methodology detailed in the narrative