Grant Application System Resources
Grant applications may be prepared and submitted through different electronic systems depending on the sponsor. The resources below provide guides, tutorials, and other assistance for some of the application systems commonly used by EIU investigators.
If you need assistance establishing an account, obtaining the appropriate system access, or determining which resources apply to your proposal, contact the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
AmpliFund / Euna Grants
AmpliFund, now part of Euna Grants, is used by the State of Illinois and other sponsors to manage grant applications and awards.
- AmpliFund Portal Guide and Tip Sheet | R3
- Start here if you are new to AmpliFund. Provides Illinois applicants with an Applicant Portal Guide, login tips, and Help Desk information for accessing the system and completing an application.
- Illinois AmpliFund/Euna Applicant Support
- Use this when you need help with a specific AmpliFund/Euna task. Includes Illinois applicant instructions and training resources for navigating and completing applications in the portal.
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Research.gov / NSF
Research.gov is the primary system used to prepare, submit, and manage proposals and awards for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF).
- How a PI Initiates a New Proposal in Research.gov
- Start here when you are ready to begin an NSF proposal. This illustrated NSF guide walks PIs through initiating a new proposal in Research.gov.
- NSF Preparing Your Proposal
- Use this when you need help understanding what goes into an NSF proposal, including proposal components, preparation requirements, and NSF policies.
- NSF Submitting Your Proposal
- Use this for information about NSF's proposal submission process, including Research.gov submission requirements.
- Research.gov
- Go directly to Research.gov to prepare or work on an NSF proposal, manage an existing award, or access other NSF services.
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Grants.gov
Grants.gov is the federal government's centralized system for finding and applying for federal grant opportunities. Applications are prepared through Grants.gov Workspace.
- Quick Start Guide for Applicants
- Start here if you are new to Grants.gov. Walks you through registration, creating a Workspace, adding participants, completing forms, submitting, and tracking an application.
- Grants.gov Applicant Resources
- Use this as the main Grants.gov applicant resource hub. Includes registration, applying, application tracking, training, FAQs, and the Online User Guide.
- Grants.gov Applicant Training
- Prefer to see how the system works? Find videos and training on creating a Workspace, adding participants, completing forms, submitting applications, and other common Grants.gov tasks.
- Grants.gov Workspace Roles
- Use this if you need to understand what your Grants.gov role allows you to do in a Workspace or why you may not have access to a particular function.
- Grants.gov Support Center
- Go here if you are having a technical problem with Grants.gov or need assistance from Grants.gov support.
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eRA Commons / NIH
eRA Commons is used by NIH and other participating agencies to manage grant applications and awards throughout the grant lifecycle, including application status and post-award activities.
- eRA Commons Help & Tutorials
- Start here for help with eRA Commons. Includes step-by-step online help, screenshots, FAQs, user guides, training videos, and information about current system features.
- eRA Commons User Guides
- Use this when you want a downloadable guide for a particular Commons activity, including the RPPR, Personal Profile, account management, and other eRA functions.
- eRA Commons Training
- Prefer video or presentation-based instruction? Includes tutorials covering Commons features, application status, account creation, prior approval, and other activities.
- eRA Help & Tutorials
- Use this broader help center if you are not sure which eRA module you need or need help with registration, accounts, application status, or post-award administration.
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NIH ASSIST
ASSIST is NIH's electronic system for preparing and submitting grant applications. It works with eRA Commons and is used when permitted by the funding opportunity.
- Using ASSIST to Prepare Your Application
- Start here when preparing an NIH application in ASSIST. NIH walks you through the application process from finding the opportunity and initiating the application through submission and tracking.
- ASSIST Help & Tutorials
- Use this for detailed help with ASSIST. Includes online instructions, screenshots, a downloadable user guide, training resources, and information about system updates.
- ASSIST Online Help
- Use this when you are actively working in ASSIST and need step-by-step instructions for a specific screen or task.
- NIH How to Apply – Application Guide
- Use this for the actual NIH application requirements, rather than instructions for navigating the electronic system. Includes application instructions, required forms and formats, submission options, and links to NIH systems and resources.
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