The Center for Nursing Research & Innovation

Research Opportunities

Stanford University School of Nursing (SUSN) Alumnae Legacy Grants
- Grant Development Guidelines -

SUSN LEGACY Proposal Development and Review Process

New SUSN LEGACY projects are funded each year. The proposal development and submission process begins with an idea, question or issue that is congruent with the aims of the Legacy and advances innovative research and demonstration projects that enhance nurses' capacity to deliver comprehensive health services to patients and their families across the continuum of care. The Center for Nursing Research & Innovation will assist individuals with good ideas, questions or issues to study in confirming the strategic significance of the idea and in forming SUSN Legacy project teams as needed and clarifying budget parameters.

Once the SUSN Legacy project team is established and has refined their project design further, the next step is to summarize the proposed project in a 3-5 page "Concept Letter" that describes the project aim(s), strategic significance, expected impacts on patient care nursing practice, education, and administration; project methods, and any relevant measures or evaluation strategies. A detailed timeline and budget (expected to range from $5-10K per project) must be attached to the concept letter as appendices.

Concept Letters will be reviewed and evaluated as to merit by the SUSN LEGACY Review Panel, consisting of representatives from SUSN Alumnae, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford Patient Care Services, and the Center, for evidence of strategic significance, rigorous methods, feasibility, and clinical and scientific merit. Because limited funds may not make it possible to fund every proposed project, it is crucial that Concept Letters, Attachments and CVs be comprehensive and in sufficient detail to effectively compete for SUSN LEGACY grant awards.

Following review of Concept Letters, including proposed project timelines, budgets and team member qualifications, exemplary quality improvement or innovation evaluation projects not requiring Committee for Human Research (CHR) Review will be approved for expedited funding and project teams notified. Collaborative teams proposing approved quality improvement or innovation evaluation projects selected to receive a SUSN LEGACY grant must confirm final budget details, timelines, methods and team members with the SUSN LEGACY Review Panel.

Investigators proposing research studies in their concept letters, that are viewed favorably for funding by the SUSN Legacy Review Panel, will also be notified and invited to submit a more fully developed proposal for final approval and then obtain CHR clearance before SUSN Legacy funding is confirmed. The Center Director, in collaboration with the SUSN Legacy Review Panel, will work with project teams, as needed, to facilitate the review and approval of more fully developed proposals by the Panel and the CHR. Fully developed proposals for research studies that have been viewed favorably for funding must be submitted. Final review by the SUSN Legacy Review Panel will be expedited and Project Teams will be notified of the Panel's funding decision. It is expected that approved research studies will then be reviewed and approved by the CHR prior to SUSN Legacy funding.

Project Timeframe

SUSN Legacy projects are expected to be conducted and completed within a continuous 10-month period following appropriate approvals.

Dissemination of Legacy Project Results

Project teams are expected to actively disseminate project results in a 3-6 page summary report submitted to the Center upon completion of the project and to present findings in a podium or poster format at the annual UCSF Stanford Patient Care Services Research Day Conference. All publications and presentations are expected to acknowledge the SUSN Legacy and Stanford University as project sponsors.

For More Information

For further information, contact the SUSN Legacy Grant Coordinator, Nancy Donaldson, RN, DNSc, FAAN, Director of the Center for Nursing Research & Innovation.

Legacy Brochure in PDF file.

View Concept Letter Review Sheet in PDF file.