Annual Report
Present-tense activities showing current impact and momentum
Annual reports should focus on present-tense activities that show active, ongoing progress during the current reporting period.
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Success Factors
- Present tense language showing active implementation
- Specific numbers and percentages providing concrete evidence
- Process descriptions demonstrating systematic approaches
- Balanced coverage across multiple broader impacts areas
- Direct alignment statements connecting to NSF priorities
Renewal Proposal
Future-focused strategic commitments and vision
Renewal proposals must be entirely future-focused, establishing strategic commitments that reviewers can evaluate for feasibility and impact.
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Success Factors
- Future tense throughout establishing forward-looking commitments
- Clear 'will' statements creating actionable commitments
- Evidence-based language referencing proven methodologies
- Strategic frameworks showing systematic, scalable thinking
- Current federal language alignment using 'all Americans' framework
- Measurable outcomes including assessment and accountability plans
Results from Prior Funding
Past achievements demonstrating concrete ROI
Results from prior funding sections must be statistics-dense, past-tense summaries that demonstrate clear return on investment.
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Success Factors
- Past tense focusing exclusively on completed achievements
- Dense statistics maximizing impact per word
- Career trajectory emphasis highlighting workforce development ROI
- Institutional reach showing breadth across institution types
- External validation using prestigious fellowships and positions
- Efficiency and conciseness respecting strict page limits