This guide is intended to provide the researcher with a systematic approach to the grant application process and assists the researcher in developing a competitive and successful application. The major elements of the application process are addressed in seven sections. Part 1 presents the main choices which must be made at the beginning of the process, including whether the potential researcher has the necessary credentials, the components of the application, and the funding mechanism to be selected. Part 2 discusses key contacts which are useful in facilitating the successful completion of a grant application. Part 3 assesses the strengths and weaknesses of various research environments. Part 4 covers what to include in the research application and when to write it. Part 5 gives practical suggestions for writing a persuasive application. Part 6 contains suggestions for focusing on the reviewers as the target for the successful application, and Part 7 covers what happens when an application is or is not funded. Tables and charts include an inventory of research strengths of the investigator, sample project budget outlines, timetables of preapplication and application process tasks, a sample table of contents, and a final application checklist. (Contains 59 references.) (PRW)