The checklist below is intended to help you in the application process. Before submitting your application, make sure to:

• Read the instructions carefully, and write your proposal in English.
• The project title reflects the focus and purpose of the project.
• The abstract briefly describes the project background, hypothesis/objective, methods/materials, any preliminary results and significance.
• The scientific question is clear and well-defined and can be answered based on the project design. Do not exaggerate the objectives. Be open and clear about whether the project is part of an already ongoing larger project.
• The background briefly describes current knowledge in the field and the knowledge gap that the project is intended to fill.
• The work plan is clear and provides information on

        - methods, and that these are adequate for the research question
        - whether there is a risk of bias (sampling bias, information bias, etc.) and if so, how it will be addressed    
        - that the data base is sufficiently large (that power calculations are made where appropriate)                  
        - control group(s) or other comparison population is well defined and described, if applicable     
        - experience and competence of the applicant or team of applicants in performing analyses
        - timetable for the completion of the project.

• Preliminary results (if any), highlighting the feasibility of the project and possible outcomes.
• Significance describes how the project can contribute to knowledge that is important for the prevention, care and/or treatment of people living with HIV. Clear clinical relevance is an important part of the evaluation.
• Ethical considerations include information on whether ethical review of the project has been done or when it will be done. If the project does not require ethical review, this should be justified.
• Financial specification justifies the intended use of the grant and whether funds have already been or will be sought to cover salary or operating costs for the same or related projects from another donor.