In Blog

In today’s research landscape, grant agencies and funding bodies increasingly recognize the need to ensure that the research they support reflects and benefits the diversity of the communities we live in. This shift is reshaping how we approach grant writing, making Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) a critical element in securing funding and advancing impactful, inclusive science.

Let’s explore why EDI matters in grant writing and how researchers can meaningfully incorporate these principles into their proposals.

Why EDI Matters in Research

EDI in research is about leveling the playing field. “Equity” ensures that everyone—regardless of background—has access to the same opportunities and resources. “Diversity” brings a range of experiences and perspectives that enrich the research process, leading to more innovative and relevant outcomes. “Inclusion” guarantees that everyone, especially those from underrepresented groups, can fully participate in research and meaningfully benefit from it.

Historically, research has often been shaped by a narrow set of voices, which means that many important perspectives—especially those of women, racialized communities, and people with disabilities—have been left out. This lack of diversity creates gaps in knowledge and leads to research outcomes that don’t always apply to everyone. By embedding EDI principles in research, we can ensure that the work is relevant to diverse populations and better addresses societal challenges.

How to Incorporate EDI into Your Grant Proposals

Many funding agencies, including major national and international organizations, now require applicants to include an EDI plan in their proposals. But what does that look like in practice? Here are some strategies for successfully integrating EDI into your grant writing:

1. Understand your Research Question from a Diversity Perspective: Start with a literature review. Does your research question consider what we know about the perspective and the varied experiences of different populations? Your literature review should highlight gaps in the current research where diverse voices, populations, or perspectives are underrepresented or overlooked. Critically assess how previous studies address – or fail to address – factors such as gender, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, and cultural backgrounds. Include sources from a wide range of authors, particularly those from underrepresented communities, and cite studies that use inclusive methodologies and focus on historically excluded groups.

2. Build a Diverse Research Team: Funders are increasingly interested in how research teams reflect the diversity of society. A diverse team—across dimensions like gender, ethnicity, career stage, and disciplinary background—brings different perspectives to the table and drives innovation. When writing your proposal, be sure to highlight the diversity of your team and explain how this diversity will enhance the project’s execution and outcomes.

3. Design Research for Diverse Populations: EDI isn’t just about who is on the team—it’s also about who benefits from the research. Consider how your study can address the needs of various groups, especially those who are often left out of research. For example, in a health study, include participants from different age groups, ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses to make the findings more generalizable and equitable. Pay attention to your statistical analysis plan and ensure it considers diversity factors and their intersections as one of the outcomes.

4. Create Inclusive Mentorship and Training Plans: Many funders want to know how your project will support trainees and early-career researchers, especially those from underrepresented groups. Describe your mentorship practices and show how you’re creating an inclusive environment that fosters the growth of diverse talents. Providing concrete examples of how you plan to support and mentor these individuals can strengthen your proposal.

5. Address Barriers to Participation: Think about the challenges that participants from marginalized groups might face when engaging with your research. These could include language barriers, access to technology, or even mistrust of research institutions. Show how you plan to address these issues by adapting your approach—for example, offering translations, using accessible platforms, or building trust through community engagement.

6. Develop a comprehensive knowledge translation (KT) plan: Probably the most important component of your grant. Outline how you plan to disseminate your findings and demonstrate that your research will be accessible, relevant, and beneficial to diverse groups. Consider inclusive communication, community engagement, cultural sensitivity, and power imbalances, recognizing that you value the input and expertise of non-academic stakeholders and ensuring they are acknowledged as partners in the KT process, not just passive recipients of information.

The Future of EDI in Grant Writing

The growing emphasis on EDI in grant writing is more than just a checkbox exercise—it reflects a larger movement toward creating a more inclusive research environment. Researchers who embrace these values are not only more likely to secure funding but also contribute to science that better serves all communities. By designing inclusive studies, fostering diverse teams, and addressing barriers to participation, you can make your research more impactful and relevant.