Large, multi-site proposals to complex funders like the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) require more than strong science, they demand strategic coordination, proactive engagement, and deep institutional support. At The Ohio State University, the Office of Foundation Engagement has played a critical role in supporting investigators through the full PCORI lifecycle: from socialization to application development to award management.

In this session, attendees will learn practical strategies for navigating a complex funder, supporting multi-site teams during proposal development, leveraging internal resources to strengthen applications, educating faculty on funding mechanisms, and fostering connections between investigators and program officers. We will highlight lessons learned from supporting three active PCORI-funded projects at Ohio State and provide actionable insights for foundation relations professionals and research administrators seeking to bolster team science proposals to challenging funders. The presenter will be joined by a special guest, an Ohio State faculty member who has successfully secured PCORI funding, offering firsthand insights into the application and award process.