In the increasingly competitive field of biomedical research, more and more researchers are chasing an ever shrinking pot of research funding. Good ideas are not enough, funding applications increasingly require dogged determination, good organisation, and a clear strategy if they are to succeed. Doctors in full time academic posts, most of whom work outside of core funded units, will find much of their time is taken up with writing grant applications, and must therefore acquire the appropriate skills. Clinicians with a research interest may complete grant applications only occasionally, and may therefore find this daunting. Although grant applications are a fundamental part of the clinical academic way of life, writing them is seldom emphasised during academic training. However, there are generic ingredients to a good grant application, and you can maximise the chance of success by following some rules.