This post was guest authored by Mrudula Ravada, Research Data Manager, USF Libraries
Every grant proposal tells two stories: one about the research itself, and another about how the resulting data will be managed. For many researchers, writing a Data Management Plan (DMP) can feel daunting—but in reality, it’s an opportunity. A well-crafted DMP not only meets funder requirements but strengthens your research practices and ensures your data will remain visible, accessible, and impactful for years to come.
That’s where the DMPTool comes in.
The DMPTool is a free, online platform designed to walk researchers through creating funder-compliant Data Management Plans. It includes templates for agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) along with built-in guidance for answering each section. Instead of starting from scratch or worrying whether your plan covers every detail, you can build a polished, compliant DMP with confidence.
USF Libraries pairs the DMPTool with personalized support. From refining your plan to setting up file-naming and metadata practices, we’ll help you choose the best home for your data, whether it’s Digital Commons @ USF or Digital Commons Data with DOI assignment for reuse and citation.
The goal is simple: to help you spend less time worrying about compliance and more time focusing on your research. With the DMPTool and USF Libraries by your side, you can plan, manage, and share your research data with confidence, knowing that your work will remain accessible, reusable, and impactful well beyond the life of your grant.
Get started today. Log in to DMPTool with your USF NetID, or reach out to schedule a consultation with the IRIS team at usflibraries-grants@usf.edu for personalized assistance.