Step 2: Find Your Funding

Getting Started: Tips for Your Funding Search

This section is designed to assist you in identifying appropriate funding sources for your grant idea/project.

TALK WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES

Both Carthage and external colleagues serve as good sources of information and contacts. You may gain insight into funding possibilities by speaking with colleagues who have successfully funded research initiatives in your field of study.

CONNECT WITH YOUR PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Professional Associations offer their members publications, websites, and networking groups that can be an excellent resource for identifying grant opportunities and funding sources relevant to specific disciplines or areas of professional expertise.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Look at funding agency past patterns of giving (who and how much); what are the areas of interest; what populations or geographic region served; any specific type of funding support; are there any restrictions; are you eligible.

CONTACT A FUNDING AGENCY & ASK QUESTIONS

Connecting with a Program Officer can increase your understanding of the types of projects they are currently interested in, how your project might fit into their priorities, and may actually increase your odds of receiving an award.

UTILIZE THE RESOURCES OF THE OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS

Share your project or idea through the My Grant Idea Form. The Office of Sponsored Programs will use this information to determine how best to support you in identifying funding opportunities, developing and submitting a competitive proposal.

BE CREATIVE, FLEXIBLE, AND PERSISTENT WHEN PURSUING EXTERNAL FUNDING

Good ideas take time to develop, grant writing is no different. Know what you are willing to compromise or change to fit institutional priorities or the funder’s criteria and know those aspects of your project that will non-negotiable. And most of all, be persistent- for every awarded proposal often times there have been 3-5 declines. Those projects that eventually find funding make use of the feedback and lessons learned from prior competitions.

Find the Right Funding Fit

A successful proposal hinges on a variety of factors. You must match your idea and experience to an appropriate funding opportunity, paying careful attention to the funding agency’s funding, priorities, criteria, and guidelines.