This blog provides a selection of tools that we suggest for locating and submitting grant applications. Additionally, we present a compilation of the most prominent funding databases, including both free and subscription-based options. There are multiple services available that you may utilize to enhance the strength of your application, hence increasing your likelihood of obtaining money.
Many researchers find the task of locating and applying for grant money to be intimidating. The grant review process is demanding and time-consuming, and funding prospects are not only restricted but also fiercely competitive. Therefore, knowing the locations where financing sources can be found is a crucial initial step in the process. This page provides a selection of tools for locating and submitting applications for grants. Additionally, we present a compilation of the most prominent funding databases, including both free and subscription-based options. Furthermore, there are other services available that you may utilize to enhance the strength of your application, hence potentially improving your chances of obtaining money.
1. Take into account the prominent and widely recognized sources of funding
Reputable and widely recognized funding bodies, such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, are excellent initial resources to explore when seeking grant funding options. Typically, these funding sources are accessible without charge and offer a wealth of information regarding the process of applying. Below, you will find our comprehensive lists of databases, categorized into two sections: free and subscription-based.
2. Contact senior researchers and the grant office at your university
Seasoned academics with a proven history of securing financing may offer guidance on funding sources and provide exemplary grant submissions that have been successfully funded, which they are ready to share with you (4). In addition, it is quite probable that your university possesses a grant office that can direct you to potential grant possibilities and provide guidance during the entire grant application procedure
3. Expand your reach
By expanding the scope of your funding sources, you increase the likelihood of achieving financial stability for your research. Financial losses resulting from budget reductions can be compensated by obtaining smaller grants from several lesser-known sources, in addition to substantial government grants.
4. Stay Informed
To stay informed about potential financing options that you may not be aware of, it is advisable to maintain track of news from relevant organizations in your industry and periodically search for new sources of funding.
5. Engage in professional networking with colleagues
Your coworkers may possess knowledge of financing opportunities or have obtained grants that you are unaware of. Seeking input from your network is especially beneficial when your team consists of individuals with varied backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives.
6. Familiarize yourself with the financing agency’s prerequisites
Acquire extensive knowledge about the funding agencies and their grant review procedures to ensure that your proposal aligns with the organization’s specific criteria. In addition, it is important to avoid including the names of specific grant reviewers in your cover letter, as this may be seen as a possible conflict of interest (2).
7. Inquire at an early stage
Grant agencies usually have staff members who are knowledgeable about the full grant application process, from the original submission to the award reception, and may provide answers to any related inquiries. Utilizing this resource can offer you more information that may not be accessible through the grant application or website (4).
8. It is advisable to include seasoned co-investigators
Grant evaluators may promptly dismiss your application if you are an early-career researcher with insufficient experience, simply because they get a large number of submissions. By including co-investigators who possess extensive expertise in your specific sector, you can enhance the probability of securing a grant (2).
9. Showcase your proficiency and outline your research strategy
Demonstrate to reviewers clearly and simply that you and your team possess the requisite expertise and background to carry out the research. Demonstrate your ability to adhere to the specified schedule and financial constraints. According to anesthesiologist and clinical researcher Peter Nagele, the key factor that distinguishes failure from success is the importance and practicality of the research proposal
Tools for finding grants
Free-access funding databases
Grants.gov is a comprehensive compilation of discretionary funding opportunities from 26 federal agencies in the United States. There is no cost to access the database, and it contains a wide range of awards with the ability to customize search criteria. The funding provided by these government entities encompasses a wide array of research disciplines. The eligibility criteria for overseas applications differ from one agency to another.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an autonomous federal body that provides financial assistance for over 20% of all research projects carried out at American higher education institutions. The present approval rating is at roughly 28% . The National Science Foundation (NSF) has a limited practice of providing funding to foreign organizations. However, they do evaluate and support joint research projects that involve both international and domestic institutions.
CRDF Global, previously called Newton’s List, provides funding for research in civilian-focused science, entrepreneurship, and the natural and social sciences. CRDF Global promotes international scientific collaboration by offering a platform for individuals seeking grants and organizations providing funding. This website is valuable for individuals seeking funding possibilities on a global scale and for organizations promoting grants to a worldwide audience.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Office of Extramural Research
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary financial provider for global biomedical research. The database encompasses a diverse array of search options. Nevertheless, as a result of constrained finances, the availability of funding from this organization is very competitive, with a success rate of 18% during the previous five years
References
Kostos, David. Scientific Research Funding: 10 Grant Application Sources Worth Your Time. JoVE. July 2016. https://www.jove.com/blog/scientist-blog/scientific-research-funding-10-grant-application-sources-worth-your-time/.
Powell, K. The best-kept secrets to winning grants. Nature 545, 399–402 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/545399a.
Tachibana, Chris. Beyond government grants: Widening your funding net. Science. September 2018. https://www.science.org/features/2018/09/beyond-government-grants-widening-your-funding-net.
Yeager, Ashley. Seven ways to boost your chances of funding. American Psychological Association. July/August 2017. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/07-08/boost-funding.
