Finding Funding

Basic tips for identifying funding opportunities

Start early and plan ahead: Think about your current and long-term funding needs. Mark your calendar with deadlines.

Network: Talk to mentors and other researchers in your field.

Use both broad and narrow search terms: For example, search "arthritis" as well as "autoimmune diseases."

Check your professional society: Many societies and organizations post funding opportunities on their websites.

Look at recently published papers in your field: Look for funding sources of similar research and/or ask authors.

Subscribe to email lists: Most databases and funding agencies offer listservs for email alerts.

What to do before you apply

Read announcements and guidelines carefully
Check eligibility requirements and determine if your research matches the funder's mission and goals.

Find out who and what this particular funder has supported in the past
Past awardees are usually posted on the funder's website. If not, contact the funder and ask for this information.

Contact the funder's program officer
Double-check your eligibility and ensure you have the most accurate and recent funding announcement.

Inform your supervisor and/or department chair about your decision to apply
Some funders and funding opportunities--career development awards, private foundations, and others--require the written approval of a department chairperson.