How to Find Grants That Fit Your Needs

I need funding for my research. Where do I start?

Securing the right grant can make a significant difference in advancing your academic and research goals as a graduate student. However, with so many options available, finding the right fit for your specific needs can be overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies to help you navigate the world of grants and identify funding opportunities that align with your academic focus.

This blog post is an excerpt of our latest white paper titled “Navigating Grant Writing and Funding Opportunities for Graduate Students.” If you like what you read here, consider downloading the whitepaper at the link below for FREE.

There are several types of funding sources for grants available to individuals, organizations, and institutions. Below are just a few examples of the types of funding sources available for grants. It’s important to keep in mind that each funding source may have specific requirements, application procedures, and deadlines that applicants need to adhere to when applying for grants. Research and identify potential funding opportunities that align with your project goals, objectives, and eligibility criteria.

Grants from Government Agencies

Government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels often provide grants to support a wide range of initiatives, including scientific research, education, healthcare, community development, environmental conservation, and social services. Examples include the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Education, and Department of Health and Human Services. Grants.gov is the official website for finding and applying for federal grants in the United States. It offers a centralized database of grant opportunities from various federal agencies, allowing users to search and apply for grants online.

Grants from Private Foundations

Private foundations are charitable organizations that provide grants to support various causes and initiatives aligned with their mission and priorities. Foundations may focus on specific areas such as education, health, environment, arts and culture, social justice, or international development. Examples include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Foundation Directory Online (FDO) is a subscription-based database provided by Candid (formerly Foundation Center) that offers access to information on grant-makers, grants, and funding opportunities from foundations, corporate giving programs, and public charities worldwide. It includes detailed profiles of grantmaking organizations, funding priorities, and past grant awards.

Corporate Grants

Many corporations and businesses have philanthropic arms or corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that provide grants to support community projects, nonprofit organizations, and initiatives that align with their corporate values and objectives. Corporate grants may support areas such as education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment.

Grants from Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations may offer grants to support projects and programs that align with their mission and objectives. These grants may be funded through donations, fundraising events, or endowment funds. Nonprofit organizations may focus on specific causes or populations, such as youth development, poverty alleviation, healthcare access, or animal welfare. FundsforNGOs.org is an online platform that provides access to funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations, NGOs, and social enterprises worldwide. It offers a database of grants, fellowships, awards, and other funding opportunities, as well as resources and guides for fundraising and grant writing.

Grants from Universities and Research Institutions

Universities, colleges, and research institutions often offer grants to support faculty research, student projects, and academic initiatives. These grants may be funded through institutional funds, research grants, endowments, or partnerships with external funding agencies. Universities may also offer scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid to support graduate students. Pivot (formerly COS Pivot) is a subscription-based database provided by ProQuest (sometimes accessible through university libraries) that offers access to a comprehensive database of funding opportunities, including grants, fellowships, scholarships, and awards from government agencies, private foundations, corporations, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. It allows users to search for funding opportunities based on keywords, disciplines, and eligibility criteria.

Grants from International Organizations

International organizations such as the United Nations (UN), World Bank, and European Union (EU) may provide grants to support development projects, humanitarian aid, research initiatives, and capacity-building efforts in various countries around the world. These grants may be aimed at addressing global challenges such as poverty, hunger, disease, conflict, and climate change.

Are there websites that list grants from all over?

Yes! Along with the previous sources and websites, you can also find funding opportunities through the following websites:

• GrantForward.com is an online platform that provides access to a database of funding opportunities for researchers, scholars, and institutions. It offers personalized grant recommendations based on user profiles and research interests, as well as advanced search filters and alerts for new funding opportunities.
• GrantStation is a subscription-based platform that provides access to a database of grant funding opportunities, as well as resources and tools for grant seekers. It offers curated lists of grants, searchable by keyword, geographic area, and funding focus areas, along with grant writing resources and tutorials.
• Research Professional is an online platform that provides access to a database of funding opportunities for researchers and institutions worldwide. It offers a wide range of funding opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and other organizations, along with news, analysis, and funding insights.

This blog post is an excerpt of our latest white paper titled “Navigating Grant Writing and Funding Opportunities for Graduate Students.” If you like what you read here, consider downloading the whitepaper at the link below for FREE.