Sources of Research Funding

Federal Funding

National Science Foundation (NSF): The website allows users to search for active funding opportunities based on topics relevant to your research. The browse option, allows for appraisal within the various categories of available research funding. The NSF funds research in all areas (except for medical/health) of fundamental science and engineering, education, and basic life science. The NSF is organized into several categories covering broad areas of research, and each category has several "divisions," or more specialized topics. It's important to identify which categories and divisions are relevant for your research.

National Institutes of Health (NIH): You can search for active funding opportunities and gain direction for application procedures within the NIH website. The NIH specifically focuses on both basic and applied research that has medical or health relevance. It is important to identify which institute(s) within the NIH are most appropriate for your project. Additionally, below is a link to help develop proposals and tips for grant writing through the NIH.

NIH Resources for Grant Writing https://grants.nih.gov/grants/how-to-apply-application-guide/format-and-write/write-your-application.htm

NIH or NSF? The NIH serves to prevent, diagnose, or treat disease. The NSF funds more basic research related to natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Philanthropic Funding and Professional Societies

Particularly in the translational life sciences, research is increasingly being supported through funding from philanthropic foundations. In order to identify appropriate funding, it is important to find overlaps in the foundation's mission and funding focus with your project. Examples of Philanthropic and Professional Societies Foundations include:

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) - science education and biomedical research.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) - health and health care.

William and Flora Hewlett Foundation - education, environment, global development and population.

Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation - environmental conservation, patient care and science.

W.M. Keck Foundation - science, engineering, medical research, and undergraduate education.

David and Lucile Packard Foundation - improving the lives of children, science, reproductive health, and conservation.

The Kavli Foundation - astrophysics, nanoscience, neuroscience and theoretical physics.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - global health and development.

Rockefeller Foundation - advance health, revalue ecosystems, secure livelihoods, and transform cities.

Hanover College Faculty Development - Grant Funding

Hanover College Internal Grant Funding Guide