Finding Funding
Grants.Gov is the federal government’s main gateway for discovering and applying for research funding, making it an essential tool for faculty who want to build their sponsored research portfolio. Instead of searching multiple federal agency websites, Grants.gov gathers all opportunities in one place, allowing you to filter by topic, agency, or eligibility so you can quickly find programs that match your research interests. For new faculty, this means less time spent searching and more time focusing on competitive proposals. Because it is the official source for all federal funding announcements, Grants.gov ensures that you are seeing accurate, up-to-date opportunities and deadlines, which is critical for planning and securing external support for your work.
Grants.Gov Account Setup
Grants.Gov Find Funding Guide
McNair Scholars (Funding for Graduate Students) page is a centralized resource that helps graduate students, especially those who are first-generation or from underrepresented backgrounds, find fellowships, scholarships, and research opportunities. It organizes funding options by discipline and links directly to application details, saving students time and effort. The site also highlights fee waivers from the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), which can reduce the cost of applying to graduate programs. For students new to the process, it’s an excellent starting point to explore financial support and plan for graduate school success
SPIN (Sponsored Programs Information Network)
SPIN is your all-in-one funding search engine. With access to over 40,000 funding opportunities from federal agencies, foundations, nonprofits, and international sponsors, SPIN helps you cut through the noise and focus on opportunities that match your research expertise. Instead of spending hours browsing sponsor websites, SPIN delivers tailored results in minutes. You can:
- Create saved searches and automated alerts.
- Filter results by eligibility, deadlines, and discipline.
- Export and share results with collaborators or OSP.
For faculty—especially those balancing research with heavy teaching loads—SPIN is a time-saver and opportunity generator.
GrantSearch (Grants Resource Center – GRC)GrantSearch is a curated, user-friendly database perfect for new and experienced faculty alike. Managed by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), it focuses on funding opportunities relevant to teaching-intensive and mid-sized research institutions. GrantSearch offers:
- Concise, easy-to-read summaries (less overwhelming than federal NOFOs).
- A mix of federal and private sponsors.
- Simple keyword and category search tools ideal for grant seekers who are new to the process.
GrantSearch is especially valuable for new faculty who want a gentle introduction to funding searches without wading through overly technical databases.
