When seeking funding for research, it's important to align your career stage, research area, and the type of funding you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown to help you identify appropriate funding sources:

1. Understand Your Career Stage

• Early Career Researcher / Graduate Student


• Focus on small grants, travel grants, or foundations that support early-stage researchers.


• Postdoctoral Researcher


• Look for postdoctoral fellowships or grants that allow independent research or collaborative projects.


• Established Researcher / Faculty


• Aim for larger grants from governmental bodies, established institutions, or foundation grants that support significant projects or long-term research.

2. Identify Your Research Area

• Clarify your research field (e.g., STEM, social sciences, humanities, etc.) as some organizations specialize in specific disciplines.

3. Funding Sources by Category

Government Agencies

• National Institutes of Health (NIH): For health-related research.


• National Science Foundation (NSF): For projects in science, engineering, and education.


• Department of Defense (DoD): For research with defense applications.


• National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH): For humanities research.

Foundation Grants

• Howard G. Buffett Foundation: Focus on various issues like peace, conflict resolution, and global food security.


• Sloan Research Fellowship: For early-career scientists.


• Gates Foundation: Offers grants for innovative solutions in global health and education.

Industry Partnerships

• Seek funding from companies that are interested in research that aligns with their business objectives.


• Look for sponsored research agreements with companies in your field.

4. Types of Funding Opportunities

• Fellowships: For individual researchers (e.g., Fulbright, NIH F32).


• Grants: For projects (e.g., NSF CAREER program for early-career faculty).


• Scholarships: If applicable, especially for undergraduate or graduate students.


• Crowdfunding: Platforms like Experiment.com for research projects.

Research Networks and Societies

• Join professional associations in your field which often provide grant opportunities for members (e.g., American Psychological Association, IEEE).

5. Resources for Finding Funding

• Grants.gov: For federal funding opportunities.


• Foundation Center: For private foundations and grants.


• Research Professional: Subscription service for finding grants.


• University Research Offices: They often have lists of available grants and can provide support.

6. Tips for Finding and Applying for Funding

• Networking: Connect with peers and mentors who can guide you.


• Customize Applications: Tailor each application to the specific funding agency’s priorities.


• Start Early: Finding and applying for funding can be time-consuming.


• Feedback: Get input on your proposals from colleagues or experienced researchers.

Conclusion

Identify your career stage and research area, and use the above pointers to locate funding sources. Building a strong proposal and networking with potential funders is just as crucial as finding the right funding opportunities. Good luck!