Finding Funding Presented by Beth Hodges FYAP Workshop May, 2013
Today’s discussion Identifying Funding Sources & Partnerships Online demonstration funding databases Best Practices
Identifying Funding Sources
The half of knowledge is to know where to find knowledge.
Identifying a Funding Source The Web Search Engines Agency/Funding Sites Discussion with colleagues Researching where colleagues in your area are obtaining funding
Using the WWW for Funding Searches FSU has resources available on the Office of Research Website: InfoEd/Spin GrantForward Grants.gov Foundation Center Online Individual Agency Links Federal Register Limited Submission Site
Other Resources? The Office of Research Newsletter Research Development & Grant Writing News
Online Funding Databases
Why Use A Database One stop searching Can set up searches and alerts
Databases Available at FSU
Live Funding Search
Collaboration Database
Looking for Funding: Best Practices
Current Climate Overall, proposals are increasing and dollars are decreasing At NSF & NIH, less than 20% of proposals are awarded (11% success at NIH for 1 st time submitters) More than half (60%) of the proposals are rejected on the first reading because: 1.The proposal did not match the program 2.Applicant did not follow directions
What can be done to improve my odds? 1. Verify the Match 2. Follow the format provided by the sponsor and all instructions exactly* 3. Prove the importance of your project 4. Do not rely on one submission 5. Rule of Three
Grant Application Tips: Rule of Three Read the proposal thoroughly before you begin. If you are applying for a limited submission program, find out what the internal deadline is. Begin your work - Gathering supporting documents - Doing your Homework - Prove the Importance of your Project Final Steps - Have colleagues read your proposal - Edit, edit, edit - Submit in time for Internal reviews and approvals -
Preparing the Budget- Key Points Ask for what you Need Low ball budget undermines your credibility; you will appear naïve in the eyes of the reviewers and panel Same goes for an unrealistically high budget The reviewers and panelists are usually successful grants people. They know the costs of doing business
Other considerations… Team Building; establishing strategic partnerships, leveraging your expertise. Build relationships, respect & reputation Become a proposal reviewer Participate in seminars and conferences When talking to program officers Do not call to chat, keep comments professional Do not cold-call them; better to send an first; okay to attach a 1-2 page project summary
Finally… Be kind to your grants administrators
Questions or Assistance: Beth Hodges FSU Office of Research 3012 Westcott North Annex Building Tallahassee, FL (850) (850) (FAX)