How can you avoid common research funding pitfalls?

1 Know your options

One of the first steps to avoid funding pitfalls is to know what kind of funding is available and suitable for your research. There are many types of funding sources, such as government agencies, academic institutions, foundations, museums, libraries, archives, or private donors. Each source may have different criteria, deadlines, requirements, and expectations for your research. You should research the funding landscape thoroughly and identify the sources that match your research topic, scope, goals, and budget. You should also diversify your funding sources and apply for multiple opportunities to increase your odds of success.

2 Follow the guidelines

Another crucial step to avoid funding pitfalls is to follow the guidelines and instructions of each funding source carefully. You should read and understand the eligibility criteria, the application process, the evaluation criteria, the reporting requirements, and the terms and conditions of each funding opportunity. You should also adhere to the formatting, word count, and submission standards of each application. Failing to follow the guidelines can result in your application being rejected, delayed, or disqualified. You should also proofread and edit your application for clarity, accuracy, and consistency before submitting it.

3 Write a compelling proposal

A third important step to avoid funding pitfalls is to write a compelling and persuasive proposal that showcases the significance, originality, feasibility, and impact of your research. You should tailor your proposal to the specific funding source and audience, and address their goals, interests, and expectations. You should also provide a clear and concise research question, a comprehensive literature review, a coherent methodology, a realistic timeline, a detailed budget, and a strong justification for your funding request. You should also highlight your qualifications, credentials, and achievements as a researcher, and demonstrate how your research will contribute to the advancement of historical knowledge and public benefit.

4 Seek feedback and support

A fourth helpful step to avoid funding pitfalls is to seek feedback and support from others who have experience or expertise in historical research and funding. You can ask for advice, guidance, or recommendations from your mentors, peers, colleagues, or other researchers who have successfully obtained funding for similar projects. You can also ask them to review, critique, or edit your proposal and provide constructive suggestions for improvement. You can also seek support from your institution, organization, or network, and leverage their resources, facilities, or connections to strengthen your research and funding prospects.

5 Be flexible and resilient

A final essential step to avoid funding pitfalls is to be flexible and resilient in the face of challenges, uncertainties, and rejections. You should be prepared to adapt and adjust your research plan, budget, or timeline according to the availability, conditions, or limitations of the funding sources. You should also be prepared to cope with the possibility of not getting funded, or getting less funding than you requested. You should not take rejections personally, but rather learn from them and use them as opportunities to improve your research and funding skills. You should also persist and keep applying for other funding opportunities until you achieve your research goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?