How have you found new funding sources for research?

1 Identify and prioritize your research goals and needs

Before you start looking for new funding sources, you need to have a clear idea of what your research goals and needs are. What are the main questions or problems you want to address? What are the expected outcomes and impacts of your research? How much funding do you need and for how long? What are the specific requirements and constraints of your research project? By answering these questions, you can define your research scope, budget, timeline, and deliverables. This will help you narrow down your funding options and focus on the most relevant and feasible ones.

2 Research and network with potential funders and collaborators

Once you have identified your research goals and needs, you need to research and network with potential funders and collaborators. There are many sources of funding for research, such as government agencies, foundations, corporations, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and individual donors. You can use online databases, newsletters, websites, social media, and publications to find out about the funding opportunities and criteria of different funders. You can also network with other researchers, colleagues, mentors, alumni, and experts in your field to learn about their experiences, recommendations, and contacts. By doing this, you can discover new funding sources, establish connections, and build trust with funders and collaborators.

3 Craft and tailor your proposals and pitches

After you have researched and networked with potential funders and collaborators, you need to craft and tailor your proposals and pitches. A proposal is a detailed document that outlines your research project, objectives, methods, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes. A pitch is a brief presentation that summarizes your proposal and highlights its value and relevance. You need to craft your proposals and pitches according to the guidelines and expectations of each funder. You also need to tailor them to the specific interests, needs, and goals of each funder. You need to show how your research aligns with their mission, vision, and priorities. You need to demonstrate your credibility, competence, and uniqueness as a researcher. You need to persuade them that your research is worth funding and supporting.

4 Follow up and maintain relationships with funders and partners

After you have submitted your proposals and pitches, you need to follow up and maintain relationships with funders and partners. You need to keep them informed about the status and progress of your research project. You need to acknowledge their contributions and feedback. You need to report on your achievements and challenges. You need to show them the results and impacts of your research. You need to thank them for their support and collaboration. By doing this, you can show your appreciation, professionalism, and accountability as a researcher. You can also increase your chances of securing future funding and partnership opportunities.

5 Diversify and leverage your funding sources and opportunities

Finally, you need to diversify and leverage your funding sources and opportunities. You need to explore different types of funding, such as grants, contracts, fellowships, scholarships, awards, donations, sponsorships, crowdfunding, and in-kind support. You need to seek funding from different sectors, such as public, private, non-profit, and international. You need to combine funding from different sources, such as matching, co-funding, or consortium funding. You need to leverage your funding to access other resources, such as facilities, equipment, data, expertise, or networks. By doing this, you can increase your funding options and flexibility. You can also enhance your research quality and impact.

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?