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 SourceThe Web

Search EnginesAgency/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

www.research.fsu.edu

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 ClimateOverall, proposals are increasing and dollars are decreasing

At NSF & NIH, less than 20% of proposals are awarded (11% success at NIH for 1st 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 email

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 32306-1330 bhodges@fsu.edu (850) 644-2257 (850) 645-0108 (FAX)