Author: NCFDD
Ahead of the start of our new Rethinking Your Research Funding course, we’re spotlighting the experts who helped shape the curriculum. Franco Montalto, PhD, is one such contributor, bringing extensive experience working across federal, state, local, and industry-funded projects.
Franco is a Professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at Drexel University. His work bridges environmental engineering, sustainability, and applied policy, and he has collaborated with agencies and partners ranging from the National Science Foundation to the Philadelphia Water Department.
In this Q&A, Franco shares how different types of funders shape the work, what makes industry partnerships distinct, and why relationships are just as important as dollars in building a sustainable research career.
Q: Can you talk about your experience with federal grants and what you’ve learned from that process?
A: “Much of my career has been spent applying for federal grants, and that process has really taught me patience and perseverance. The review cycles are long, there’s often resubmissions, and you don’t always succeed the first time. But even when a proposal isn’t funded, the process forces you to clarify your ideas and refine your questions. Those lessons have been invaluable.”
Q: How has working with foundations or local governments compared to federal funding?
A: “Federal grants are important, but they’re not the only option. I’ve also worked with foundations and local governments, and those experiences push you to think differently. A foundation might be more focused on immediate application or alignment with a specific mission. Local and state agencies may want solutions that can be implemented quickly. Each type of funding has its own rhythm and expectations, and navigating that diversity has helped me stay flexible.”
Q: You’ve also had experience with industry partners. What has that been like?
A: “With industry, the challenge is often that their priorities can shift midstream. You may begin a project with one set of goals, and then six months in, they’re pivoting in another direction. That requires you to adapt without compromising your own research integrity. It’s different from federal agencies, where the process is slow but relatively stable. Industry partnerships are more dynamic, and that can be both a challenge and an opportunity.”
Q: Can you share an example of a project that illustrates this applied, collaborative approach?
A: “In the city of Philadelphia, we had, for a number of years, funding from the Philadelphia Water Department for what they called their green infrastructure living laboratory. We were doing research for them on green infrastructure. It was a collaborative way of doing research that connected academic expertise with real-world municipal needs.”
Q: What advice would you give faculty who are feeling discouraged about the grant process?
A: “Don’t get discouraged. Keep trying, keep submitting, and recognize that a rejection doesn’t mean your idea isn’t worthwhile. Sometimes it’s about finding the right fit — the right funder, the right timing, or the right framing. I’ve had proposals turned down multiple times before eventually getting funded. Along the way, I’ve built relationships and networks that have led to opportunities I wouldn’t have imagined at the start. Persistence really matters. And honestly, the people — the collaborators, the connections — are what make the work meaningful.”
Rethinking Your Own Funding Journey
Franco’s reflections highlight that research funding is not just about proposals and budgets — it’s about persistence, adaptability, and collaboration. From federal agencies to foundations, local governments, and industry partners, his experiences underscore the importance of staying flexible and building strong networks to sustain your work over time.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your own funding journey, join us for the new Rethinking Your Research Funding course, where experts like Franco share strategies and insights to help you build a resilient and diversified funding portfolio.
The inaugural course kicks off October 6, 2025. Registration is open now.