Securing research funding is a high-stakes process for faculty. Whether you are applying for your first major grant or working to sustain a long-term project, the time and energy you invest is significant, and competition continues to rise.
Before starting your next proposal, asking the right questions can help you focus your efforts, strengthen your application, and avoid common pitfalls. Here are five questions to consider.
1. Do I fully understand the funder’s mission and priorities?
Every funding source has specific goals, even when they seem broad on the surface. Proposals often fail not because the research is weak, but because it is not clearly aligned with what the funder is looking for right now.
What to do:
- Review the funder’s most recent calls, awarded grants, and public statements.
- Identify exactly where your project connects to their stated goals.
- Use their language authentically in your proposal.
2. Have I explored funding sources beyond the usual suspects?
While federal agencies are a primary source of research support, they are far from the only option. Foundations, corporations, local and state governments, and community organizations also fund impactful projects, often with less competition than large national grants.
What to do:
- Create a running list of mission-aligned funders outside federal channels.
- Look for opportunities where your work addresses a problem they care about.
- Build relationships before you submit because introductions matter.
3. Is my project scope realistic for the timeline and budget?
Reviewers can quickly identify an overextended project plan. Asking for too much or too little can weaken your credibility.
What to do:
- Break your research into clear, fundable phases.
- Ensure your budget directly supports the scope you have defined.
- Leave room for flexibility because unexpected changes happen.
4. Have I identified the right collaborators and supporters?
Funders want to see that your project has the right team to succeed. This includes not only co-PIs, but also mentors, community partners, and advocates who can strengthen your case.
What to do:
- Map out your professional network to identify who can contribute expertise.
- Secure letters of support that clearly connect each person’s role to the project’s success.
- Consider collaborators outside your discipline to broaden impact.
5. Do I have a clear outreach and impact plan?
Funders increasingly expect researchers to show how their work will reach beyond academic audiences. A strong dissemination plan can set your proposal apart.
What to do:
- Identify target audiences beyond the academy, such as policymakers, practitioners, industry leaders, or the public.
- Plan for specific outreach methods, from policy briefs to public talks.
- Show how your project’s outcomes will have measurable, real-world benefits.
Position Yourself for Success
Asking these questions before each grant cycle ensures you are not just chasing funding, but pursuing the right opportunities with a clear and compelling case.
If you are ready to take a more strategic approach to securing research support, join us for Rethinking Your Research Funding, a four-week virtual course led by funding experts with experience in foundations, corporate partnerships, and government grants. This course is designed to help faculty move beyond relying solely on federal funding by exploring the full spectrum of funding opportunities available.
Through interactive sessions and guided exercises, you will:
- Understand the alternative funding landscape and how it aligns with your research goals
- Rethink your funding approach to position your work for a broader range of audiences
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with funders to sustain long-term support
- Use strategic planning tools, including a mentor map, to strengthen your funding network and next steps
The first course begins October 6, 2025. Registration is now open.