Securing research funding has always required persistence, but for many faculty, the process now feels increasingly solitary and increasingly uncertain. Traditional sources of support, like federal grants, are harder to access. Research offices are overextended. And the work of identifying funders, tailoring proposals, and navigating institutional requirements often falls squarely on individual shoulders.
The result? Faculty are doing high-stakes work without the scaffolding they need. Not because the support doesn’t exist, but because it’s too often fragmented or ad hoc.
What’s becoming clear is that a different approach is needed. One that is rooted in community.
A Shift from Solo Effort to Shared Strategy
While many researchers are used to going it alone, there’s growing recognition that funding success is more sustainable when it’s supported by structure and peer engagement. That shift starts by acknowledging that funding isn’t just a transactional process: it’s a strategic one. And like any strategic endeavor, it benefits from reflection, planning, and connection.
Some of the most effective models emerging today emphasize:
- Collaborative learning: When faculty from different disciplines come together to share insights, they surface new strategies and broaden each other’s understanding of what’s possible.
- Peer accountability: It’s easier to stay focused on long-term goals when you’re part of a group that’s moving forward together.
- Shared templates and tools: Having access to proven frameworks can accelerate progress and reduce decision fatigue.
Beyond Federal Dollars: Community is the Catalyst
Faculty know how to write. They know how to design compelling research. What’s often missing is the support to adapt those strengths to a changing funding environment.
As federal grants become more competitive and harder to secure, faculty are increasingly looking toward alternative sources—foundations, local government, industry partners, internal seed funding. But these calls often come with narrower scopes, tighter timelines, and expectations that the research be immediately applicable. Navigating that shift takes more than individual effort. It requires space to rethink strategy, experiment with new approaches, and hear how others are making it work.
That’s where community becomes a powerful tool, not just for moral support, but for tactical insight. Hearing how a colleague broke their research into smaller aims to fit a foundation call, or how someone else approached a pitch to a local nonprofit, makes the process more accessible. It builds collective momentum. And in a landscape where no one-size-fits-all solution exists, that shared learning can be the difference between spinning your wheels and making real progress.
Community as Infrastructure
The reality is that most faculty aren’t lacking talent or drive. In truth, they’re lacking support systems that help them adapt to a changing funding landscape. And while research offices play a vital role, they can’t do it all alone.
That’s where peer communities can fill the gap. When faculty have a space to connect, share strategies, and learn from others navigating similar challenges, they’re not just more informed, they’re more equipped to act. Community becomes a site of learning, accountability, and momentum.
In today’s funding environment, that kind of shared infrastructure isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
Taking the Next Step: Structured Support for Funding Success
Community can transform how faculty approach research funding, but structure matters too. That’s why we developed the Rethinking Your Research Funding course. This four-week program provides a dedicated space for faculty to expand their funding toolkit, connect with peers across disciplines, and practice strategies that move beyond traditional federal pipelines.
Participants walk away with:
- A clear framework for diversifying funding sources
- Practical tools and templates to streamline the proposal process.
- A supportive peer community for accountability and shared learning.
If you’re ready to move from isolated effort to a more strategic, community-driven approach, learn more about the course here.