Author: NCFDD
As we continue exploring the complexities of navigating uncertainty in academia, our second webinar in the Navigating Uncertainty series focused on one of the most pressing concerns for faculty: research funding. In this session, we examined how faculty can adapt to shifting funding landscapes, identify new opportunities, and leverage both institutional support and external resources to stay resilient.
Throughout the discussion, we heard from a panel of experts—Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, Dr. Franco Montalto, and Dr. Jolie Sheffer—who shared their insights on how faculty can secure research funding, adapt to new funding priorities, and tap into institutional support to thrive in these uncertain times.
Key Strategies for Securing Research Funding
Securing funding requires flexibility and innovation, now more than ever. Faculty must look beyond traditional funding sources, consider new approaches to grant writing, and tap into smaller opportunities that may provide immediate support. Here are some key strategies for navigating the funding landscape in this uncertain environment:
Diversify Your Funding Sources
One of the most important strategies for managing uncertainty is diversification. Relying solely on traditional federal funding can leave faculty vulnerable to changes in government priorities or funding freezes. Exploring a wider range of funding sources, including private foundations, local government grants, and even community-based organizations, is essential. Many of these sources may offer more flexibility and be less affected by federal changes. In addition, tapping into smaller, often overlooked funding opportunities can provide the resources needed to keep projects moving forward while larger grants are pursued.
Look Beyond the Usual Funding Sources
Another key approach is to look beyond the usual suspects. While federal funding remains crucial for many researchers, it’s important to explore other avenues—such as state and regional philanthropic organizations—that might be more reliable during times of uncertainty. These smaller-scale funding opportunities can often support research in ways that traditional federal grants cannot, offering a different set of expectations and deliverables that may align better with current research needs.
Focus on Smaller Grants for Stability
Smaller operational grants can be just as valuable in times of uncertainty. While they might not have the prestige of large federal awards, they can offer the stability needed to maintain research momentum. These grants can help support ongoing projects and allow faculty to continue their work immediately without the pressure of securing large-scale funding. The key here is to expand your definition of success and consider operational funding a legitimate and necessary part of the research process.
Navigating Changes in Grant Proposal Language
As funding priorities shift, faculty must adapt how they present their research to align with new funding expectations. This requires flexibility in language, focusing on what’s important to funders while maintaining the core of your research. Here’s how to adjust your grant proposals to remain competitive:
Adapt Your Language to Match Funding Priorities
Shifting political and funding priorities means that faculty must be flexible in presenting their work. One of the most effective ways to increase your chances of success is to align your grant proposals with the language and priorities of the funding bodies. This doesn’t mean changing your research, but instead adjusting how you describe its impact and relevance to current societal challenges. Being clear, concise, and responsive to the funding agency’s priorities can make your proposal stand out and show that you’re in tune with the broader academic and political landscape.
Precision in Your Proposals
As the funding environment evolves, the need for clarity in proposals becomes even more important. Funders want to see specific, measurable outcomes. Rather than broad, generalized goals, research proposals should outline precise objectives and timelines. This helps funders better understand the potential impact of your research and how it fits into their funding priorities. By being specific and focused, you can increase the likelihood of securing funding.
Institutional Support: How Can Institutions Help?
Institutions play a vital role in helping faculty navigate uncertainty. While external funding is important, institutional support can be just as crucial to keeping research on track. Here’s how institutions can help:
Invest in Faculty Development
Beyond external funding, institutions play a critical role in supporting faculty during uncertain times. Offering targeted faculty development opportunities, such as writing retreats, mentorship programs, and collaborative workshops, can help researchers stay productive and motivated. These programs help faculty build the skills and networks they need to succeed in an uncertain funding environment. Internal seed grants can also help faculty gain initial traction for their research projects, setting them up for success when applying for larger grants.
Adjust Timelines for Tenure and Promotion
Uncertainty affects not only research but also career trajectories. As funding dries up, faculty may struggle to meet the benchmarks required for tenure and promotion. Institutions should consider providing more flexibility in these timelines, understanding that the landscape has shifted and that faculty may need additional time and support to achieve their goals. Flexibility can help reduce the pressure on faculty and allow them to continue producing high-quality work despite external challenges.
Proactive Communication and Support
Finally, institutions should be proactive in supporting faculty. This means not only offering financial resources but also providing clear communication about available support. Faculty need to know that their institutions are on their side and willing to help them navigate these difficult times. Having a plan in place for how the institution will respond to funding cuts or shifts in priorities can help faculty feel more secure and better prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.
Leadership in Uncertain Times: Join Us on April 15
As we continue to explore uncertainty in higher education, we turn our attention to the role of academic leaders. On April 15, we will host another session, Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Ed: Approaches for Academic Leaders. This webinar will focus on how administrators can support their faculty, make critical decisions with limited resources, and lead their institutions through these challenges. We’ll discuss practical tools and strategies for leading with purpose, even when the path forward is unclear.
Register here for the April 15 session.
Moving Forward with Intentional Action
As we continue to navigate uncertainty, it’s clear that intentional action is essential. Whether you’re diversifying your funding sources, adapting your proposals to current priorities, or tapping into institutional support, every step forward counts.
What strategies will you implement today to navigate uncertainty in your academic career? Whether it’s applying for smaller grants, refining your research proposal language, or seeking additional support from your institution, the time to act is now.
For more insights from this session, check out the full recording.