Finding external funding is easier when you start with the right search tools and sponsor categories. Use the resources below to identify opportunities that match your discipline, project goals, and career stage.
Start with Funding Search Tools
- Grants.gov
Search for federal funding opportunities across agencies using keywords, eligibility criteria, and category filters.
- Pivot
A comprehensive funding database that helps faculty identify opportunities from federal agencies, foundations, associations, and other sponsors. Contact ORSP if you need help accessing or using PIVOT-RP.
Common Federal Sponsors
Many faculty begin with the major federal agencies most closely aligned with their field:
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
Supports research and education across science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and the social sciences.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Supports biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and public health research.
- National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
Supports humanities research, education, preservation, and public programs.
- National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
Supports creative activity, arts education, public engagement, and community-based arts initiatives.
- Department of Energy (DOE)
Supports research in energy, physics, engineering, environmental science, and computational research.
- NASA
Supports research in space science, Earth systems, engineering, and technology development.
- U.S. Department of Education
Supports projects in education research, student success, teacher preparation, and institutional development.
Other Federal Agencies
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Supports research in agriculture, food systems, natural resources, sustainability, and rural communities.
- U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)
Includes opportunities through programs such as EDA, NIST, and NOAA.
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
Supports research in engineering, computing, materials science, and defense-related technologies.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Includes funding related to health, human services, and community-based research.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Supports projects related to environmental protection, sustainability, and public health.
- Fulbright Scholar Program
Supports international research, teaching, and scholarly exchange.
- U.S. Department of State
Supports international education, exchange, and global engagement programs.
State, Foundation, and Non-Federal Funding
In addition to federal agencies, many funding opportunities are available through state programs, foundations, and nonprofit organizations. These sources often support applied research, pilot projects, community partnerships, and humanities or arts-based work.
How ORSP Can Help
ORSP can help you identify appropriate funding opportunities, interpret solicitation guidelines, and plan next steps for proposal development. If you have found a promising opportunity, contact ORSP early so we can help you assess fit, timeline, and submission requirements.