A practical map for faculty and research development staff: which source covers what, and how to stop missing deadlines.
1. Your institution's funding database
Most research universities license one: Pivot-RP, GrantForward, Cayuse Fund Finder, InfoEd SPIN or Atom Grants. Build a profile, save three to five searches and turn on weekly alerts. Compare the tools.
2. Free federal sources
Grants.gov / Simpler.Grants.gov: Open federal opportunities. Simpler.Grants.gov is scheduled to replace legacy Grants.gov in 2027 (per its roadmap).
NIH RePORTER: Projects NIH has already funded: who, what, how much.
Candid Foundation Directory: Foundation and corporate grantmakers (subscription; free at Candid partner libraries).
3. Limited submissions
Some sponsors cap applications per institution. Your research office runs an internal competition for these, often managed in software like InfoReady. Check your office's limited-submission page every term.
4. Beyond federal funding
Foundations, industry and corporate partners matter more as federal budgets tighten. See the options.
Questions
How do I find research funding opportunities?
Start with your institution's licensed funding database (Pivot-RP, GrantForward, Fund Finder, SPIN or similar) and set up saved searches and weekly alerts. Add Grants.gov / Simpler.Grants.gov for federal calls, and talk to your research development office about limited submissions and foundation or industry sources.
What's the difference between Grants.gov and a funding database?
Grants.gov covers federal opportunities only. Licensed funding databases add foundations, corporations, state and international sponsors, plus researcher profiles and alerts.