How Do I Find Funding Opportunities?

Just as Harvard is a complex environment to navigate, each federal agency and private sponsor that provides research funding has unique missions, goals, and program guidelines. In general, finding funding opportunities involves identifying the sponsors and programs whose missions and goals are aligned with your research interests, reviewing abstracts of funded projects in the program that interests you, and talking with and getting feedback from program officers about how your project may align with their program’s mission, strategic priorities and goals. Learning the priorities and programs of sponsors and developing grant applications that align with these priorities is essential. Asking advice of colleagues on campus and elsewhere who have been funded in your discipline, establishing a relationship with relevant program officers, and serving as a grant panel reviewer all will increase your chances of success.

All faculty may make an individual appointment with FAS Research Development to discuss their funding interests and needs. A member of the Research Development team will meet with you to discuss your research program and available resources – and will also conduct a customized funding search based on your needs. To request Research Development support or arrange an appointment, email research_development@fas.harvard.edu.

Additionally, notable funding opportunities with upcoming deadlines are posted in our Funding Spotlight.