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External Funding

Finding prospective funding sources for specific projects is more of an art than a science.

There are two general models through which project support is made available:

Learn to Search Funding Databases Efficiently

The University Libraries offer excellent workshops on how to search for funding and reference databases. Watch for Fall/Spring announcements.

Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

Use the following databases and websites to find RFPs in your area:

• NAVIGATE: The CLA Grants Team Database
  This database was developed by the CLA Grants Team. It contains thousands of opportunities for fellowships and grants in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Keyword and free-text searchable. Includes some graduate student opportunities.
• Searchable Databases – SPIN, COS, IRIS, H-Net
• Federal Government websites and databases
• State of Minnesota websites
• Websites with funding guides for specific areas and disciplines
• Websites of other organizations with information

Pursuing Development Support/Foundation Funding

Development Support/Foundation Funding
A development-informed model is used to identify and approach foundations that fund research and programs but do not issue RFPs. This model is predicated on communication between the faculty member and the organization or foundation, which often takes place over a period of time. The faculty member researches an organization's funding priorities and then makes contact with a program officer to discuss his/her particular project. If given the "go-ahead," the faculty member then produces a proposal.

As you search the database for external research and fellowship opportunities, be sure to double-check the accuracy of the deadlines listed with the sponsor website.

CLA Funding Levels and Trends

Funding Overview (XLS)