Now that you have a project in mind and the IRB has approved your proposal, you will need to locate funding for your venture. Pursuing funding externally is a competitive task, further complicated by the fact that many philanthropic and foundational grantors prefer to award grants to non-profit organizations. This is understandable, as non-profits tend to engage in projects that will seek to have an immediate positive impact on the population being served. However, the research faculty pursues also serves multifaceted and valuable purposes. As such, various organizations periodically align themselves with KSU, thus opening the door for external funding opportunities, as appropriate. There are also prospects for funding when certain governmental agencies request proposals. Nevertheless, such opportunities remain difficult to secure unless you can make your proposal stand out among many. Therefore, it is most likely in the faculty members best interest to first consider whether pursuing internal funding is an applicable option. If it is not, utilizing the Sponsored Programs Office will aid your chances at successfully securing the needed funding. Lastly, you can apply for external grants that are relevant to your expressed goals, if the granting agency is requesting proposals from individuals or institution-affiliated researchers. Below you will find a step-by-step description of the funding process, along with relevant and useful links to more information.
Writing for Funding: Proposal Development
Obtaining funding is an incredibly competitive enterprise, and thus writing a proposal for funding that stands out is crucial. In addition to the necessity of ensuring you are approaching an appropriate grantor, and that the proposal you have developed meets minimum guidelines and expectations, you must also pen the proposal in a way that illuminates why your research project deserves consideration. The amount of proposals any given funding entity receives is incalculable, and as such, reviewers may pass yours over without reading it thoroughly is you haven't devised a way to capture their attention and appeal to their philanthropic interests. Below are a few resources to aid you in writing your proposal:
- KSU Sponsored Programs Office Services and Resources
- The Grantsmanship Center: offers information relative to training programs and public forums on grant reform and related issues, as well as community, state, federal, and international grant sources.
Internal Funding Sources
External Funding Sources
- KSU Sponsored Programs: A 'sponsored program' is any grant, cooperative agreement, or contract between the federal or state government or another sponsoring agency, and the University. Pre-award, the KSU Sponsored Programs Office can help you locate funding opportunities, comply with all agency regulations and guidelines, and provide assistance in applying for funding as well as preparing your budget. During the Post-Award period, the office will help get you started, and forward your award notification to Grants Accounting. Be sure to acquaint yourself with the University Policies Related to Sponsored Programs.
When Your Grant is Approved...Next Steps
Once you have secured funding for your research endeavor, it is essential that you understand how to manage the funds appropriately. Kent State University has developed an informative PowerPoint presentation on the Financial Management of Sponsored Programs (Grants and Contracts)
When your project has the go ahead and the Sponsored Programs Office has received notification of your award, the KSU Grants Accounting Office will set up an account for you. The Grants Accounting Forms page provides all the forms regarding expenditures and project contracting related to the use of grant funding.
Different Types of Sponsors
When seeking a sponsor for your research endeavor or other scholarly project, there are several options you may consider in your quest to secure funding. You should carefully consider which source best suits your needs as you prepare to apply for funding. The following opportunities are available to you:
Grants
See above at External Funding Sources
Gifts/Foundation
Various organizations, as well as corporate and government entities and private citizens routinely provide money and other gifts to the University. These are often earmarked for specific purposes. Gifts-in-kind, though not something you will generally seek independently, are sometimes offered by corporate, non-profit, and/or government entities, as well as capable and interested individuals. These are gifts of equipment or other resources that will assist you in conducting your research or carrying out your project. In most circumstances, the Sponsored Programs Office or the EHHS Research and Evaluation Bureau will inform you as to whether any such support or opportunities exist. Below is a list of some of the foundations that have funded EHHS faculty in the past.
NOTE: IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO SEEK FUNDING FROM THESE SOURCES UNLESS FIRST ENCOURAGED OR PERMITTED BY INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT, CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION RELATIONS OFFICE.
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
- More coming soon!
Contracts
KSU Sponsored Programs Forms Library: Includes proposal processing and financial administration forms.
For More Information
General Information Portal for Kent State University Research: The Division of Research and Graduate Studies homepage.
