how to research grant opportunities

The Ultimate Grant Writing Guide (and How to Find and Apply for Grants)

Securing grants requires strategic planning. Identifying relevant opportunities, building collaborations, and crafting a comprehensive grant proposal are crucial steps. Read our ultimate guide on grant writing, finding grants, and applying for grants to get the funding for your research.

Updated on February 22, 2024

Embarking on a journey of groundbreaking research and innovation always requires more than just passion and dedication, it demands financial support. In the academic and research domains, securing grants is a pivotal factor for transforming these ideas into tangible outcomes. 

Grant awards not only offer the backing needed for ambitious projects but also stand as a testament to the importance and potential impact of your work. The process of identifying, pursuing, and securing grants, however, is riddled with nuances that necessitate careful exploration. 

Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a budding academic, navigating this complex world of grants can be challenging, but we’re here to help. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps of applying for grants, providing expert tips and insights along the way.

Finding grant opportunities 

Prior to diving into the application phase, the process of finding grants involves researching and identifying those that are relevant and realistic to your project. While the initial step may seem as simple as entering a few keywords into a search engine, the full search phase takes a more thorough investigation.

By focusing efforts solely on the grants that align with your goals, this pre-application preparation streamlines the process while also increasing the likelihood of meeting all the requirements. In fact, having a well thought out plan and a clear understanding of the grants you seek both simplifies the entire activity and sets you and your team up for success.

Apply these steps when searching for appropriate grant opportunities:

1. Determine your need

Before embarking on the grant-seeking journey, clearly articulate why you need the funds and how they will be utilized. Understanding your financial requirements is crucial for effective grant research.

2. Know when you need the money

Grants operate on specific timelines with set award dates. Align your grant-seeking efforts with these timelines to enhance your chances of success.

3. Search strategically

Build a checklist of your most important, non-negotiable search criteria for quickly weeding out grant options that absolutely do not fit your project. Then, utilize the following resources to identify potential grants:

• Online directories
• Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Foundations

4. Develop a tracking tool

After familiarizing yourself with the criteria of each grant, including paperwork, deadlines, and award amounts, make a spreadsheet or use a project management tool to stay organized. Share this with your team to ensure that everyone can contribute to the grant cycle.

Here are a few popular grant management tools to try: 

• Jotform : spreadsheet template
• Airtable : table template
• Instrumentl : software
• Submit : software

Tips for Finding Research Grants

Consider large funding sources : Explore major agencies like NSF and NIH.

Reach out to experts : Consult experienced researchers and your institution's grant office.

Stay informed : Regularly check news in your field for novel funding sources.

Know agency requirements : Research and align your proposal with their requisites.

Ask questions : Use the available resources to get insights into the process.

Demonstrate expertise : Showcase your team's knowledge and background.

Neglect lesser-known sources : Cast a wide net to diversify opportunities.

Name drop reviewers : Prevent potential conflicts of interest.

Miss your chance : Find field-specific grant options.

Forget refinement : Improve proposal language, grammar, and clarity.

Ignore grant support services : Enhance the quality of your proposal.

Overlook co-investigators : Enhance your application by adding experience.

Grant collaboration 

Now that you’ve taken the initial step of identifying potential grant opportunities, it’s time to find collaborators. The application process is lengthy and arduous. It requires a diverse set of skills. This phase is crucial for success.

With their valuable expertise and unique perspectives, these collaborators play instrumental roles in navigating the complexities of grant writing. While exploring the judiciousness that goes into building these partnerships, we will underscore why collaboration is both advantageous and indispensable to the pursuit of securing grants.

Why is collaboration important to the grant process?

Some grant funding agencies outline collaboration as an outright requirement for acceptable applications. However, the condition is more implied with others. Funders may simply favor or seek out applications that represent multidisciplinary and multinational projects.

To get an idea of the types of collaboration major funders prefer, try searching “collaborative research grants” to uncover countless possibilities, such as:

• National Endowment for the Humanities
• American Brain Tumor Association

For exploring grants specifically for international collaboration, check out this blog:

• 30+ Research Funding Agencies That Support International Collaboration

Either way, proposing an interdisciplinary research project substantially increases your funding opportunities. Teaming up with multiple collaborators who offer diverse backgrounds and skill sets enhances the robustness of your research project and increases credibility.

This is especially true for early career researchers, who can leverage collaboration with industry, international, or community partners to boost their research profile. The key lies in recognizing the multifaceted advantages of collaboration in the context of obtaining funding and maximizing the impact of your research efforts.

How can I find collaborators?

Before embarking on the search for a collaborative partner, it's essential to crystallize your objectives for the grant proposal and identify the type of support needed. Ask yourself these questions: 

1)Which facet of the grant process do I need assistance with:

2) Is my knowledge lacking in a specific: 

• Population?

3) Do I have access to the necessary:

Use these questions to compile a detailed list of your needs and prioritize them based on magnitude and ramification. These preliminary step ensure that search for an ideal collaborator is focused and effective.

Once you identify targeted criteria for the most appropriate partners, it’s time to make your approach. While a practical starting point involves reaching out to peers, mentors, and other colleagues with shared interests and research goals, we encourage you to go outside your comfort zone.

Beyond the first line of potential collaborators exists a world of opportunities to expand your network. Uncover partnership possibilities by engaging with speakers and attendees at events, workshops, webinars, and conferences related to grant writing or your field.

Also, consider joining online communities that facilitate connections among grant writers and researchers. These communities offer a space to exchange ideas and information. Sites like Collaboratory , NIH RePorter , and upwork provide channels for canvassing and engaging with feasible collaborators who are good fits for your project. 

Like any other partnership, carefully weigh your vetted options before committing to a collaboration. Talk with individuals about their qualifications and experience, availability and work style, and terms for grant writing collaborations.

Transparency on both sides of this partnership is imperative to forging a positive work environment where goals, values, and expectations align for a strong grant proposal.

Putting together a winning grant proposal

It’s time to assemble the bulk of your grant application packet – the proposal itself. Each funder is unique in outlining the details for specific grants, but here are several elements fundamental to every proposal:

• Executive Summary
• Needs assessment
• Project description
• Evaluation plan
• Team introduction
• Sustainability plan 

This list of multi-faceted components may seem daunting, but careful research and planning will make it manageable. 

Start by reading about the grant funder to learn:

• What their mission and goals are,
• Which types of projects they have funded in the past, and
• How they evaluate and score applications.

Next, view sample applications to get a feel for the length, flow, and tone the evaluators are looking for. Many funders offer samples to peruse, like these from the NIH , while others are curated by online platforms , such as Grantstation.

Also, closely evaluate the grant application’s requirements. they vary between funding organizations and opportunities, and also from one grant cycle to the next. Take notes and make a checklist of these requirements to add to an Excel spreadsheet, Google smartsheet, or management system for organizing and tracking your grant process.

Finally, understand how you will submit the final grant application. Many funders use online portals with character or word limits for each section. Be aware of these limits beforehand. Simplify the editing process by first writing each section in a Word document to be copy and pasted into the corresponding submission fields.

If there is no online application platform, the funder will usually offer a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) to guide the structure of your grant proposal. The RFP: 

• Specifies page constraints
• Delineates specific sections
• Outlines additional attachments
• Provides other pertinent details

Components of a grant proposal

Cover letter.

Though not always explicitly requested, including a cover letter is a strategic maneuver that could be the factor determining whether or not grant funders engage with your proposal. It’s an opportunity to give your best first impression by grabbing the reviewer’s attention and compelling them to read further. 

Cover letters are not the place for excessive emotion or detail, keep it brief and direct, stating your financial needs and purpose confidently from the outset. Also, try to clearly demonstrate the connection between your project and the funder’s mission to create additional value beyond the formal proposal.

Executive summary

Like an abstract for your research manuscript, the executive summary is a brief synopsis that encapsulates the overarching topics and key points of your grant proposal. It must set the tone for the main body of the proposal while providing enough information to stand alone if necessary.

Refer to How to Write an Executive Summary for a Grant Proposal for detailed guidance like:

• Give a clear and concise account of your identity, funding needs, and project roadmap.
• Write in an instructive manner aiming for an objective and persuasive tone
• Be convincing and pragmatic about your research team's ability.
• Follow the logical flow of main points in your proposal.
• Use subheadings and bulleted lists for clarity.
• Write the executive summary at the end of the proposal process.
• Reference detailed information explained in the proposal body.
• Address the funder directly.
• Provide excessive details about your project's accomplishments or management plans.
• Write in the first person.
• Disclose confidential information that could be accessed by competitors.
• Focus excessively on problems rather than proposed solutions.
• Deviate from the logical flow of the main proposal.
• Forget to align with evaluation criteria if specified

Project narrative

After the executive summary is the project narrative . This is the main body of your grant proposal and encompasses several distinct elements that work together to tell the story of your project and justify the need for funding. 

Include these primary components:

Introduction of the project team

Briefly outline the names, positions, and credentials of the project’s directors, key personnel, contributors, and advisors in a format that clearly defines their roles and responsibilities. Showing your team’s capacity and ability to meet all deliverables builds confidence and trust with the reviewers.

Needs assessment or problem statement

A compelling needs assessment (or problem statement) clearly articulates a problem that must be urgently addressed. It also offers a well-defined project idea as a possible solution. This statement emphasizes the pressing situation and highlights existing gaps and their consequences to illustrate how your project will make a difference.

To begin, ask yourself these questions:

• What urgent need are we focusing on with this project?
• Which unique solution does our project offer to this urgent need? 
• How will this project positively impact the world once completed?

Here are some helpful examples and templates.

Goals and objectives

Goals are broad statements that are fairly abstract and intangible. Objectives are more narrow statements that are concrete and measurable. For example :

• Goal : “To explore the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance in college students.”
• Objective : “To compare cognitive test scores of students with less than six hours of sleep and those with 8 or more hours of sleep.”

Focus on outcomes, not processes, when crafting goals and objectives. Use the SMART acronym to align them with the proposal's mission while emphasizing their impact on the target audience.

Methods and strategies

It is vitally important to explain how you intend to use the grant funds to fulfill the project’s objectives. Detail the resources and activities that will be employed. Methods and strategies are the bridge between idea and action. They must prove to reviewers the plausibility of your project and the significance of their possible funding.

Here are some useful guidelines for writing your methods section that are outlined in " Winning Grants: Step by Step ."

• Firmly tie your methods to the proposed project's objectives and needs assessment.
• Clearly link them to the resources you are requesting in the proposal budget.
• Thoroughly explain why you chose these methods by including research, expert opinion, and your experience.
• Precisely list the facilities and capital equipment that you will use in the project.
• Carefully structure activities so that the program moves toward the desired results in a time-bound manner.

A comprehensive evaluation plan underscores the effectiveness and accountability of a project for both the funders and your team. An evaluation is used for tracking progress and success. The evaluation process shows how to determine the success of your project and measure the impact of the grant award by systematically gauging and analyzing each phase of your project as it compares to the set objectives.

Evaluations typically fall into two standard categories:

1. Formative evaluation : extending from project development through implementation, continuously provides feedback for necessary adjustments and improvements. 

2. Summative evaluation : conducted post-project completion, critically assesses overall success and impact by compiling information on activities and outcomes.

Creating a conceptual model of your project is helpful when identifying these key evaluation points. Then, you must consider exactly who will do the evaluations, what specific skills and resources they need, how long it will take, and how much it will cost.

Sustainability

Presenting a solid plan that illustrates exactly how your project will continue to thrive after the grant money is gone builds the funder's confidence in the project’s longevity and significance. In this sustainability section, it is vital to demonstrate a diversified funding strategy for securing the long-term viability of your program.

There are three possible long term outcomes for projects with correlated sustainability options:

• Short term projects: Though only implemented once, will have ongoing maintenance costs, such as monitoring, training, and updates.

(E.g., digitizing records, cleaning up after an oil spill)

• Projects that will generate income at some point in the future: must be funded until your product or service can cover operating costs with an alternative plan in place for deficits.

(E.g., medical device, technology, farming method)

• Ongoing projects: will eventually need a continuous stream of funding from a government entity or large organization.

(E.g., space exploration, hurricane tracking)

Along with strategies for funding your program beyond the initial grant,  reference your access to institutional infrastructure and resources that will reduce costs.

Also, submit multi-year budgets that reflect how sustainability factors are integrated into the project’s design.

The budget section of your grant proposal, comprising both a spreadsheet and a narrative, is the most influential component. It should be able to stand independently as a suitable representation of the entire endeavor. Providing a detailed plan to outline how grant funds will be utilized is crucial for illustrating cost-effectiveness and careful consideration of project expenses. 

A comprehensive grant budget offers numerous benefits to both the grantor , or entity funding the grant, and the grantee , those receiving the funding, such as:

• Grantor : The budget facilitates objective evaluation and comparison between multiple proposals by conveying a project's story through responsible fund management and financial transparency.
• Grantee : The budget serves as a tracking tool for monitoring and adjusting expenses throughout the project and cultivates trust with funders by answering questions before they arise.

Because the grant proposal budget is all-encompassing and integral to your efforts for securing funding, it can seem overwhelming. Start by listing all anticipated expenditures within two broad categories, direct and indirect expenses , where:

• Direct : are essential for successful project implementation, are measurable project-associated costs, such as salaries, equipment, supplies, travel, and external consultants, and are itemized and detailed in various categories within the grant budget.
• Indirect : includes administrative costs not directly or exclusively tied to your project, but necessary for its completion, like rent, utilities, and insurance, think about lab or meeting spaces that are shared by multiple project teams, or Directors who oversee several ongoing projects.

After compiling your list, review sample budgets to understand the typical layout and complexity. Focus closely on the budget narratives , where you have the opportunity to justify each aspect of the spreadsheet to ensure clarity and validity.

While not always needed, the appendices consist of relevant supplementary materials that are clearly referenced within your grant application. These might include: 

• Updated resumes that emphasize staff members' current positions and accomplishments. 
• Letters of support from people or organizations that have authority in the field of your research, or community members that may benefit from the project.
• Visual aids like charts, graphs, and maps that contribute directly to your project’s story and are referred to previously in the application. 

Finalizing your grant application

Now that your grant application is finished, make sure it's not just another document in the stack Aim for a grant proposal that captivates the evaluator. It should stand out not only for presenting an excellent project, but for being engaging and easily comprehended . 

Keep the language simple. Avoid jargon. Prioritizing accuracy and conciseness. Opt for reader-friendly formatting with white space, headings, standard fonts, and illustrations to enhance readability.

Always take time for thorough proofreading and editing. You can even set your proposal aside for a few days before revisiting it for additional edits and improvements. At this stage, it is helpful to seek outside feedback from those familiar with the subject matter as well as novices to catch unnoticed mistakes and improve clarity.

If you want to be absolutely sure your grant proposal is polished, consider getting it edited by AJE .

How can AI help the grant process?

When used efficiently, AI is a powerful tool for streamlining and enhancing various aspects of the grant process.

• Use AI algorithms to review related studies and identify knowledge gaps.
• Employ AI for quick analysis of complex datasets to identify patterns and trends.
• Leverage AI algorithms to match your project with relevant grant opportunities.
• Apply Natural Language Processing for analyzing grant guidelines and tailoring proposals accordingly.
• Utilize AI-powered tools for efficient project planning and execution.
• Employ AI for tracking project progress and generating reports.
• Take advantage of AI tools for improving the clarity, coherence, and quality of your proposal.
• Rely solely on manual efforts that are less comprehensive and more time consuming.
• Overlook the fact that AI is designed to find patterns and trends within large datasets.
• Minimize AI’s ability to use set parameters for sifting through vast amounts of data quickly.
• Forget that the strength of AI lies in its capacity to follow your prompts without divergence.
• Neglect tools that assist with scheduling, resource allocation, and milestone tracking.
• Settle for software that is not intuitive with automated reminders and updates.
• Hesitate to use AI tools for improving grammar, spelling, and composition throughout the writing process.

Remember that AI provides a diverse array of tools; there is no universal solution. Identify the most suitable tool for your specific task. Also, like a screwdriver or a hammer, AI needs informed human direction and control to work effectively.

Looking for tips when writing your grant application? 

Check out these resources:

• 4 Tips for Writing a Persuasive Grant Proposal
• Writing Effective Grant Applications
• 7 Tips for Writing an Effective Grant Proposal
• The best-kept secrets to winning grants
• The Best Grant Writing Books for Beginner Grant Writers
• Research Grant Proposal Funding: How I got $1 Million

Final thoughts

The bottom line – applying for grants is challenging. It requires passion, dedication, and a set of diverse skills rarely found within one human being.

Therefore, collaboration is key to a successful grant process . It encourages everyone’s strengths to shine. Be honest and ask yourself, “Which elements of this grant application do I really need help with?” Seek out experts in those areas.

Keep this guide on hand to reference as you work your way through this funding journey. Use the resources contained within. Seek out answers to all the questions that will inevitably arise throughout the process.

The grants are out there just waiting for the right project to present itself – one that shares the funder’s mission and is a benefit to our communities. Find grants that align with your project goals, tell your story through a compelling proposal, and get ready to make the world a better place with your research.

The AJE Team

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The Ultimate Guide to Researching and Identifying Grant Opportunities

• February 24, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Researching and Identifying Grant Opportunities for your nonprofit. As a nonprofit organization, securing funding through grants can make all the difference in achieving your mission and goals. However, with the abundance of grant opportunities available, it can be overwhelming to navigate and determine which grants are the best fit for your organization. That’s why it’s important to have a comprehensive approach to researching and identifying grant opportunities that align with your organization’s objectives and needs.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you research and identify the right grants for your organization, with practical examples.

• Define your organization’s needs and goals : Before you start your grant search, it’s essential to take a step back and assess your organization’s needs and goals. What specific projects or programs does your organization want to fund? What are your funding needs and priorities? Having a clear understanding of your organization’s needs and goals will help you focus your grant search and determine which grants are the best fit.

For example, if your organization is focused on environmental conservation, you may want to fund a specific project to protect a particular species or ecosystem. In this case, you would be looking for grants that specifically support environmental conservation and species protection.

• Research available grant opportunities : Once you have a clear understanding of your organization’s needs and goals, it’s time to start researching available grant opportunities.

 Here are a few ways to start your search:

• Use online grant databases : Websites like Grants.gov, Foundation Center, and Grant Station are great resources for finding a wide range of grants for your organization. You can search by keyword, funding area, and location to find grants that match your organization’s needs.

For example, if you are searching for grants to support your environmental conservation project, you could search for keywords such as “environmental conservation grants” or “species protection grants” on Grants.gov or Foundation Center.

• Check out grant-making foundations : Many foundations have a specific mission and focus area, and they often grant funds to organizations that align with their goals. Do some research on foundations that share your organization’s mission and focus, and reach out to them to learn more about their grant-making process.

For Instance, if your organization is focused on environmental conservation, you may want to look into foundations such as the Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Trust, or The Sierra Club Foundation.

• Ut ilize your network: Ask your colleagues and peers in the nonprofit sector if they know of any grant opportunities that may be a good fit for your organization. Attend networking events and conferences to connect with grant makers and other nonprofit organizations.

For example, you could attend an environmental conservation conference and connect with other organizations working in the same field. They may know of grant opportunities that would be a good fit for your organization.

• Evaluate grant opportunities : Once you have a list of potential grant opportunities, it’s time to evaluate them to determine which grants are the best fit for your organization. Here are a few key things to consider when evaluating grant opportunities:
• Eligibility criteria: Make sure your organization meets the eligibility criteria for the grant. Read the grant guidelines carefully to ensure that you understand all the requirements.

For example, if the grant requires that organizations have a certain level of annual operating budget, make sure your organization meets this requirement before applying.

• Alignment with your organization’s goals and needs : Does the grant align with your organization’s goals and priorities? Will the funds support your organization’s specific projects or programs?

For example, if your organization’s goal is to protect a specific species of wildlife, make sure the grant you are considering specifically supports species protection.

• Funding amount and duration : What is the amount of funding being offered and how long is the grant period? Is the funding amount sufficient to support your organization’s needs and goals?

For example, if your organization needs $100,000 to complete a project and the grant offers $50,000 for a one-year period, you may need to consider if the grant is sufficient to support your organization’s needs.

• Reporting requirements : What are the reporting requirements for the grant? Will your organization be able to meet these requirements with the resources it has available?

For example, if the grant requires regular progress reports and your organization doesn’t have the staff or resources to produce these reports, you may need to consider if the grant is a good fit for your organization.

• Evaluation criteria : What are the evaluation criteria for the grant? How will the grant maker determine if your organization is a good fit for the grant?

For example, if the grant requires that organizations have a strong track record of achieving specific goals, make sure your organization has a strong track record in this area.

• Prepare and submit your grant application : Once you have evaluated the grant opportunities and determined which grants are the best fit for your organization, it’s time to prepare and submit your grant application.

Few tips to help you prepare a successful grant application:

• Read the grant guidelines carefully : Make sure you understand all the requirements and criteria for the grant.
• Tailor your application to the grant: Customize your grant application to the specific requirements and goals of the grant. Show how your organization’s goals and needs align with the grant’s objectives.
• Provide strong evidence and examples: Provide strong evidence and examples to support your application. Show the grant maker how your organization has made a difference in the past and how the grant will help your organization achieve its goals and make an impact in the future.
• Get feedback : Ask colleagues, peers, or grant consultants to review your grant application and provide feedback.
• Submit your application by the deadline : Make sure you submit your application by the deadline. Late applications are often not considered.
• Evaluate the results of your grant search: After you have submitted your grant applications, it’s important to evaluate the results of your grant search.

                  Here are a few things to consider:

• Track your applications : Keep track of which grants you have applied for and the status of your applications.
• Evaluate the results : If your organization is not successful in securing a grant, take the time to evaluate why your application was not successful. Were there areas that you could improve for future applications?
• Celebrate your successes: If your organization is successful in securing a grant, celebrate this success. Make sure you acknowledge the grant maker and thank them for their support.

In summary, researching and identifying grant opportunities is an important part of securing funding for your organization. By following these steps and using practical examples, you can increase your chances of finding the right grants for your organization and achieve your goals.

Related Posts

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Grant Writing Academy is offering you full resources you need to win free money and boost your nonprofit impact.

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How to Streamline Your Grants Research Process in 5 Steps

2 minute read

How do you determine the best funding opportunities to pursue? To save time and critical human resources, it's important to identify the grantmakers that will provide the best return on your investment. Developing and using a consistent research process will help you focus your efforts on the best options.

Each nonprofit is unique, and you need to create a process that works best for your organization. But you don’t have to reinvent the wheel or start from scratch. Follow these steps to create your own systematic approach to grant research.

Step 1: Capture the Key Elements of Your Project

Start by creating a document that begins to capture the essence of your project. This isn’t the time for beautifully written prose. Instead, it's an opportunity to identify some of your project's core elements.

For example, you can start by asking yourself these questions:

• What is your geographic scope or service area?
• Who is your target population?
• What needs are you addressing in the community? How is your target population struggling?
• What are the basic components of the services your project will deliver?
• What resources do you need to fully implement your project?

Identifying these key elements of your project will help you be creative and expansive in selecting search terms. And looking at your project from a variety of lenses will help you explore a greater number of funding opportunities.

Step 2: Identify Search Terms

Next, you'll want to identify key search terms and translate them into terms that funders use. Use the document you created to guide your grant research and pay close attention to any keywords that are repeated or that stand out. At GrantStation, we have a free resource to help you select your search terms .

Step 3: Research Funding Sources

There are many different types of grantmakers. Here are some common kinds that you can review:

• The federal government
• State governments
• Local governments
• Private foundations
• Corporate foundations and giving programs
• Religious grantmakers
• Associations and societies

Depending on your mission, some funding sources may be more appropriate than others to pursue. At GrantStation , we make this step easier by researching and cataloging funding opportunities so you don’t have to. This saves you time in finding funding sources to meet your needs.

Step 4: Create Decision-Making Criteria

Now that you have a list of potential funders, it’s time to establish criteria to evaluate your list. This will help you find the best fit for your organization. This is where your unique attributes come into play. You will “weigh” the different criteria based on your situation. The next article in this blog series will teach you how to create a decision-making matrix.

Step 5: Build Your Strategy

Now that you have funding opportunities that you want to move forward, build your strategy. This would include calendars and timelines. It's a good idea to map out the next 12 to 18 months to keep your grant pipeline full. It also helps you plan around times you will be busier writing your proposals and slower times for research and planning.

About the Author

Alice Ruhnke is the President of GrantStation, a TechSoup partner. GrantStation offers a database of U.S. charitable, federal, and state government funders that are actively accepting proposals and letters of inquiry. GrantStation members also gain access to a variety of grantseeking resources.

TechSoup members can get a one-year GrantStation membership for just $99 on February 13 and 14, 2024.

Additional Resources

• Enhance Your Grant Proposal-Writing Skills by Organizing Your Resources
• How Reading Successful Grant Proposals Can Help Your Nonprofit
• Learn to Find Great Grantmakers with GrantStation
• Watch the webinar All Aboard: How to Use GrantStation’s Tools .
• Sign up for TechSoup Courses' Grant Writing and Management series.

Top photo: Shutterstock

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About Grants

Did you know that NIH is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, investing more than $32 billion a year to enhance life, and reduce illness and disability? NIH funded research has led to breakthroughs and new treatments, helping people live longer, healthier lives, and building the  research foundation that drives discovery. Read on for an orientation to NIH funding, grant programs, how the grants process works, and how to apply.

Grants Process Overview

Learn the steps needed for an application to proceed from planning and submission to award and close out. Drill down on each step for guidance that can deepen your understanding of the grants process and help you submit a grant application and manage your grant award. 

Get Started

Before getting started, learn the basics like why it is important to understand the structure of NIH and how we approach grant funding, what types of organizations and people are eligible to apply, what we look for in a research project, and the types of grant programs we offer. Once you have the big picture move on to learn about planning your application.

How to Apply

How to Apply serves as our comprehensive application guide, providing step-by-step instructions to get you through the grant application process, from completing required registrations, finding a funding opportunity to accessing the application forms and instructions, formatting your application, finding due dates and submission policies, and more. 

Application Referral and Review

Once you submit your application to NIH, we assign your application to a specific study section for review and to a specific NIH Institute or Center for funding consideration. After assignment, the application undergoes a two level peer review process. Explore this page to learn more.

Pre-Award and Post-Award Processes

Applications that do well in review begin the pre-award process. Learn what happens during this process and what types of information you will be expected to provide. Once awarded, grantees must follow the requirements in the NIH Grants Policy statement and provide periodic reports to NIH that help NIH monitor the award.

Forms Directory

Essential NIH forms, instructions and format pages you need to apply for, manage, and close out grant awards. 

This page last updated on: March 17, 2017

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Grants & funding.

The National Institutes of Health is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world. In fiscal year 2022, NIH invested most of its $45 billion appropriations in research seeking to enhance life, and to reduce illness and disability. NIH-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new treatments helping people live longer, healthier lives, and building the research foundation that drives discovery.

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Grants Home Page

NIH’s central resource for grants and funding information.

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Find Funding

NIH offers funding for many types of grants, contracts, and even programs that help repay loans for researchers.

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Grant applications and associated documents (e.g., reference letters) are due by 5:00 PM local time of application organization on the specified due date.

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How to Apply

Instructions for submitting a grant application to NIH and other Public Health Service agencies.

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About Grants

An orientation to NIH funding, grant programs, how the grants process works, and how to apply.

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Policy & Compliance

By accepting a grant award, recipients agree to comply with the requirements in the NIH Grants Policy Statement unless the notice of award states otherwise.

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Grants News/Blog

News, updates, and blog posts on NIH extramural grant policies, processes, events, and resources.

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Explore opportunities at NIH for research and development contract funding.

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Loan Repayment

The NIH Loan Repayment Programs repay up to $50,000 annually of a researcher’s qualified educational debt in return for a commitment to engage in NIH mission-relevant research.

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