In This Issue ...

Graphics support now available for external grant proposals

Explore strategies for finding research funding 

Hosted by U-M Research Development, library experts Judy Smith and Paul Barrow will present Finding Funding: Identifying Opportunities & Scoping the Grants Landscape, a webinar on September 23, noon-1 pm. This workshop will help investigators at all levels use tools to be proactive in identifying federal, state, and foundation research funding. Topics will include efficient searches of funding databases and setting up funding alerts via Foundation Directory Online and Pivot. The workshop also will direct researchers to units at U-M that will support their grantseeking endeavors.

This webinar is open to anyone in the U-M research community.

Register for the webinar

Save the date for NSF's 2021 grants conference

NSF's Fall 2021 Virtual Grants Conference will be held October 4-8. The event is designed to give new faculty, researchers and administrators key insights into a wide range of current issues at NSF. NSF program officers will be providing up-to-date information about specific funding opportunities and answering attendee questions.

Registration for sessions will open September 8 at noon ET. All recorded sessions will be available online shortly after the event.

View recordings from previous conferences

UMMS to host virtual "Write Winning NIH Grant Proposals" workshop

Hosted by the UMMS Office of Research, John Robertson, PhD, will present a two-day virtual workshop addressing both the practical and conceptual aspects that are key factors in writing successful proposals. The event includes a deep-dive into idea development, identification of the most appropriate granting agency, how to write for reviewers, and tips and strategies for presenting an applicant's case to reviewers.
   
   Part 1: Thursday, October 7, 2021, 8:30 am-noon
   Part 2: Friday, October 8, 2021, 8:30 am-noon
   
This workshop is an annual event for R01 Boot Camp participants, and is open again this year to all U-M faculty members, postdoctoral researchers and administrative staff interested. The $309 workshop fee includes a hard copy of The Grant Application Writer's Workbook, as well as session materials.

Register for the workshop

Learn about the DRCRF funding

Michigan Medicine's Corporate & Foundation Relations team will host Anja Armache, PhD, Scientific Director of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, for an online information session on September 30, 1-2 pm. Attendees will hear about the Foundation's various award programs and get the inside track on what DRCRF is looking for in a successful submission. Eric Fearon, Director of U-M Rogel Cancer Center, and Daniel Wahl, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Radiation Oncology, also will take part.

Register for the event

Finding the right funder for you 

Jill Jividen, PhD, Director of Research Development, OVPR

There are many sources of research funding, including federal agencies, private foundations, industry, professional societies and others. When seeking new funding opportunities, investigators must assess whether potential sponsors are the right fit. The size of an award typically does not dictate the amount of effort it takes to develop a competitive proposal--it is about the same for both small (<$50K) and medium-sized (<$2M) awards. So focusing on the most appropriate funding sources will conserve that finite resource--time!

When analyzing funders, consider:

Mission: What are the sponsor’s goals, areas of interest, funding priorities and/or future directions? Remember that they will only fund research that supports their goals, not yours. Make the case that your work addresses their priorities.

Type of awards: Does the organization fund via grants, contracts, gifts or cooperative agreements? All of those mechanisms have different expectations and may be processed differently at U-M.

Recent awards: Explore sponsors' websites or databases to see what they have funded in recent years. Do projects/interests align with your work? And if they have already funded projects too similar to your work, that might be a reason not to fund your proposal.

Size of funding: How much are the average awards from this funder? Have a realistic understanding of how much it will cost to do your work; e.g., if a funder makes $20K grants, but you need $200K for a successful project, focus your effort elsewhere.

The more information you can obtain, the better prepared you’ll be to persuade the right funder that your work is a good investment. Read current or past solicitations. Review annual reports. Find out about their review processes. Read examples of successful proposals. Most importantly, talk to a program officer--those professionals have invaluable insight into agency priorities and whether your proposed project aligns with their objectives.

Internal Funding 

​All currently open U-M campus-wide internal funding programs are posted in Research Commons.

• OVPR Limited Submissions Policies and Procedures
• Medical School Limited Submissions Homepage
• Questions: UMORlimitedsubmissions@umich.edu

• U-M Library’s Research Funding & Grants Guide or PIVOT Database
• U-M Research Development 
• U-M Foundation Relations

Data Sharing & Archiving

Conducting & Obtaining Valid Informed Consent

Broadening Participation

Engaging the Public with Social Media

Introduction to Data Management: The Pitfalls of Excel

Presented by Peter Higgins, MD, PhD
Hosted by the Clinical Trials Support Office, UMMS

Preparing a Competitive S10 Instrumentation Proposal

U-M Research Development

MICHR Mock Study Section

Budgeting for Research Grants

Internal Money for Your Research: Where Is It, How to Find It & How to Talk about It

Understanding the Grant Review Process

Evaluating Broader Impacts Activities