Finding external funding is easier when you start with the right search tools and sponsor categories. Use the resources below to identify opportunities that match your discipline, project goals, and career stage.
Start with Funding Search Tools
Search for federal funding opportunities across agencies using keywords, eligibility criteria, and category filters.- Pivot
A comprehensive funding database that helps faculty identify opportunities from federal agencies, foundations, associations, and other sponsors. Contact ORSP if you need help accessing or using PIVOT-RP.
Common Federal Sponsors
Many faculty begin with the major federal agencies most closely aligned with their field:
Supports research and education across science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and the social sciences.
Supports biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and public health research.
Supports humanities research, education, preservation, and public programs.
Supports creative activity, arts education, public engagement, and community-based arts initiatives.
Supports research in energy, physics, engineering, environmental science, and computational research.
Supports research in space science, Earth systems, engineering, and technology development.
Supports projects in education research, student success, teacher preparation, and institutional development.
Other Federal Agencies
Supports research in agriculture, food systems, natural resources, sustainability, and rural communities.
Includes opportunities through programs such as EDA, NIST, and NOAA.
Supports research in engineering, computing, materials science, and defense-related technologies.
Includes funding related to health, human services, and community-based research.
Supports projects related to environmental protection, sustainability, and public health.
Supports international research, teaching, and scholarly exchange.
Supports international education, exchange, and global engagement programs.
State, Foundation, and Non-Federal Funding
In addition to federal agencies, many funding opportunities are available through state programs, foundations, and nonprofit organizations. These sources often support applied research, pilot projects, community partnerships, and humanities or arts-based work.
A centralized resource for California state funding opportunities, searchable by topic and agency.
Supports research addressing critical issues such as climate, health, and sustainability across California.
Funds research, education, and outreach related to coastal, marine, and environmental systems.
Offers fellowships and grants supporting humanities and interpretive social science research.
A comprehensive database of foundation funding opportunities. Often accessed through institutional subscriptions or libraries.
How ORSP Can Help
ORSP can help you identify appropriate funding opportunities, interpret solicitation guidelines, and plan next steps for proposal development. If you have found a promising opportunity, contact ORSP early so we can help you assess fit, timeline, and submission requirements.