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is the main portal for finding and applying for federal grants across all U.S. agencies. Create an account to search, save, and track applications, and set up email alerts based on your interests.

Need help?

offers quick step-by-step video tutorials on registering, applying, and using other key features of the system.  

Many agencies offer their own funding databases and specialized programs:

• (Department of Health and Human Services)

Use keywords, filters, and advanced search tools to narrow opportunities by topic, eligibility, agency, or deadline. Save searches, subscribe to alerts, and review guidelines carefully to find the best fit.

State agencies offer grants that support research, education, innovation, and public service throughout Kentucky.

These are some of the most commonly used state-level resources, but more may be available depending on your discipline.

Private funding comes from foundations and corporate sponsors that support research, education, the arts, and community initiatives. 

The examples below are just a few of the many private funding sources available to faculty and staff.

Foundations

• - STEM based research

• - chemistry, chemical engineering, related sciences

• - biology, chemistry and physics

• - humanities

• - health professionals

• - social sciences

• - education

• - anthropology

• - neurobiology

 

Organizations

• - humanities and related social sciences

• - history

• - all fields of knowledge

• - physical sciences

• - social sciences

 

Local foundations and organizations support community-based research, education, and service initiatives across the region.

• - Grants supporting education, health, and nonprofit programs in western Kentucky.
• Local civic groups and services clubs may offer small-scale or project-specific support (Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions Club, etc).

 

More local funding to be added soon.

Verify that you and/or the University meet the eligibility requirements to apply. These may include factors such as location, size, experience, or type of project.

If you don’t meet the eligiblity requirements, your proposal will not be considered, regardless of its quality.

Check the proposal deadline. If the due date is only a week or two away, it may not be realistic to prepare a strong application. Ideally, allow 6–8 weeks before the deadline to plan and develop your proposal.

Note: ÌÇÐÄlogoÈë¿Ú OSP requires the Proposal Routing Form (PRF) to be submitted at least 20 days before the sponsor’s deadline to ensure the internal routing process is completed on time.

Make sure the available funding is sufficient to carry out your project and that it can be used for the expenses you plan to include.

If the budget is too small or restricted, your project may not be feasible or competitive.

Revisit the mission and goals of the agency and the funding program. Funders prioritize projects that advance their mission and program goals.

If your project isn’t a clear match, it will be less competitive for funding.

Review the evaluation criteria (the ‘rubric’ in the RFP) and keep them in mind as you develop your proposal. These criteria outline how reviewers will score applications, so aligning your content directly to them will make your proposal stronger. 

Tip: Use the required key components from the RFP as headers in your proposal to ensure you address each criterion clearly.