If you have an idea and need funding, use this guide to learn about various types of funding options and ways to track down government or private sources.
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Funding Sources
Grant
A grant is used when the sponsor anticipates no substantial programmatic involvement with the recipient during the performance of the project. Grants are among the most flexible award mechanisms.
Cooperative Agreement
A cooperative agreement is used when the purpose of the project is similar to that of a grant, butsubstantial programmatic involvement of, or coordination by, the funding agency is anticipated.
Subaward/Subcontract
The transferring of a substantive portion of the research/program effort of the prime award to another institution or organization.
Contract
A contract is used when the principal purpose is to provide a prescribed service or "good" for the direct benefit or use of the funding agency.
Consulting Agreement
A consultant is an independent contractor engaged to provide expert advice or services, typically for short or intermittent time periods.
Gift
Unlike funds governed by agreements, gifts are awarded irrevocably and, generally, without contractual requirements (again, generally "no strings attached").
Common Types of Funding Announcements
Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
An announcement of a federal agency’s general research interests. Invites proposals, and specifies general terms and conditions for award.
Eg: ARO, ONR, AFOSR BAA’s.
Program Announcement/Program Solicitation (PA/PS)
Announcement of sponsor’s intent to support a general area of research, or some other activity, that furthers the goals and mission of the sponsor.
Eg: NIH Parent Announcements, NSF Program Solicitations.
Request for Application (RFA)
An announcement that indicates the availability of funds in a more "specific," or "targeted" area of interest to the sponsor.
Eg: NIH DP2, New Innovator.
Request for Proposal (RFP)
An announcement that specifies a topic of research, methods, product delivery, and category of applicants. (Proposals in response to an RFP generally result in a contract.)
Eg: DoD SBIR/STTR with Corporation
