Pivot: Pivot combines the most comprehensive, editorially maintained database of funding opportunities worth an estimated $74 billion. Its algorithm compiles pre-populated researcher profiles unique to VCU, and others, and matches them to current funding opportunities in the database. This allows users to search for a funding opportunity and instantly view matching faculty from inside or outside VCU. Conversely, a search for a scholar will link to matching funding opportunities.
Pivot curated lists: Curated lists include hand-selected funding opportunities in a category of likely interest to VCU investigators. Each list is centrally managed and updated as new information becomes available. VCU departments are welcome to post and disseminate the links to these lists as appropriate. A VCU-affiliated PIVOT account is required (see Pivot Account Set up instructions) to access the Curated Lists. To register for a PIVOT account you will need to use your vcu.edu email address. Please note that to access the curated lists below you must log in to PIVOT.
Funding opportunities are usually published on federal agencies' websites. See “Federal Funding Sources” below.
Graduate students can search for funding to support their masters’ or doctoral level research in a number of ways.
Many funding agencies place limits on the number of proposals or applications that an organization may submit in response to a particular announcement. To prevent any potential disqualification of submissions, Virginia Commonwealth University requires that investigators or researchers notify the Division of Sponsored Programs if a limited submission is planned or there is an intention to apply for a limited program.
Commercialization Fund
Funds innovative pilot initiatives at VCU that help advance the Quest for Distinction strategic plan. Faculty, staff, students and community partners with co-sponsors from within the university are eligible to apply. Requests of $50,000 or less will be given priority.
Presidential Research Quest Fund
Supports new, emerging or continuing research by all VCU faculty. Where possible, the proposed work should advance interdisciplinary research and inter-campus collaboration. The maximum total award is $50,000 and requires that the PI’s department or college provide at least 40% cost share.
Quest Global Impact Awards
Funds proposals from academic units to develop new and innovative programming in support of VCU’s three global priorities: improve recruitment and retention of international students and scholars; increase global engagement of VCU students and faculty; and expand VCU’s global footprint through research, teaching and service. Number and amount of awards vary.
Alzheimer's and related diseases research award fund
Provides seed money to researchers in Virginia to stimulate innovative research into biomedical and psychosocial aspects of dementia, including cell biology, caregiving and animal modeling. Awards are limited to $45,000.
American Cancer Society institutional research grants
Funds small research grants of up to $30,000 for junior faculty to conduct one year of basic, preclinical, clinical and cancer-control research studies. Applicants should not have received a nationally competitive research grant.
CCTR Endowment Fund
Supports meritorious pilot and feasibility clinical and translational research, up to $50,000. All VCU faculty are eligible, and applications that include investigators from multiple disciplines are encouraged. Proposals due Nov. 1, Feb. 1, May 1 and Aug. 1.
Geriatric training and education initiative
Funds workforce training and education initiatives that can be completed within the fiscal year. Applications for training projects, conferences, or similar educational programs are appropriate. Awards from $1,000 to $25,000.
Harris Manchester College Oxford Summer Research Institute
Each year the Global Education Office, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, solicits applications from VCU faculty for participation in Oxford’s Harris Manchester College Summer Research Institute to enhance a research project through a week of focused study.
Humanities research grants
Foster excellence in research and creative scholarship by supporting costs such as travel to archives, and expenses related to collection of data such as photocopying fees. $1,000 awards may be used during the summer months.
KL2 program
Provides salary support and $25,000 in startup funds for faculty-level clinical and translational scientists near the beginning of their investigative careers. KL2 scholars are initially appointed for two years as they work toward receiving their own independent mentored career development award.
Service learning and community engagement grants
Various mechanisms support efforts to promote service learning, community engagement and community engaged research. Awards range from $1,000 to $20,000.
Unit internal grants
Some schools and departments have their own internal funding to support the scholarly work of faculty.
A-Z index of U.S. government departments and agencies
VCU library assists faculty with locating funding opportunities. Please visit their webpage for additional resources.
Contact us
Melissa Throckmorton
Director of research development and strategic projects
throckmortms@vcu.edu
(804) 827-1443
Joshua Hahn
Senior grant development specialist
hahnj2@vcu.edu
(804) 827-1524
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