Funding Opportunities

Apply for internal funding. Search for external funding.

Internal Grant Funding Opportunities

If you have an idea for a research, scholarly, or creative project that requires less than $5,000, an internal grant may fit your resourcing needs. We have developed a comprehensive list of internal grants offered at SUNY Oswego. If you have any questions regarding these grant offerings or you would like assistance in the conceptualization and writing of a proposal, please reach out to Associate Provost for Research Development and Administration Bill Bowers.

External Grant Funding Opportunities

If you have an idea for a scholarly activity or research project and are interested in obtaining external funding, contact Julie Marte or Maria Nakamura to discuss your project needs. A funding opportunity search tool, SPIN, is also available which allows for customized funding searches. Additionally, let us know what your areas of interest or research are and we will work with you to find appropriate funding. Reach out to a member of our team.

Accessing SPIN Funding Database

SPIN is a database of Sponsored Funding Opportunities offered by InfoEd Global. There are two ways to access SPIN:

The easiest method is to access SPIN from an on-campus computer. This allows anonymous access and enables the use of basic, InfoEd Keyword, and Advanced search methods without a login.
The second method is authenticated access by creating a username and password. This allows you to save searches or activate SMARTS, which sends returned opportunities from saved search criteria to users' inboxes.

If you experience any issues, email Julie Marte or Maria Nakamura.

To Sign Up for a SPIN Account

Go to SPIN.
Click on the Sign In link at the top right.
Choose Need to create a new profile.
Fill out the Create Profile form and click Save.
You will receive a message indicating that your information has been sent to the institution’s SPIN administrator for approval.
Once validated, you will be able to sign in for additional functionality and remote access (24 hours after validation).

For assistance, visit the SPIN Training Videos page.

View Common Sites to Search for Funding

A list of sponsored programs funding is available on the SUNY Research Foundation site.
Search for grants from Federal and State government agencies on Grants.gov.
Private funding databases, such as Guidestar, provide options in many areas of interest.
More detailed funding databases such as The Foundation Search require a paid subscription. Contact ORSP to see if a subscription is available.

Locate Fresh Leads

There are various ways to find new funding leads. Select an option below to learn more.

Mentors/Peers

Who in your field has had success? Are they willing to speak with you about your project? This is probably the most underutilized resource available. Advisors and former co-workers (post-docs and fellow graduate students, etc.) can also serve as a good place to start to identify previously untapped resources.

SUNY Research Community

Leverage SUNY’s research capacity and support system.

SUNY Distinguished Academy

Access the SUNY Distinguished Academy to connect with faculty having achieved the highest level of academic excellence, a rank that can only be designated by the Board of Trustees.

Professional Journals

All publications stemming from funded research must provide a notation of who supported the work. If you see a project that is similar in nature to yours it may be beneficial to make contact with that funder, or at least review the programs they offer for support on a regular basis.

Professional Conferences

Much like professional journals, conferences offer detailed information about sponsors in your area of study. Take note of each and do a little research on funding opportunities that may help you succeed in your search. Look for sponsor officials who may be attending the conference.

Determining if a Funding Opportunity or Award is a "grant" or a "gift"

A “Grant” (also referred to as a ‘sponsored program’), is administered by the Office for Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) in accordance to policies established by The Research Foundation of SUNY (RF)

A “Gift”, can be administered by either ORSP/RF or managed by the Oswego College Foundation, Inc.

In instances where it is not readily apparent if the award is a “Grant” or when a “Gift” is received, ORSP and the Oswego College Foundation, Inc. will collaborate to review the award and associated documentation and make the appropriate determination.

Please see our AWARDS: GRANTS VS. GIFTS guide for additional information.