Funding Databases and Opportunities

SPIN Funding Database 

For a comprehensive funding search using key words or other search terms, Saint Mary’s has a subscription to the SPIN funding database:

• To log in, go to SPIN. You may access SPIN directly from any computer on campus. 
• If you are off-site, set up a SPIN account with your @stmarys-ca.edu email address.  Select Saint Mary’s as your institution.
• The system will send a prompt to the Saint Mary’s administrator, and they will authenticate your account. Then you can search from anywhere. For a start-up guide to using SPIN, click here.
• Accounts will only be authenticated that are made using a Saint Mary's email address.

Grants.gov

• Free access to federal opportunities:  Search | Simpler.Grants.gov
• A big database but can help you clarify your search
• Information on open or past competitions; identifying your ideal agencies

California Grants Portal

• Free access: California Grants Portal
• State grants for projects that have direct impact on Californians

Agencies that award grant funding for research and programs include:

National Science Foundation (NSF)

• Main site: https://www.nsf.gov/ 
• Find funding: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) • 

• Main site: https: //www.neh.gov/
• Find funding: https://www.neh.gov/grants 

National Institutes of Health (NIH) 

• Main site: https://www.nih.gov/ 
• Find funding: https://grants.nih.gov/funding/index.htm

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 

• Main site: https://www.nasa.gov/ 
• Find funding: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/ 

U.S. Department of Education (ED) 

• Main site: https://www.ed.gov/ 
• Find funding: https://ies.ed.gov/funding/ 

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) 

• Main site: https://www.imls.gov/ 
• Find funding: https://www.imls.gov/grants/apply-grant/available-grants

Other Ways to Identify Funding for Your Project

Beyond databases and agency portals, some of the best funding leads come from personal connections and targeted searching.

Networking
  • Ask your colleagues who funds them
  • Use your professional association
  • Look for sub-award opportunities

Fellowships and sabbatical funding
For a curated list of fellowship opportunities specifically for SMC faculty, see Fellowships and Sabbatical Support.