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Schemes available for funding include internal and external sources such as:
To source funding ensure you:
- Search funding opportunities databases - COS, SPIN, and ResearchResearch
- Subscribe to the Research Office grant mailing lists
- Keep up to date on upcoming grants from theGrants Cal endar
- Our workshops are another valuable source of information to help you in securing funding
- Read local and national papers for upcoming developments and tenders
- Review University data on previous funding sources and talk to those who have successful funds granted
- Put your name on any agency lists for individual notification of forthcoming grants
- Look at annual reports for an overview of types of grants awarded and amounts on offer
- State and Regional development organisations such as NSW Department of State and Regional Development and Hunter Economic Development Corporation, (HEDC) can be a source on upcoming strategic initiatives that may required research support
Developing partnerships can be difficult and take a great deal of time. However the most successful and innovative grant proposals can come from collaborative efforts. The RDEA office has a range of templates for approaching potential collaborators and sponsors. Included are sponsorship letters, proposals, and project management tools.
Other tips which may be helpful in identifying and approaching potential collaborators are:
- Use your networks and look at what networks are contained within the University by examining existing collaborations. become aware of other community links within your Faculty or School which may lead to potential collaborations.
- Find out from TUNRA or the Research Office of other successful collaborations.
- Look at the business plans and policies of potential collaborators and attend any workshops or seminars being conducted.
- Examine previous grants and enquire if copies are available of successful project applications.
- By engaging in pre-proposal contact your chances of success are much higher. Speak to, or meet with the decision-making committees, or program officer to determine the approach needed. They may serve as your advocate when it comes to the decision process.
- Use plain English and avoid jargon.
- Ensure your ideas are clear and presented in a logical manner in a way likely to produce valuable benefits and outcomes for the funding body.
- Start now. Remember to allow adequate time for negotiations, as developing a proposal to satisfy all sponsors is a lengthy but worthwhile process.
- Persevere! Failure provides feedback to assist you the next time around.
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