Funding Opportunities

Funded research can open up new opportunities in terms of the type of project, the scope of a project, and the ability to undertake research that is both person and time intensive or is associated with costly infrastructure. However, navigating the application process including building on initial failure in order to attract funds takes time, energy and above all, resilience.

External funds can support a variety of costs directly associated with the work such as equipment, travel and salaries for support staff (Research Assistants, Technical Staff, Research Associates) or student stipends/scholarships or fellowships. Salaries for Chief or Partner Investigators are normally excluded. Additionally, in kind support can provide access to resources not otherwise available such as specialist equipment, databases and specialist staff.

The freedom of research design and 'products' depends on the type of support sought. Thought needs to be given to not only how to do the research but also the use of research outcomes. There may need to be preparedness to give or compromise in order to conform to funding requirements and a need to consider what takes primary importance – the funding or the research.

There are numerous sources of funding including:

• Government grants
• Local community funds
• Special purpose foundations
• Family sponsored foundations
• National foundations
• Tenders
• Corporate foundations

Doing some homework on potential funders can go a long way. Other ideas worth considering include:

Talk to the Grants Services team or the Business Services team and take advantage of their experience and resources.

• Make use of specialised grants registers such as Research Professional and the University's Competitive Grants Register
• Put your name on agency lists for individual notification of forthcoming grants
• Look at publicly available reports for an overview of types of grants awarded and amounts on offer

Once potential funding sources have been identified, the real work begins.

The approach can vary a great deal depending on the source and the project. Formal calls for applications are common and may be done annually or more often. If this happens, a number of strategies can help your submission become a successful one:

• Talk to the Grants Services team and take advantage of their resources, knowledge and experience
• Read application guidelines and then read them again. Talk to those who have been funded in similar areas
• Ring and discuss your idea with the funder to gain information on the process and introduce the project
• Attend any workshops and seminars being conducted by the funder or the Grants Services team
• Begin drafting a project description as early as possible. Good applications are often the fourth or fifth draft.

Copies of successful proposals may be available from the funding body or Grants Services. These can provide insights into:

• What has been funded previously
• The expected format and scope of the project

It is essential to use plain English, define your key terms and cite key international and easily accessible references, wherever possible. Jargonistic language is generally not appropriate.

At other times funding agencies call for Expressions of Interest or invited submissions before asking for a 'full application'. These are usually an outline only of 2 or 3 pages maximum. This may be the first stage in the application process and can involve following strict requirements and guidelines.

If proposals are not called for, presenting an outline of your idea either by mail or in person can be a good way to start. Before you approach a potential funder, talk to your Research Development Officer or Business Development Officer. WSU may have an existing relationship you can capitalise on. When you do approach the funder, make sure to always present clear, simple ideas, which are both researchable and likely to produce valuable benefits and outcomes from the funder's perspective. The outline should include:

• Any preliminary work and/or data already collected
• What themes, concerns, topics emerged in the preliminary work
• What analytical questions are being pursued
• What work has been done already in the area

The outline or other proposal must be accompanied with a track record statement that demonstrates past experience in being able to complete projects on time and within budget. Include:

• Recent publications (generally the last five years only)
• Awards
• Citations
• Invited keynote addresses
• Reviews patents
• Media coverage
• Any other recognition of your past research activity

It is important to remember that not only are you selling the idea, but also the researcher and/or research team. Ask yourself:

• What qualities make my work best at what it does?
• Do I offer something that is not available elsewhere?
• What strengths do I, and the University, have over other competitors?
• Are these specific, identifiable and unique capabilities that the funding source can only get from the University and me?

Answers to these questions should be evident in any oral or paper presentation.

If the funder is interested in funding your research and the discussion turns to agreements, make sure you’ve spoken to your Research Development Officer or Business Development Officer and to our Research Contracts team. They will ensure that any agreements or contracts align with University policy.

Are you unable to attract external funds due to a limited track record and unable to develop a track record without some funding?

This is a common problem typically for early career or emerging researchers. Think about:

• The possibility of joining a team with an established track record in a related or similar area. Work as part of a team and make use of collective expertise, knowledge and experience. This can be an excellent way of learning and doing funded research and could lead to enduring research relationships with colleagues not only within the University but elsewhere as well.
• Applying for Early Career Research Grants. Starting with a small project enables you to pilot methods and research tools such as interview structures and developing themes or other types of analytical frameworks. It can also lead to publications and/or other forms of dissemination as a foundation on which other research can be built.
• Developing a written strategic and planned publications/dissemination program over a period of two to five years, which in the first instance may build on foundation research undertaken in a research higher degree.

Reference: Julianne Cheek (2000), 'An untold story? Doing funded qualitative research', in N. Denzin and Y. Lincoln (eds.), Handbook of Qualitative Research, Sage, California.