Funding Databases
OSP's Funding Source Library houses a collection of funding directories, foundation annual reports, federal, state, and private agency guidelines; and application forms. OSP provides access to keyword searchable databases of external funding sources and provides information on upcoming program deadlines and changes in agency regulations.
Specific funding opportunities are provided, by subject area, on the individual homepages of the OSP Research Development Specialists.
Types of Funding Sources
Databases: NIU OSP is not responsible for content or timeliness of external websites.
To access IRIS and GrantSearch, you must be linked to an NIU server.
- IRIS: The Illinois Researcher Information Service is a user-friendly database that allows you to do computerized funding searches specific to your discipline. We highly recommend using the IRIS Alert Service, which allows users to receive funding announcements automatically through email. To set up your Personal Profile, from the IRIS homepage, click on "IRIS Alert Service".
- GrantSearch: The GrantSearch database contains descriptions, deadlines and contact information on nearly 2,000 federal and private funding programs of particular interest to higher education institutions. GrantSearch is offered by the Grants Resource Center, a division of The American Association of State Colleges and Universities’.
- Grants.gov: Grants.gov is the central portal to search for discretionary funding opportunities from the 26 federal grant making agencies. On the Grants.gov home page, select “Find Grant Opportunities”. Various options allow you to do a text search for a particular grant or topic, view what has been announced in the last few days or weeks, or view announcements from particular agencies. You may also register to receive new grant postings and updates on Grants.gov via email.
Federal Funding Resources: A comprehensive list of links to several federal agencies.
Illinois Agencies: A list of links to common State of Illinois agencies.
Foundation Finder: A comprehensive database offering basic information on grantmakers in the U.S. including private foundations, community foundations, grantmaking public charities, and corporate giving programs. Foundation Finder is offered by the Foundation Center.
SRA Grants Web: The Society of Research Administrators (SRA) also maintains a comprehensive website of government, private and international resources and funding opportunities.
Listserv Information: Stay informed with email notifications from particular federal agencies.
