Grants

Seeking External Funding

The most efficient tool for searching for external funds is SMARTS (The SPIN Matching and Research Transmittal Service), which is available through a subscription that the CSU Sponsored Programs office provides. This automated daily alert system notifies investigators of relevant new programs that match their custom profiles. SMARTS pushes relevant funding opportunities to users via daily emails.

Access SMARTS through Rampoint/Research Resources Quick Links/Funding Opportunities and Agencies, and click on "Create a New Profile". Staci Folot in the CSU Sponsored Programs office is available to help you set up an account.

Tip Sheet

This sheet contains information about CSU resources that faculty members routinely use to search for funding opportunities, including the following:

  • SPIN, Sponsored Programs Information Network, is a computer database of current and available funding sources with information on thousands of federal, non-federal, and international funding opportunities for fellowships, research, travel, curriculum development, collaborative projects, sabbatical support, publications support, Request for Proposals, and Federal Registry Weekly Reference Guide. SPIN originates from the same database as SMARTS so if you are already subscribed to SMARTS and receive daily emails, a SPIN search can be redundant.
  • The Foundation Directory online database The Foundation Directory is a computer database that provides faculty with a direct and targeted electronic link to information on the nation's largest 10,000 foundations. Faculty also may search over 64,000 trustee, officer, and donor names. (Website requires login and password) please contact Maggie Graham.
  • Grants.gov This site is an online tool which allows faculty to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies. If you subscribe to SMARTS, it can be redundant.
  • Community Resource Center This database of private funders in Colorado provides information on over 400 funders. The guide profiles each funder individually, including the funders' purpose and mission, areas of interest, geographic focus, application guidelines, financial information and recent grants. It's helpful in funding small grants.

Updated Monday, August 29, 2011