Grant Funding
Securing research funding is an essential part of academic life—but in today’s landscape, it’s also more complex, more competitive, and more emotionally taxing than ever. As faculty navigate shifting priorities, shrinking budgets, and evolving expectations, it’s clear that traditional approaches to grant funding need to evolve, too.
That’s why this month, we’re focusing on the full picture of research funding in higher education—from the practical to the personal. Whether you’re rethinking where to seek support, how to sustain your momentum through the process, or how your institution can better serve faculty needs, we’re offering resources to help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
You’ll hear fresh perspectives on expanding your funding horizons, strategies for weathering financial uncertainty, and reflections on the hidden costs of the current grant-seeking culture. At the heart of it all is a shared commitment to making the pursuit of funding more sustainable, more strategic, and more supportive of scholars at every stage.
Because this topic is so critical—and so multifaceted—we’ll be continuing the conversation in September. We invite you to dig into part one of this important series and stay with us as we explore what’s next for research funding in higher ed.
Warmly,
The NCFDD Team
Unlike standard grant writing programs, this new 4-week course is designed to help you step outside the federal funding box.
You’ll gain insights from seasoned faculty and former funders on how to:
reframe your research
identify alternative sources—like foundations, industry partners, and state/local governments
communicate your work to new audiences
The course combines expert-led sessions, asynchronous video content, and personalized coaching office hours to help you build a long-term, strategic funding plan.
This course is ideal for faculty seeking funding agility, resilience, and a community of like-minded researchers. Join us to shift your mindset, broaden your funding horizons, and take control of your research future.
Course begins October 6 | Cost: $495
Securing external funding is often seen as a key marker of academic success. It supports research agendas, opens doors for collaboration, and plays a major role in tenure and promotion decisions. But what’s less talked about is how much time, energy, and emotional bandwidth it takes to get there.
For many faculty—especially those early in their careers—the grant process can feel overwhelming, opaque, and all-consuming. And without the right support, it’s easy to lose momentum, confidence, or clarity along the way.
Here are a few of the most common challenges we hear, and some strategies that can help.
In today’s unpredictable higher education landscape, securing research funding is more challenging—and more critical—than ever.
This recorded webinar brings together experienced faculty and funding experts for a candid, practical discussion on how to navigate financial uncertainty and keep your research on track.
"NCFDD has been essential to my success as a faculty member. It has helped with my writing, grant applications, professionalization, and leadership development. I like that I can access the resources on a schedule that works for me. I don't know what I'd do without access to the NCFDD!"
Faculty are navigating one of the most complex grant funding environments in recent memory. Federal priorities are shifting. Budgets are tightening. And competition for research dollars continues to rise.
At the same time, institutions continue to depend on external funding, but often without updating the systems and structures that help faculty pursue it effectively. For many scholars, especially those early in their careers, the grant process still feels like a high-stakes guessing game.
If campuses want to support faculty success, it’s time to rethink the model. Here are four friction points that come up again and again, and what can actually make a difference.
