The NIH invests most of its $45 billion budget in medical research – and over 84 percent of NIH’s funding is awarded to grantees outside the NIH. Annually, the NIH makes nearly 50,000 grants to more than 300,000 researchers at more than 2,500 universities, medical schools, and other research institutions.
As the single largest scientific grant maker in the world, securing more NIH funding is essential for US researchers and scientists who want to advance their work and make a significant impact in their field. To do this, it is important to develop strong grant applications and be strategic about your approach to applying for NIH grants.
Some key strategies include:
Get familiar with grants.gov. Grants.gov is the official government website providing access to federal funding opportunities, including those from NIH. It is the best source to find out about open grant opportunities. This website offers a comprehensive listing of available grants and includes step-by-step instructions on how to apply. Using this resource, you may find the perfect grant for your research project or organization and maximize your chances of securing the funding you need.
Network with others in your field. Connecting with individuals who have been successful in obtaining NIH grants can give you insight into the grant application process and share tips on how best to craft your application.
Do research to understand the criteria for NIH funding. Take time to read up on the different types of NIH grants available, what is required to apply, and how applications are evaluated.
Get organized and be strategic with your approach to writing a grant proposal. Identify the most important elements of your research you want to highlight in your proposal, include clear objectives and goals, use measurable outcomes, and be sure to provide evidence to support your proposal.
Invest in professional development opportunities. Consider taking courses or attending workshops on grant writing and NIH application processes. This can help increase your chances of success when applying for NIH grants.
Be persistent in your efforts. Applying for NIH grants can be a lengthy process, with many potential barriers to success. Don’t give up too easily – keep trying and adjust your approach based on feedback. By taking the time to prepare in advance and following these strategies, you can increase your chances of securing more NIH funding and awards.
Cultivate relationships with NIH program staff. Developing relationships with NIH program staff can help you gain a better understanding of the grant application process, as well as provide valuable advice and support. It is also important to stay in touch after submitting your application so that they are aware of any updates or changes.
Focus on the quality of your proposal rather than just the quantity. Don’t be afraid to invest time and effort into perfecting your proposal – this is the best way to make sure it is of the highest quality. Make sure you include all the necessary information and provide detailed explanations that demonstrate why your research project should be funded. Following these tips can help increase your chances of successfully obtaining NIH grants.
With these tips and a lot of hard work, you can increase your chances of securing NIH funding and furthering your career in science.
Did You Know? Altum Insights was built on 20 years of experience working with hundreds of research funders including the NIH. Altum Insights is an AI-based discovery engine that shows the connections between grants, grantees, and the outcomes achieved – across the entire research lifecycle. The product provides unique search and visualization capabilities that enable grant-making teams to determine how much has been funded in each are of focus, what grants or publications are linked to each award, and which of their grantees’ work went to clinical trial. With Altum Insights, funders can search nearly 200 million data points and clearly illustrate their impact to their board, donors and constituents.
Learn more at: https://altum.com/altum-insights-for-funders/
