1. Finding External Funding in Graduate School
Dr. Jennifer Teitle
The University of Iowa
Graduate College
The picture shows a treasure chest, but external funding can actually provide much more than just money.
*Opportunities to network with other scholars
*Travel/ learning opportunities
* External validation *

2. Steps for Finding Funding
Learn
Learn about funding opportunities
Think broadly about your work
Plan
Develop a timeline and plan
What must happen, in what order
Search
Communicate and use local networks
Search with large-scale databases

3. Learn About Funding Internships: Paid or unpaid work experience
Residencies: Room and board within an artist/ scholar community
Scholarships: Funding for education
Awards: Funding in recognition of scholarly or creative excellence
Fellowships: For graduate and post-graduate research and/or education
Grants: Support for research, travel, projects

4. Learn: Think Broadly about Funding

5. Plan your academic timeline
Define Your Academic Goals
what you want to do
where you want to be
what you need to get there
Create Your Search Timeline
what has to happen, in what order
timing is everything, think at least one year in advance
Make a calendar with deadlines (letters, writing, revision)

6. Communicate your plans and use the available social networks
Search: Local
Communicate your plans and use the available social networks
Other students
Advisor/mentors
Online networks
Conferences
Professional associations

7. The Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) Homepage:
Search: Global
The Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) Homepage:
SPIN Searches

8. University Database Searches
Search: Global
Grants 4 Hawks
University Database Searches

9. Search: Global Crowdfunding
Rally
Kickstarter
Indiegogo
More ideas from Imagining America and Animating Democracy…

10. Finding Funding Takes Time
Schedule blocks of time for your funding searches (30-45 minutes)
Search regularly
Keep records
Set goals

11. How can I tell if an opportunity is right for me?
A good match between a funder and applicant is essential. When you find an opportunity ask:
Am I eligible?
What is the funder’s mission and does my work fit into it?
Who else has this funder supported?

12. Remember—there are many opportunities out there!
Don’t force it
Remember—there are many opportunities out there!
Many funders now have website that show their opportunities, interests, and mission statement. You may also be able to investigate winners from previos years and even read their abstracts! Example:

13. Need help? Contact Jennifer at dsp-gradgrants@uiowa.edu
Individual interviews/search strategies
Hands-on training to use the databases
Proposal Review

14. Start today!