Volume 12, number 11: May 3, 2006
FUNDING TIPS
New Database of NC State Government Grants and Financial Assistance Programs
The Community Resource Information System (CRIS) is an electronic resource for locating information about technical and financial assistance programs administered by the state government of North Carolina. CRIS includes information about state grants, loans, and technical assistance programs to educational institutions, nonprofits, local governments, small businesses, and citizens. It is searchable by free text or can be browsed by agency, title, and keyword. CRIS is administered by the North Carolina Office of State Planning and is the sole public source of this information.
Downloading Grants.gov Application Packages
To download an application package from Grants.gov:
- Open Grants.gov using Internet Explorer.
- Install PureEdge Viewer.
- From a Grants.gov search, click “Apply for Grant Electronically” in the announcement to see all packages available for download.
- Applicants can also obtain an application from the Download Application Package page by entering the Funding Opportunity or CFDA number.
- Download all instructions related to the package.
- At the warning message stating one or more items contain invalid values, click yes to proceed anyway.
- Once downloaded, the application can be completed offline.
Prior to downloading, there is an option to receive e-mail updates regarding any changes in that funding opportunity. The Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) strongly advises that applicants choose to receive these notifications. Otherwise, OSR will have difficulties submitting the final PureEdge file or may receive a rejection notice if changes are made in the form after it is submitted.
Consult the OSR Pre-Award Contract Specialist with questions about preparing and submitting a grant application package through Grants.gov. READ MORE
Approaching Foundation Funding
The Foundation Center has a “Reference Guide for Approaching a Foundation,” which provides helpful advice for those seeking foundation funding. The guide recommends in-depth research on a foundation's mission, programs, priorities, giving history, and review process. Discussing a project in advance with the foundation's program officer can ensure that the project fits the giving interests.
Find the proposal format that the foundation expects. Some foundations request an initial phone call or letter of inquiry, while others require a detailed initial proposal. These requirements are often described in the foundation's guidelines or website, but sometimes the best source is the program officer. Presenting a carefully written appeal in terms of format and content will help make a good first impression. READ MORE
COS Funding Alert Enhancements
COS will be introducing some changes in to their funding alert service that will make it more flexible and useful. For example, users will be able to:
- save COS funding opportunities searches as alert searches;
- save up to 20 alert searches;
- choose from which alert searches to receive results in the weekly email; and
- save a maximum of 100 “Tracked Opportunities” directly on the Workbench.
The GrantSource Library will be updating its handouts and information to help users learn how to take advantage of the upcoming changes. Contact the GrantSource Library for assistance in creating or updating a COS funding alert.
Using Grants.gov to Find Grant Opportunities
There are several ways to locate federal funding opportunities on Grants.gov. Grants can be found through the basic or advanced search interfaces or browsed by category or agency. Grants.gov also offers email alerts of grant announcements based on agency, category, interest, eligibility group, or specific funding opportunity number. Once subscribed, users will receive announcements about new grants that fit selected criteria and revisions of previous grant announcements. READ MORE
Remote Access to COS
Researchers can access COS services from any location through the COS Workbench. Log into the Workbench to read funding alerts, conduct a funding search, or update a profile. Users who have forgotten their COS username or password can request them from the “Manage Your Account” section of the login page or by contacting the GrantSource Library.