Introduction to Funding Opportunities

• It’s never too early to start looking for possible funding opportunities.

• Start by writing a short, lay-language prospectus. This will help you identify key concepts for your search.

• Search using broader terms and not just the specific terms of your project.

• Attack from multiple directions: funders, recipients, announcements, and previously funded programs.

• Use Pivot-defined keywords and look for patterns.

• Search for a expert profile, and replicate the logic of the funding matches.

• Keep track of what you've found, including funders to follow and search terms and limits that are especially fruitful.

Pivot may not always be the best fit. Here are some considerations for when you should go beyond Pivot:

• It is impossible to know if the database contains "everything." Pivot is best used for browsing, not identifying a specific opportunity.
• Always go to the sponsor for the best and most current information.
• To search within a targeted discipline, use a database or search tool that specializes in opportunities for that field.
• Review the literature for interesting and emerging avenues of funding.
• Do not rely on Pivot to give definitive answers. Combine search tools to verify your results.
• There is no substitute for word-of-mouth.