What Is a Research Grant?

This post was originally published on December 6, 2016 and updated on October 7, 2019.

Within the realm of federal government grants, research and development grants are some of the most numerous and diverse. What types of research grants does the Federal government support?

When you search for “research” on Grants.gov, there are currently over 1,600 open grant opportunities! Each of these diverse assistance programs and grant opportunities are legislatively authorized federal assistance programs that federal grant-making agencies use to support research.

What do you mean by “research”?

A simple definition of research is the “careful study that is done to find and report new knowledge about something” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). While many of us may picture scientists in white coats performing lab experiments, the range of research grants is far wider.

#FundingFriday: Recent Research Grants Posted to Grants.gov

With federal agencies posting funding opportunities to Grants.gov, there are a range of research grants for you to consider applying for.

#FundingFriday: Sorting through the 250+ New Grants in November

We are just 10 days into November, and federal grant-making agencies have posted over 250 new funding opportunity announcements (FOA) on Grants.gov.

We all know winter is coming, so let’s find a nice FOA to cozy up with next to the fireplace.

#FundingFriday: Research and Development Grants from NSF and DOE

U.S. federal grant-making agencies support research and development across the scientific spectrum. In October, the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Science Foundation (NSF) have posted funding opportunity announcements to support this work in the areas of energy efficiency, Antarctic research on ice loss, and laboratories conducting research.

Exploring Eligibility: Can Small Businesses Receive Federal Grants?

Let’s say you’re a small business owner looking to build out your enterprise. You’ve looked into loans from private lenders. You’ve spoken with investors. Recently, in a Google search, you stumbled across an article heralding the availability of government grants for small businesses.

You wonder: “Does the federal government really award money to people running small businesses?”