Prospect research is the process of researching and identifying appropriate funding sources to support one's project. It is often the most difficult and time consuming aspect of grant development. The following resources provide information about potential sources of funding. Please remember that federal funding is usually not available for 6 to 12 months after you submit. It is not a quick or easy source of funding.
Federal Sites
Clearinghouse and Regulations
Grants.gov -- This is the government clearinghouse for all federally-funded grant opportunities. Each of the federal agencies will post available grant opportunities at this site.
Federal Register -- The Office of the Federal Register of the National Archives and Records Administration , and the U.S. Government Publishing Officejointly administer the FederalRegister.gov website. This website was developed to make it easier for citizens and communities to understand the regulatory process and to participate in Government decision-making.
Federal Granting Agencies
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -- Every year, EPA awards more than $4 billion in funding for grants and other assistance agreements. From small non-profit organizations to large state governments, EPA works to help many visionary organizations achieve their environmental goals. With countless success stories over the years, EPA grants remain a chief tool to protect human health and the environment.
Institute of Museum and Library Services -- The Institute of Museum and Library Services provides grants to support research and policy development, to advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations. Many of these grants at the community college level involve librarians, and faculty professional development opportunities and to enhance library programs.
National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) -- The National Aeronautics and Space Agency also provides grants to support the STEM programs. Many of NASA's grants at the community college level involve faculty and student fellowships and other professional development opportunities.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) -- The National Endowment for the Arts awards a number of grants each year to support the arts in education.
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) -- The National Endowment for the Humanities is similar to the NEA, providing an array of grants to community colleges to support the humanities.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) -- Did you know that NIH is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, investing more than $32 billion a year to enhance life, and reduce illness and disability? NIH funded research has led to breakthroughs and new treatments, helping people live longer, healthier lives, and building the research foundation that drives discovery.
National Science Foundation (NSF) -- The National Science Foundation (NSF), like many of the other federal agencies, also posts its funding opportunities on its own website. One of the best features of the NSF site is that faculty and staff who are interested in a particular program and/or project can obtain information about other similar projects that the agency has funded. The NSF strongly encourages applicants to research what other faculty have proposed and design their projects to build off of these previous works.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) -- Working at national, regional, and local levels, our funded projects educate and inspire people to use Earth systems science to improve ecosystem stewardship and increase resilience to environmental hazards.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-- The United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awards research funding through a combination of competitive grants and funds allocated to states under statutory formulas. The NIFA awards support educational, extension efforts in a wider range of scientific fields related to agriculture and behavioral sciences such as ecology, environment, natural resources, farming and ranching, food, human and health science and advanced technologies.
U.S. Department of Education (ED) -- The Department of Education administers grant funding programs that fulfill the Department's mission to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness, to foster educational excellence, and to ensure equal access.
- U.S. Department of Education (ED): Forecast of Funding Opportunities -- Although this document from the U.S. Department of Education is a little difficult to negotiate, it will provide an overview of the proposed funding that the Department of Education expects to distribute during the fiscal year. It includes grants encompassing all aspects of education in the United States, from pre-kindergarten to post-graduate education. Areas of focus include disabled students, adult education and literacy, student support services, recruitment and outreach, retention and transfer, student safety, curriculum development and program implementation, among others.
U.S. Department of Energy - State Energy Program -- The U.S. Department of Energy's State Energy Program (SEP) emphasizes the state's role as the decision-maker and administrator for program activities within their state that are tailored to their unique resources, delivery capacity, and energy goals. SEP provides funding and technical assistance to states, territories, and the District of Columbia to enhance energy security, advance state-led energy initiatives, and increase energy affordability. State Energy Offices can use the information below to learn more about SEP opportunities and guidelines and explore how the SEP network is working toward a strong and prosperous America powered by clean, affordable, and secure energy.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) -- The Health Resources and Services Administration is the primary federal funding source for community college health science grants. Grants available through HRSA address faculty development, program expansion, student scholarships, and student support services.
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) -- The United States Department of Justice offers funding opportunities to support law enforcement and public safety activities in state, local, and tribal jurisdictions; to assist victims of crime; to provide training and technical assistance; to conduct research; and to implement programs that improve the criminal, civil, and juvenile justice systems.
U.S. Department of Labor - Employment and Training Administration (ETA) -- The mission of the Employment and Training Administration is to contribute to the more efficient functioning of the U.S. labor market by providing high-quality job training, employment, labor market information, and income maintenance services primarily through state and local workforce development systems.
State Sites
California Community College Chancellors Office (CCCCO) -- The Chancellor’s Office administers grants that benefit local districts or the California Community Colleges system as a whole.
California Department of Education (CDE) -- The California Department of Education operates a large number of programs that provide funds to schools and other organizations for a variety of educational purposes.
California Grants Portal -- The California Grants Portal (a project by the California State Library) is one destination to find all grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California state agencies.
Foundation for the California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) -- FoundationCCC is the official nonprofit partner to the California Community Colleges, the largest and most diverse system of higher education in the nation.
Student-Led Competition Awards
From time-to-time students may seek opportunities to compete in a number of prize-based challenges such as the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP); MUREP Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC) or other competitive programs. These competitions often come with financial awards or incentive prizes. Should a student-led competition be awarded it must be administered through the Santa Monica College Foundation.
Faculty Sponsors, please contact the Grants Office at grantsoffice@smc.edu for more information.