Search Funding databases
The University subscribes to search tools for use by University faculty, staff, and students. Learn how to search databases to identify potential funding sources for your research, artistic, and other scholarly pursuits. Set up customized email alerts when new funding is posted. Training is available both in person and via online tutorials.
In-Person Workshops 
UM Libraries Workshop: Grant Funding - Search tools and resources
Workshop on how to use Community of Science (COS), Sponsored Programs Information Network (SPIN), and the Foundation Directory Online (FDO), to search for grant opportunities. Learn how to set up e-mail updates on specific research topics. Discover how to find internal U of M funding sources. Sponsored by OVPR and University Libraries. Job aids from the workshop:
- Which database is right for you? (.pdf)
An overview and comparison of COS, FDO, IRIS and SPIN. - Starting Your Funding Search (.pdf)
Suggestions, pointers and resources to help get you started in your search for funding. - A Searcher's Cheatsheet (.pdf)
Quick reference for using online searching tools.
Search Tools
- Community of Science (COS)
Despite its name, COS includes info about sponsors in all disciplines. Includes federal, non-federal, and international sponsors. - Foundation Directory Online (FDO)
Full-text search capability for over 80,000 foundations. Access is available for on-site computers at UM-TC only. - Grants.gov
The online resource for all Federal grants. However, to ensure a thorough search of a specific agencies' opportunities, it is recommended that you also search that agencies' web site. - GrantsNet
To find funds for training in the biological sciences and undergraduate science education. - Illinois Researcher Information Service (IRIS)
Includes the IRIS database of funding opportunities in all disciplines, the IRIS Alert Service, and the IRIS Expertise Service. - Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF)
Features a calendar of upcoming grant deadlines for Minnesota grant makers as reported to the MCF. - Sponsored Programs Information Network (SPIN)
SPIN is a searchable database that provides detailed information about thousands of federal, non-federal, and international funding opportunities. Use SPIN to perform a quick search or click here to create a user profile to set up customized searches with e-mail alerts about new opportunities that match your search criteria.
Funding alerts
- COS
COS funding alert subscribers receive a weekly e-mail with a customized list of funding opportunities based on previously specified criteria provided by the individual COS members. - Grants.gov
Sign up to receive all new federal grant notices or specify notification based on customized criteria or funding opportunity number. - IRIS
The IRIS alert service allows you to create your own IRIS search profile. Your search profile will be run automatically at specified intervals and will alert you to upcoming funding opportunities in your areas of interest. - RFP Bulletin
A roundup of recently announced requests for proposals (RFPs), from private, corporate, and government funding sources. Weekly e-mails are available.
Online tutorials
These tutorials are authored by the vendor. Tutorials are offered online, via power point or .pdf files.