Navigating the large number and diversity of funding opportunities for Harvard researchers can be challenging. The most comprehensive resource for internal and external funding sources is the Office for Sponsored Programs Finding Funding website. Additionally, HMS, HSDM, and HSPH maintain a separate list of funding sources at the Harvard Longwood Campus Research Administration website. School-based research administration offices also provide on-site support with proposal development and review.

Limited Submission Funding Opportunities

There are a number of funding opportunities that are internal competitions or that limit the number of applicants from each institution.  Management of these opportunities is the responsibility of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, the Harvard Medical School Foundation, and the University Committee on Biological Sciences, depending on the program in question. See the Limited Submissions section for a description of the application process and a listing of opportunities.

University Coordinated Prospects

The University Development Office (UDO) strives to maximize giving to Harvard in a manner that strengthens priority teaching and research programs across the University. Towards this goal, the UDO coordinates relationships with a designated group of foundations and corporations for whom proposals and funding inquiries must be centrally approved. These organizations can be found in the list of University Coordinated Prospects.

Gifts v. Grants

It is important to distinguish gifts from grants.  Integral in determining whether an award is a gift or grant is an examination of the intent of the award and the terms (or lack thereof) attached to the award.  Gifts are generally irrevocable and have few terms beyond an expression of general intent or benefits to the donor beyond recognition of their gift.  Grants, on the other hand, may be revoked, and generally have more detailed terms attached, including terms restricting the use of the funds, requiring fiscal accountability reporting and the return of any unexpended funds.  No one factor is dispositive.  For example, a gift may require limited financial reporting for stewardship purposes, but that factor alone does not convert it to a grant.  One bright-line rule is that U.S. Government (state or federal) money should always be treated as a grant.  For further guidance, refer to the Office for Sponsored Programs Finding Funding website.