8 Types of Research Grants

Research grants are a crucial component of funding provided by various organizations to support research projects across various fields, including science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. These grants can be categorized into different types based on the criteria used to award them, the duration of the grant, the research focus, the eligibility of the applicant, and the funding amount. Understanding the different types of research grants available can help researchers identify the appropriate funding source for their research project.

For scientists and researchers, there are several types of research grants available, each with its own purpose and eligibility criteria. In this blog, we will discuss the 8 most common types of research grants.

Project Grants

Project grants are the most common type of research grants. They are awarded to individual researchers or research teams to support a specific research project, and are typically for a set amount of time and funding. The funds can be used for salaries, equipment, supplies, travel, and other expenses related to the project. Examples of organizations that provide project grants include the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Wellcome Trust.

Program Grants

Program grants are awarded to institutions or organizations to support a broader research program, center, or initiative. These grants fund multiple research projects that are focused on a common theme or research question. Program grants often require a more comprehensive proposal and may be more competitive than project grants. Examples of organizations that provide program grants include the American Cancer Society (ACS), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Fellowship Grants

Fellowship grants provide funding for individual researchers to support their training or career development. These grants may be designed for specific career stages, such as postdoctoral fellowships or early career researcher awards, and often provide stipends for living expenses, tuition, and research-related expenses. Fellowship grants can be awarded to postdoctoral researchers or graduate students. Examples of organizations that provide fellowship grants include the NIH, the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

Travel Grants

Travel grants provide funding for researchers to conduct research in a different location, or attend conferences, workshops, or meetings related to their research field. These grants can cover travel expenses, registration fees, and accommodation costs. Travel grants are usually smaller in amount than other types of research grants. Examples of organizations that provide travel grants include the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Society for Neuroscience (SfN), the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), and the American Physiological Society (APS).

Equipment Grants

Equipment grants provide funding for researchers to purchase equipment necessary for their research project. These grants can be awarded to individual researchers or institutions. Equipment grants are often more competitive than other types of research grants, as they require a detailed justification for the equipment purchase. Examples of organizations that provide equipment grants include the NSF, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Seed Grants

Seed Grants are awarded to support the early stages of a research project, often with the goal of securing additional funding in the future. Examples of organizations that provide seed grants include the NSF, the ACS, and the American Heart Association (AHA), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Collaborative Grants

Collaborative Grants are awarded to support research collaborations between two or more institutions or researchers. Examples of organizations that provide collaborative grants include the NIH, Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, the European Research Council (ERC), and the European Commission’s Horizon Europe program.

Industry-sponsored Grants

Industry-sponsored research grants are designed to support research projects that are sponsored by private companies or corporations. These grants typically support research projects that are of mutual interest to the company and the research institution or researcher. Examples of organizations that provide industry-sponsored grants include Pfizer, Novartis, Merck & Co., Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Sanofi, and Eli Lilly and Company.

Conclusion

Research grants come in many types and sizes, each with its own specific criteria and funding amount. Researchers can apply for project grants to fund a specific research project, program grants to support a broader research program, fellowship grants for career development, travel grants for conference attendance, and several other grants for varying purposes.

Knowing the different types of research grants available can help researchers identify the most appropriate funding opportunities for their research goals. It is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements for each type of research grant, as well as the application process and deadlines, before applying. Additionally, it can be helpful to seek advice and guidance from experienced researchers or research administrators to increase your chances of success in obtaining funding.