Sources of Funding for Faculty and Postdoctoral Scholars

Featured institutional and external funding opportunities for University of Minnesota faculty and postdoctoral researchers.

Internal Funding Opportunities

University of Minnesota Internal Funding Resource

Masonic Cancer Center Internal Grants Program

Supports new research projects that lead to nationally peer-reviewed funding.
Projects aligned with MCC Scientific Priorities for Growth are strongly encouraged.

Global Programs and Strategy Alliance

International Travel Grants
Funding available for:

  • Research travel

  • Conferences

  • Curriculum development

  • Early-stage project work

Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR)

Artist-in-Residence

  • Supports collaborations between artists and scientists

  • Encourages innovation and creative thinking

  • Awards: ~$25,000

Cancer Research Translational Initiative (CRTI)

CRTI Translational Working Group Award
Supports research advancing:

  • Cancer diagnosis

  • Prevention

  • Treatment

Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI)

Career Development Programs

Designed to help junior investigators compete for NIH funding.

Office of Academic Clinical Affairs (OACA)

Global Engagement Grants

  • Funding range: $1,500–$15,000

  • Supports global health, education, and capacity-building projects

  • Focus on equity and partnership

Technology Commercialization

Early Innovation Fund

  • $3,000–$10,000 per project

  • Supports early-stage innovation and technology development

  • Open to faculty, postdocs, students, and staff

Office of Discovery and Translation (ODAT)

ODAT Translational Research Fundingare 

  • Rolling submissions

  • Focus areas:

    • Health equity and accessibility

    • Pediatrics

    • Rural health

MnDRIVE

MnDRIVE Neuromodulation Research Fellowship
Supports doctoral students, postdocs, and clinical fellows.
Industry partnerships are encouraged but not required.

Limited Extramural Funding

Some opportunities require institutional nomination.

Featured Programs

Government Funding Resources

NIH Matchmaker Tool

Find NIH institutes, program officers, and related funded projects:
https://reporter.nih.gov/matchmaker

How to use:

  • Enter your research abstract or keywords

  • Explore:

    • Similar funded projects

    • Relevant program officers

  • Filter results to refine matches

Federal Funding Opportunities

State Funding

Minnesota LCCMR (Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund)
go to websiter https://www.lccmr.mn.gov

Industry Funding & Partnerships

Halo Science Platform

Connect with industry partners and funding opportunities:
https://www.halosci.com

Companies currently seeking collaborators include:

  • Takeda

  • PepsiCo

  • Corteva

Private Foundation Funding

Proposal Central

Funding opportunities from foundations and professional societies

Highlighted Opportunities

Major Research Funding Organizations

Additional Funding Resources

University Libraries Funding Tools

Search databases such as Pivot, SPIN, and Foundation Directory Online:
https://www.lib.umn.edu

GrantForward

Funding database and recommendation platform:
https://www.grantforward.com

SPARC (Strategic Partnerships and Research Collaborative)

Supports large-scale, interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Charitable Grants Resource Hub

Explore curated grant opportunities and funding strategies.

 

 

OVPR

 

Research & Innovation Office

Funding Opportunities

Medical School 

State Funded 

Office of Academic Clinical Affairs  

Masonic Cancer Center 

CTSI 

U of M Corporate and Foundation Engagement 

RIO 

External