Do you have a research idea but do not know where to get funding for it? Many people find themselves there. A good number will give up and let the idea go but only a few will go out of their way to get funding. Let’s face it; it is not easy to get funds for a research. It is even hard to convince anyone to give you their money if you are starting out. So, what are the top ways to get funding for your research idea?
Make Yourself Valuable
For anyone to believe in you, you have to show you are worth it. Use your CV to make others believe in your capabilities. Let those who are able to fund your idea see value in you. It is going to be easy if you are able to attract donors to your personality and capabilities.
Know Sources of Funding
There are lots of organizations funding research around the world. Your first homework would be to find out these organizations. Go through each of them and know what they stand for. By so doing you will be able to filter the ones that will be more likely to fund your research. It is not worth it going to donors who have no interest in the idea you are pitching to them.
Make Your Idea Marketable
Would your research idea convince anyone to spend money on it? If no then you need to find another approach. Until you are sure that your research topic will be of interest to stakeholders, do not bother asking anyone to fund it. Look for current issues that will get everyone interested. As long as your research idea is relevant, you will get funds.
Resubmit Your Proposal
It is not time to give up. Work on the reviews send to you and revise your proposal. Take your critics serious going forwards. Even if you have to work on your project, it should not be in your mind to give up.
Network with the Right People
By knowing the right people, your quest for research funds will get comfortable. Get to see some program officers in different organizations. These are the people who will review your proposals. If you can let them know you better, they will be obliged to give you funds.
Talk to People Who Have Won Grants Before
There are colleagues in your social circles who applied and got funds for their research topics. You should talk to them about how they nailed it. It helps to gain some insights for grant applications. They will be happy to let you know they do and don’ts. From there it gets piece-of-cake easy.
Do not get stuck with your research work just because you cannot afford it. There are organizations out there that can help with the funding you need. What you need is a good strategy to convince them, and this post pointed you in the right direction.
