The following resources may be helpful in seeking and applying for private funding.
Meet the Funder
These events are a chance to connect directly with foundation representatives and awarded BU faculty, ask questions about grant programs, and learn about the grant application process. Register for upcoming Meet the Funders, or view slides and recordings from past events.
Successful Proposal Library
This curated repository of proposals includes more than 100 successful letters of intent, proposals, and related materials submitted to foundations by BU faculty. Prospective applicants can browse the contents to find insight on level of detail, structure, style, and format for a range of foundations.
“The Proposal Library is a chance for new or even seasoned faculty to review past successful proposals to a foundation they are considering applying to. This is a terrific resource.”
—Kenneth R. Lutchen, Former Dean, College of Engineering
Tables of Current Funding Opportunities
Searchable tables of funding opportunities by category are available on the Find Funding page.
Red Team Reviews
For faculty members whose proposals have been invited to the final stage of high-value and highly competitive funding programs, the FR team organizes red team reviews. Through them, applicants receive detailed feedback, both written and verbal, from recent awardees, who are often external to BU, colleagues familiar with their work, and a member of the FR team. Of the 19 proposals that have so far gone through the red team review process and received decisions, nine have been funded. This 47% success rate is significantly higher than the usual rate of 10% or less for these highly competitive funding programs. Please note that red team reviews are initiated by the FR team, and are not available by request.
Data Visualization Reports on High-Value Funding Programs
The FR team and Office of Research, using the Academic Analytics database, have created 27 Power BI reports on prestigious award programs. Based on data about previous recipients of the awards, these reports feature graphs and tables pertaining to academic field, years since PhD, publications, precursor awards, and geography, and are intended to inform faculty regarding their competitiveness for each program.
If you’re interested in one of the below awards, please contact your FR officer, who can grant you access to the corresponding report.
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowships in Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Computer Science, Earth Systems Science, Economics, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics
Allen Institute Distinguished Investigator Award
Andrew W. Mellon Foundation New Directions Fellowship
Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Sawyer Seminar
Beckman Young Investigator Award
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Global Grand Challenges
Blavatnik National Awards in Chemistry, Life Sciences, or Physical Science & Engineering
Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Inventor Fellows
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Freeman Hrabowski Scholars
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators
Lasker Foundation Basic Medical Research Award
Pew Charitable Trusts Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences
Rita Allen Foundation Scholars
Searle Scholars
Simons Foundation Investigators
W. M. Keck Foundation Medical Research Area Grant
W. M. Keck Foundation Science and Engineering Grant