Finding funding for your pilot project

Grant funding can feel a bit like a chicken and egg scenario. I've heard multiple PIs say that they feel like they have to have a project completed before they have enough preliminary data to apply for funding. And, there is some truth to this sentiment. Most grant programs look for substantial preliminary data to demonstrate that a project will be successful when all is said and done. Even those programs that used to be for exploratory or pilot projects now expect some preliminary data.

So, what's a researcher to do? Below are some ways that researchers garner funding to get their pilot project going.

Pilot funding:
Although many grant programs still look for pilot data in proposals, some are still genuinely looking to fund new research sans pilot/preliminary data. ORDE puts out an e-book annually that outlines external funding sources for pilot projects. Download your copy here.

Internal funding:
Oftentimes, research universities have a variety of internal funding sources that can give you just enough to get your research project off the ground to produce your much-needed preliminary data. This in turn allows you to develop a competitive grant proposal for larger funding. CU Denver's Office of Research Services offers a small grants program for CU Denver campus research faculty. Oftentimes, there is other funding available at the department level or even at the institutional level. Be sure to let your department and other internal groups know of your research funding needs in case they can support you.

Start-up/Matching
Not surprisingly, faculty members are reticent to use their start-up funding. Yet, if that is the best option for getting your research project going, consider leveraging your start-up. Find out if your department, research office, or external agencies will match your start-up contribution to your research. Not only does matching mean that you're not going to any one group for full funding, but oftentimes, groups are more willing to invest in a project if they know someone else is investing with them, even if that someone is you, yourself.

Once you get your research up and running, make sure that the data and work that you produce can be used to apply for grants to launch you into your next project. Once you're in the research funding cycle, it's easier to stay in than to fall out and be on the hunt for more pilot project funding.

Resources:
ORDE Pilot Project Funding e-book
ORS Small Grants Program