Many faculty feel they are handling the research funding process on their own.

Institutions recognize that the transition into a faculty role is challenging, which is why new faculty are often assigned a senior faculty mentor. That person can help by explaining local expectations, internal processes, departmental culture and what has worked for others. However, that may be the only individualized support you receive for one of the most important parts of the job -- learning how to fund the research enterprise you are now expected to lead.

So, when does it make sense to seek support? We feel there are three periods within the early-career faculty phase when individualized support should be considered.

The first is when the PI is just beginning.

At this point you are entering a new role. You are well-trained technically, have teaching experience and know how to design and execute a research plan. But you are now also responsible for building and funding a research program. This is a major new responsibility.

Some new faculty assume that because they have been successful up to this point, they will be able to grasp the intricacies of funding on their own. And some do. But many see that guidance can shorten the learning curve. This support can help you understand the funding landscape, identify realistic opportunities, build strong habits and avoid spending time spinning your wheels.

The second is after a major win.

Why would someone here seek funding-related guidance? Answer: A major win creates momentum. It may produce a university press release providing visibility for your work and expanded awareness among colleagues and potential collaborators of the accomplishment.

The momentum is external but it is also psychological, bringing confidence, clarity and the satisfaction of knowing that your work is praiseworthy -- yet it is still wise to leverage the victory.

After a major award, your funding may be secured for a specified period. The pressure can be reduced, and lower pressure can create space for more creative thinking. This can be a good time to ask: What comes next? Should I explore new sponsors? Might foundations, corporations or another federal agency be a fit? How can I diversify my portfolio instead of simply planning to repeat my current strategy? After a win can be the time when you have the most space to explore new strategies.

The third is when the need for funding has become urgent.

Regrettably, this is another very real situation. A PI may be several years into a faculty position without having received major federal funding -- for any of many possible reasons. This is not uncommon and not necessarily a reflection of the efforts expended or the quality of the ideas presented. But undoubtedly it is stressful.

When funding needs feel urgent, timelines become tighter. There may be pressure from the department or institution. There may be a deadline by which funding must be secured. And even if proposals can be submitted in the near term, the time between submission and decision can be lengthy and anxiety-producing.

Here, external support can still be extremely helpful. But this is also where earlier support can matter so much.

The goal is not to wait until the pressure is at its highest before obtaining strategic assistance.

Support may be from a mentor, senior colleague, your research development office, a grant consultant, peer group or outside advisor. The important thing for you is to know what resources are available and to be honest with yourself about whether (and which) support will help you move ahead more efficiently and effectively.

Traditional group trainings have their place. Webinars, agency websites and overview sessions can help you understand eligibility rules, deadlines and basic expectations.

But individualized support can do something different. It can help you think through challenges related to your specific research area, personal constraints, timelines, sponsor fit, proposal history and, crucially, your next best move.

As summer months approach and many faculty have more room to think beyond the daily demands of the academic year, these are useful questions to ask:

What am I trying to accomplish with my funding strategy, and what kinds of support will help me move toward that goal?

You do not have to figure out the funding journey on your own.

Finally, and most importantly, one does not have to wait until funding needs have become urgent before seeking strategic solutions.

Did you catch all these interviews on our YouTube channel? If not, check out this playlist!

This playlist brings together four interviews with former program officers and program managers from Army, DARPA, and NSF. Across these conversations, they share candid, behind-the-scenes insight into how funding decisions actually get made, what strong proposals have in common, and how faculty can approach sponsor outreach more strategically. If you are serious about improving your chances of getting funded, these interviews will help you understand not just how to write a proposal, but how to think like the people evaluating and shaping research portfolios.

Need to get your research funded, this year? Check out our 12-week program to get you there.

Check out our storefront where you can access our free Unlocking DOD Funding for University Researchers course and other resources, including for faculty applicants.

Ready to book a call to discuss how our program can support faculty at your institution? Let’s chat!