GrantForward

What is GrantForward

GrantForward Key Features

GrantForward is a cloud based comprehensive funding opportunity database designed specifically for academic researchers and institutions. UDM provides free access for faculty, students and administration. Here’s a quick overview of what it offers:

Extensive Funding Database: Continuously updated with thousands of grant opportunities from over 30,000 sponsors, including federal agencies, foundations, and other funding bodies
Advanced Search Tools: Users can apply filters like keywords, sponsor type, deadlines, and funding amount to narrow down relevant opportunities quickly
Personalized Grant Recommendations: By creating a researcher profile that includes your interests, publications, and affiliations, GrantForward uses AI to suggest tailored funding opportunities
Collaboration Tools: Helps identify potential collaborators within and across institutions based on shared research interests
Alerts and Notifications: Users can set up regular alerts to stay informed about new funding opportunities that match their criteria

Setting up a GrantForward profile

Go to GrantForward.com
Click on “Sign Up” in the top-right corner.
- Use your institutional email address (e.g., ending in .edu) to register. Many institutions have subscriptions that allow free access.
Verify Your Email
- After signing up, you’ll receive a verification email. Click the link in the email to activate your account.
Log In and Create Your Profile
- Once logged in, go to your dashboard and select “Create Researcher Profile.”
- Add your information and fill in details such as: Research interests, Publications, Affiliations, Keywords related to your work
- AI Automated Profile (Optional): By enabling Auto-Import, you can allow GrantForward to auto-import your publications from sources like Google Scholar or upload your CV to extract relevant data.
Save and Activate Recommendations
- Once your profile is complete, GrantForward will begin sending personalized grant recommendations based on your research focus.

For GrantForward profile assistance:
Please contact Michele Favoretto, Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs & Research Activities (OSPRA) at favoremi@udmercy.edu | (313) 993-1428

For GrantForward keyword research assistance:

McNichols Campus, School of Dentistry, and School of Optometry Libraries:
Contact Sandra Wilson, Associate Library Professor for Reference Services at the McNichols Campus Library – wilsonsh@udmercy.edu or 313-578-0577.
UDM School of Law:
Contact Patrick Meyer, Library Director & Professor – meyerpj@udmercy.edu (313) 596-0240

What to include in your research interests

When writing your research interests for a GrantForward profile, you want to clearly and concisely describe the focus areas of your academic or professional work. This helps the platform match you with the most relevant funding opportunities.

Core Topics
- List the main subjects or fields you work in.
- Example: Machine learning, renewable energy, public health policy, early childhood education.
Specific Areas of Focus
- Mention subfields or niche areas within your discipline.
- Example: Deep learning for medical imaging, solar panel efficiency optimization, behavioral interventions in K-12 education.
Methodologies or Techniques
- Include any specialized methods or tools you use.
- Example: Qualitative research, CRISPR gene editing, GIS mapping, ethnographic fieldwork.
Applications or Goals
- Describe the real-world problems your research addresses.
- Example: Improving access to clean water in rural communities, developing AI for autonomous vehicles.
Interdisciplinary Connections (if applicable)
- If your work spans multiple fields, highlight those connections.
- Example: Intersection of neuroscience and education, or environmental science and urban planning.

Example Research Interest Statement
My research focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare, particularly in developing machine learning models for early disease detection. I am also interested in ethical AI, data privacy, and the application of natural language processing in clinical decision support systems.

How to Identify the Best Keywords/Search Terms

Basic guidelines:

Be Specific: Avoid overly broad terms like “science” or “technology.” Instead, use “neuroscience” or “renewable energy storage.”
Be Relevant: Focus on terms that directly relate to your current and future research goals.
Be Recognizable: Use terminology commonly found in grant announcements and academic literature.

Tips for identifying your keywords

Review Your Publications and Abstracts
- Highlight recurring terms and phrases.
- Look at titles, abstracts, and keywords from your own papers.
Check GrantForward’s Suggestions
- When creating your profile, GrantForward may suggest keywords based on your uploaded CV or publication list.
Use Funding Announcements
- Browse funding opportunities in your field and note the language used in successful or relevant grants.
Explore Related Profiles
- Look at profiles of peers or collaborators in your field to see what keywords they use.
Use Keyword Tools
- Tools like Copilot, Google Scholar, PubMed, or even thesauruses can help you find synonyms or related terms.

Example: For a Researcher in Environmental Engineering

Broad: Environmental engineering, sustainability
Specific: Water treatment, membrane filtration, PFAS remediation
Methods: Life cycle assessment, computational fluid dynamics
Applications: Clean water access, industrial wastewater management

Would you like help brainstorming keywords based on your research area?

Professional Keyword Search Assistance for GrantForward

The professional librarians at the McNichols Campus Library and School of Law Library offer specialized support for faculty and researchers seeking external funding. If you’re preparing a grant proposal or exploring funding opportunities, our librarians can assist with developing effective keyword strategies to enhance your searches in grant databases and funding directories. For expert help with keyword research tailored to grants and funding, please contact Sandra Wilson, Associate Library Professor for Reference Services at the McNichols Campus Library. She can be reached at wilsonsh@udmercy.edu | 313-578-0577.

Librarian Consultants for Specific Colleges & Schools
At the McNichols Campus Library, our librarian consultants offer specialized expertise aligned with each college and school on the McNichols Campus, School of Dentistry and School of Optometry. They assist faculty, staff, and students in identifying effective keywords to enhance funding opportunity searches in GrantForward.

To find your college/school librarian consultant see the Reference Services section for a full list and contact information.

Please note: The School of Law has its own dedicated library and librarian consultants who provide support specific to law-related research and key search term assistance. For assistance within the School of Law, please contact the Law Library directly.

Get the Funding Conversation Started

Ann Serra, Dir. OSPRA
serraam@udmercy.edu
(313) 993-1469

Quick Links

CAYUSE, GrantForward & CITI Programs
Support
Michele Favoretto
favoremi@udmercy.edu
(313) 993-1428

Forms

Required Forms/Templates

Helpful Links

Working with OSPRA from project concept through award has significantly increased my awareness and understanding of the processes and UDM policies.

OSPRA Workshops

OSPRA offers a series of workshops throughout the academic year. Browse the workshop schedule and register today.

NEW Faculty Members

OSPRA Workshops offer the perfect opportunity to lean more about the sponsored research activities at UDM and gain an understanding of the process and policies. Register today.