GrantForward

What is GrantForward

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

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 area of research?

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 your research and college or school contact your designated Librarian Professor.

Librarian Consultants for Specific Colleges & Schools

Jennifer Bowen | bowenji@udmercy.edu | 313-494-6904
Librarian consultant for: Dental Hygiene Dentistry Optometry Theater

Cindy Gillham | gillhaca@udmercy.edu | 313-993-1810
Librarian consultant for: Biology Catholic Studies Chemistry Electrical Engineering History Language & Culture Philosophy Physics Religious Studies

Rebecca Tull | tullrs@udmercy.edu | 313-993-1077
Librarian consultant for: African-American Studies English Social Work Women’s & Gender Studies

Jill A. Turner | turnerja1@udmercy.edu | 313-494-6903 / 313-993-1157
Librarian consultant for: Health Information Management Health Operations Management Health Services Administration Nursing Physician Assistant

Jill Werdell Spreitzer | werdeljc@udmercy.edu | 313-993-1221
Librarian consultant for: Addiction Studies Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Communication Studies Computer Science & Software Engineering Counseling Criminal Justice Cybersecurity and Information Systems Intelligence Analysis Mechanical Engineering Psychology

Sandra H. Wilson | wilsonsh@udmercy.edu | 313-578-0577
Librarian consultant for: Architecture Business Community Development Digital Media Studies Economics Mathematics Political Science Sustainable Communities

Jennifer Hostetle | holzwojm@udmercy.edu | (313) 596-9415
Librarian consultant for: School of Law Reference & Government Documents

For additional questions 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.

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

Grants.gov 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.