First Steps

Students often feel overwhelmed and intimidated by external funding. Following these steps may help you find success.

Step 1: Discover

Familiarize yourself with the funding landscape by attending the Dollars & Sense Presentations and Shop Talks we offer to understand the funding timeline and process.

student taking notes at a desk
a black male student works diligently on his laptop by a window inside the Alkek Library

Step 2: Identify

Once you learn about the funding landscape, explore funding opportunities relevant to you, your studies, and your future. Be patient and methodical, and focus on your fit with the funder’s mission and goals.

Step 3: Confirm

Closely review the application materials or proposal guidelines to determine if you are eligible. First, since some funding opportunities are available only for faculty, make sure that graduate students are allowed to apply. Next, confirm that you meet all other eligibility requirements specified by the funder, such as discipline or citizenship. Finally, check that the application deadline and award timeline match your needs and graduation date.

If you are eligible, you should also determine if you are permitted to apply on your own or if you need university approval. If the application instructions include language such as “the official applicant is the university” or “requires the signature of the authorized organizational representative (AOR),” you cannot apply on your own. In addition, some opportunities, such as grants, are considered "sponsored research" and must be submitted through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP). The external funding coordinators are the liaisons to ORSP for graduate students and can assist you in initiating and routing your proposal and seeking required approvals.

a graduate advisors sits across her desk and smiles at a student she's meeting with
a graduate advisor sits across his desk and smiles at a student he's meeting with

Step 4: Inform

When you have identified potential funding opportunities and confirmed your eligibility, solicit input from your advisors and trusted mentors. They may provide feedback on your materials, write letters of recommendation, or serve as the PI on your proposal, if you decide to apply.

Step 5: Consult

After you have completed the previous steps, you may request a consultation with our external funding coordinators. During your initial appointment, they will review the application guidelines with you to assure eligibility and possibly schedule follow-up consultations to review drafts of application materials.

Before requesting a consultation, please review our appointment policy.

a graduate advisor gives a student a high five in her office