Searchable Databases:      

Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/search-grants

No login necessary to search Federal grants and cooperative agreements opportunities 

Pivot: https://pivot.proquest.com/

Create an account with Harvard email address.                                    

Foundation Directory Online (FDO): https://library.harvard.edu/

Click on the "My HOLLIS" link, then select "Databases” and then searching by keyword for “Foundation.”. Click on the "ONLINE ACCESS" link to open databse (Harvard Key required)

  • Select opportunities for postdocs and early-career researchers

    Early-career researchers/junior faculty:

    SponsorFunding RangeSponsor DeadlineNotes
    NIH Director's Early Independence Award (DP5)Awards up to $250K in direct costs per year for up to five years.Please see the most recent RFA DP5 program supports exceptional investigators who wish to pursue independent research directly after completion of their terminal doctoral degree.
    American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grants$165K direct cost per year up to 4 yearsApril 1, October 15Provides support to investigators who are within the first 10 years of an initial independent research career or full-time faculty appointment
    Rita Allen Foundation Scholars$110,000 per year for up to five yearsPlease refer to sponsor websiteThe Rita Allen Foundation Scholars program funds basic biomedical research in the fields of cancer, immunology and neuroscience. Limited to one nomination per institution.
    McKnight Neurobiology of Brain Disorders Award$100,000 per year for three years

    LOI: December

    Full proposal: May

    		The McKnight Neurobiology of Brain Disorders Award (NBD Award) assists scientists working to apply the knowledge achieved through basic research to human brain disorders, and who demonstrate a commitment to equitable and inclusive lab environments.
    McKnight Scholars Awards$75,000 per year for three yearsJanuaryThe intent of the program is to foster the commitment by these scientists to research careers that will have an important impact on the study of the brain. The program seeks to support scientists committed to mentoring neuroscientists from underrepresented groups at all levels of training.
    Searle Scholars Program$300K for a three-year periodFebruary 1Applicants should hold an independent investigator position at the assistant professor level. The appointment must be their first tenure-track position. 
    Sloan Research Fellowships$75,000 up to 2 years2024 applications are due 9/15/2023.Candidates must hold a tenure track or equivalent position at a degree-granting institution in the US or Canada. Please refer to sponsor website for more detailed eligibility criteria. 
    Smith Family Awards Program in Excellence in Biomedical Research$400K for 3 years, inclusive 5% IDC. Eligible institutions may submit up to 2 applications per funding round.2024 initial proposal due 6/20/23Program supports new faculty who are within 3.5 years of their first independent faculty appointment by the start of funding on April 1.