Find Research Funding

Research funding is available from a variety of sources. The federal government is the largest funder of academic research, and has been since the 1950s. Other sponsors of research include businesses, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, foreign governments, other universities, and individuals. 

Industry-University Partnering 

Partnerships with industry deliver financial and non-financial benefits, furthering the university's mission by producing groundbreaking research and innovation, driving economic growth, and training students with real-world experiences. Industry can contribute expertise, services, equipment, or materials in addition to funding. Furthermore, some federal funding programs require collaboration with the private sector. Explore UC Berkeley partnership programs with periodic research award opportunities.

SBIR and STTR Grants: Partnerships with Small Businesses

The federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs support the research and development activities of U.S.-based small businesses. These highly competitive funding programs, run by the U.S. federal government, encourage businesses to engage in research and development (R&D) with the potential for commercialization in partnership with research universities. 

R&D Partnering Platforms

Numerous collaboration platforms facilitate partnerships to move cutting edge science from the lab to the marketplace. The Industry Alliances Office (IAO) supports principle investigators by negotiating research agreements between UC Berkeley and for-profit industry sponsors, as well as all material and data providers, whether industry or not. Because the source of the call for proposals, and the terms of potential agreements, aren't always transparent, IAO reserves the right to negotiate terms and conditions of any award in accordance with University of California policy and prior to accepting such award. 

  • Halo Science accelerates research and development across all industries, helping researchers and companies find the right partners to close critical gaps for commercializing discoveries.
  • LEO: Leading Edge Only helps companies discover groundbreaking solutions and cutting-edge technology in all fields from innovators at leading academic institutions.
  • In-Partfacilitates interactions between academic institutes, researchers, companies, and investors in the biopharma, scientific and academic sectors.

As a reminder, researchers are not authorized: to submit institutional proposals without institutional review, to agree to terms and conditions on behalf of the UC Regents, or agree to a waiver of indirect costs (IDC) or the research administrative fee (for gifts).

How to Work with Industry

Explore relationships developed and formalized by the IPIRA Industry Alliances Office

Industry Sponsored Institutes

Create a research institutes under a master sponsored research agreement

Industry Consortium Programs

Engage with groups of corporate funders on specific areas of research

Indirect Costs

Learn about facilities and administrative costs for industry-sponsored projects and research

International Collaborations

Learn about international research agreements and policies

Receive or Send Research Materials or Data

Get data use and material transfer agreements

SBIR/STTR Grants and Partnerships

Learn about federal SBIR/STTR programs, funding, eligibility, and support

Confidential Disclosure Agreements

Establish a CDA, also known as a non-disclosure agreement

Other Campus Support for Finding Research Funding

UC Berkeley administrative offices offer a wealth of resources for finding research funding.  

  • Berkeley Research Development Office. Links to recent federal funding program announcements and databases as well as updates and analyses on the government funding landscape. BRDO provides researchers with strategic consultations and training for federal grant funding strategies and hands-on proposal-writing support.
  • Sponsored Projects Office. Information on research funding opportunities for a variety of research needs, subjects, and applicant types, with links to federal and state funding agencies, non-profit organizations (NGOs), and University of California grant programs. SPO contracts and grants officers review and authorize proposals for research funding from federal and state agencies, foundations, and non-profit organizations. 
  • Limited Submissions. Berkeley Research Development Office (BRDO) lists opportunites where the funding agency limits the number of applications that an institution can submit. 
  • Gift Funding. Familiarize yourself with organizations and entities with a track record of supporting specific areas of research. This list is maintained by the Office of Foundation Relations & Corporate Philanthropy (FRCP), in the UC Berkeley University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR).

Databases

UC Berkeley faculty, staff, and students have access to these subscription-based services. Log in with your CalNet ID to search and track funding opportunities.

  1. Pivot Comprehensive Funding Search Tool. An expert-curated database of federal, industry, nonprofit, and international funding opportunities across all disciplines. 
  2. Foundation Directory Online. Find funding opportunities from foundations, corporate giving programs, and public charities.

Grants.gov. Discover and apply for research grants through the federal government's central database, representing more than 1,000 different programs across all federal agencies.

Decision Support Tool for Contracts

Determine which office is authorized to develop and execute the agreement you need