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Finding Funding

All resources available at Harvard are listed on the site, Resources for Postdocs, maintained by FAS Research Administration Services (RAS). In addition, RAS provides quick access links to several funding opportunity databases, three of which are also descrribed below.

1. Pivot Funding Opportunities
This searchable database is updated daily and contains information about government, non-profit, industry and international funding opportunities. By specifying certain criteria, Harvard researchers can receive weekly Pivot Funding Alerts. Pivot Funding Alert subscribers receive a weekly email with a customized list of funding opportunities based on previously specified criteria.

For instructions on using PIVOT, consult this User Guide as well as these Search Tips.

2. InfoEd Sponsored Programs Information Network (SPIN)
SPIN is a funding opportunities database designed to provide up-to-date information on current national and international government and private funding sources. It is particularly useful for postdoctoral scholars and junior faculty. There is some overlap with the COS database, but there are opportunities in SPIN that you might not find in COS. There are also search fields not available in COS. Use the Advanced Search option to obtain the best results from this database. All of the data in SPIN is obtained directly from the sponsoring agencies to ensure the integrity of the information. To search the SPIN database, click here.

3. Foundation Directory Online (FDO)
Harvard postdocs have the ability to find new information on private funders by logging in to Foundation Directory Online Professional (FDO) with their Harvard ID and PIN. FDO is the nation’s leading online resource for research on private, foundation, and corporate funding research. To access FDO, please visit their website.

The FAS Research Development team has created a Guide to FDO.

For technical difficulties accessing FDO, please submit an e-ticket by clicking “Report a Problem with E-Resources.” This will allow the library to track and fix problems quickly and efficiently. Please do not contact Foundation Directory Online for assistance with technical matters.