Reflection Log 6

This week's (well, last week's) readings were about funding for research. This is also my last late blog entry of the semester (sorry 'bout that). I admit I just skimmed the Grant Writing Handbook reading (partly because of a major printing malfunction - tried to be green by printing on the backsides of used paper - ugh, nevermind) but the gist of it is that researchers need to keep themselves aware of current "giving trends." I like the sound of that... This means "understanding business and economic trends...when researching what funders - especially corporate funders - will be a good match for your project" (Wason 2004, 69). The author gives some helpful tips - a list of newsletters, listservs, databases, and other publications that can help researchers focus on giving trends in their search for funding. One common thread I noticed in the readings was that personal contacts (board members, executives, etc.) are very important because "they may know of initiatives that are on the horizon but not yet publicized" (Wason 2004, 76). It's who you know, as they say... The author even gives tips on how to search databases for funding - for example, there is a list of Boolean search terms, each with detailed explanations on what results you can expect when using them.

The two readings from Geever present similar tips for research funding but go into a little more detail with regard to making contact. The author gives pointers for not annoying potential funders, which I thought might be particularly useful. I'm sure funders have plenty of stories to tell about researchers who have gone about things in the wrong way. That can be such a turn off.

I think the readings provide a solid foundation for someone looking for funding opportunities. It really helps to put everything into context, like thinking about your project from the funder's point of view.