Research-Federal Agencies that Fund Academic Research

Numerous federal agencies provide funding for academic research and extension activities. The list below is not exhaustive.

Federal Grant-Making Agencies

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) aims to enhance the health and well-being of Americans by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) comprises multiple Institutes and Centers (ICs), each with a distinct research mission. The following ICs may be of particular interest to School of Human Ecology researchers:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awards grants and contracts in disease prevention and control activities.
Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has an expansive range of programs it supports to promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) supports research to improve the quality, effectiveness, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of health care.

National Science Foundation (NSF) is the only federal agency whose mission includes support for all fields of fundamental science and engineering, except for medical sciences. NSF is organized into several research directorates and offices that support fundamental research and education across science and engineering disciplines. Areas of particular interest to School of Human Ecology researchers include the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) and the Directorate for STEM Education (EDU), along with opportunities in the biological, engineering, computing, geosciences, and mathematical and physical sciences.

Department of Education (ED) promotes student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access to education.

Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education.

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is an independent grant-making agency dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, bringing the arts to all Americans, and providing leadership in arts education. NEA funds both individual artist fellowships and organizational grants.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports research, education, and extension programs related to agriculture, food systems, nutrition, natural resources, rural development, and community resilience.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is USDA's primary extramural funding agency for research, education, and extension programs, including opportunities for faculty and student training.

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) supports museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant programs that strengthen learning, preservation, community engagement, and access to information.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) supports a wide range of activities to preserve, publish, and encourage the use of documentary sources.

National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) is the grant-making arm of the National Archives and supports projects that preserve and increase access to historical records.

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. It provides funding to support community service, civic engagement, and volunteer programs across the country.

Department of the Interior (DOI) supports research related to natural resources, environmental stewardship, tribal communities, public lands, and cultural resources.

Applying for a Federal Grant

With few exceptions, federal grant applications require submission by an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) using the agency's electronic submission system (e.g., Grants.gov or Research.gov, or another agency-specific system). Principal Investigators (PIs) work with the School of Human Ecology Pre-Award Research Administrator to develop the proposal budget, prepare required proposal components, and obtain necessary school and campus approvals. Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) serves as UW-Madison's institutional signing official and submits proposals on behalf of the university.