FUNDING RESOURCES
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The Research Policies and Procedures resource is designed to guide faculty, staff, and students through the essential frameworks that uphold the integrity, compliance, and excellence of our research endeavors.The School of Public Health is committed to supporting faculty, staff, and students in securing research funding and advancing their academic and professional goals. Below is a curated list of internal and external funding resources, opportunities and tools designed to promote successful and sustainable research careers.
Below is a curated list of funding opportunities and essential information designed to support faculty and students in advancing their research and building successful academic careers.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Office of Enrollment & Advisement
Scholarships are available to support public health students across all levels—MPH, MHA and PhD. These opportunities may be merit-based, need-based, or tied to research or service commitments. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Services or visit the SPH Scholarship Portal for more information.
Funding Opportunities for Students
We encourage students to explore competitive grants and fellowships to support their research, practicum, and professional development. Key opportunities include:
Student Research Grants
Available through the Graduate School and Office of Research.
Conference Travel Awards
Funding to support student presentations at national and international conferences.
CDC, NIH, and HRSA Training Programs
Opportunities for applied training in public health and health equity.
Community-Engaged Research Mini-Grants
For students working with Memphis-area community partners.
External Funding Opportunities
Faculty and students are encouraged to explore a range of national and international funding agencies. Internal Support for Grant Development. The SPH Office of Research provides tools and services to assist with proposal development and submission, including
Funding Opportunity Alerts
Proposal Review & Editing
Research Proposal & Review Editing Checklist For Proposal Review Committees – Pre-Submission Review
I. General Proposal Structure
- Title is concise, descriptive, and aligned with the proposed work
- Abstract/Executive Summary clearly summarizes goals, methods, and significance
- All required sections are present (e.g., Introduction, Objectives, Methods, Evaluation, Budget)
- Page limits and formatting comply with funder guidelines
II. Scientific Merit & Innovation
- Problem statement is clearly articulated and well-justified
- Research questions/hypotheses are specific and testable
- Innovation and originality are evident and well-defined
- Literature review is current and relevant; gaps are identified
- Methodology is rigorous, feasible, and appropriate
III. Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes
- Goals are clear, measurable, and aligned with the problem statement
- Objectives are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Anticipated outcomes and impacts are clearly described
IV. Methods and Evaluation
- Study design and procedures are thoroughly described
- Sample size, recruitment, and inclusion/exclusion criteria are appropriate
- Data collection tools and protocols are specified
- Data analysis plan is sound and matches study aims
- Evaluation plan includes outcome metrics and success indicators
V. Budget and Timeline
- Budget is reasonable, justified, and aligns with project activities
- Budget narrative explains all costs clearly
- Timeline is realistic and matches project scope and milestones
VI. Team Qualifications and Capacity
- Team Qualifications and Capacity
- Collaborators, partners, or community stakeholders are clearly described
- Institutional support and resources are documented
VII. Ethical and Regulatory Compliance
- Proposal aligns with funder’s mission and priorities
- Data privacy/confidentiality plans are in place
- Letters of support and approvals are included if required
VIII. Alignment and Responsiveness
- Proposal aligns with funder’s mission and priorities
- Response to RFP/FOA is complete and direct
- All funder-specific review criteria are addressed
IX. Editing and Clarity
- Writing is clear, concise, and free of jargon
- Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are correct
- All acronyms are defined at first use
- Visuals (figures, tables, charts) are clear and referenced appropriately
- Citations are consistent and complete
X. Final Check
- All attachments, biosketches, and appendices are included
- Proposal has been peer-reviewed or internally reviewed
- Submission platform or portal requirements are understood and tested
- Proposal has been proofread and approved for final submission