Funding Opportunities
Funding is a key part of postdoctoral training and research, and there are many sources that include government, associations, and the private sector. National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding is an important conduit for fellowships and we provide numerous resources for facilitating NIH grants.
Postdoctoral Funding Opportunities
A list amended and updated regularly can be found here. Postdocs are welcome to suggest funding opportunities that should be added.
NIH Funding
For Postdoctoral Fellows who are recipients of NIH training grants, [Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) or Institutional Training Grant (T or F32)], it is important to know that funds provided to Fellows for living expenses are considered stipends rather than wages. This has important tax and withholding implications:
- Stipends are exempt from FICA (Social Security Tax), and such funds should not be withheld on paychecks.
- Stipends are subject to income tax, and you will need to report your fellowship income on IRS form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ.
- The benefits you receive are also considered taxable income and must be reported.
- You should make estimated tax payments quarterly to avoid penalties. IRS Form 1040ES is used to help calculate anticipated taxes.
- You have to file taxes even if you do not receive a W2 form. For additional information, see this page.
- Again, because it is a stipend rather than a wage, you are not eligible for pre-tax plans like Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts.
- For additional information, please consult a tax attorney.
Additional institutional information about these awards, provided by the Grants and Contracts Office, can be found here.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a mechanism to fund a project by collecting small amounts of money from a lot of people. For hospitals, biomedical research institutes and medical schools, crowdfunding is emerging as an important means by which to fund new and innovative ideas as well as to expand ongoing initiatives to cure disease and improve patient care. The basic premise is to pitch your project to the people (on the internet), tell them about your idea (usually in a video), and let them know how much it will cost to get the data that you need or to implement your idea.
Diversity Supplements
Diversity Supplements offer additional funding to an existing NIH grant with two or more award years left. These funds enable investigators to recruit and retain diverse candidates who have demonstrated interest in research to fill crucial rolls in the lab.