What is Funding: Definition and 103 Discussions

Funding is the act of providing resources to finance a need, program, or project. While this is usually in the form of money, it can also take the form of effort or time from an organization or company. Generally, this word is used when a firm uses its internal reserves to satisfy its necessity for cash, while the term financing is used when the firm acquires capital from external sources.Sources of funding include credit, venture capital, donations, grants, savings, subsidies, and taxes. Fundings such as donations, subsidies, and grants that have no direct requirement for return of investment are described as "soft funding" or "crowdfunding". Funding that facilitates the exchange of equity ownership in a company for capital investment via an online funding portal per the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (alternately, the "JOBS Act of 2012") (U.S.) is known as equity crowdfunding.
Funds can be allocated for either short-term or long-term purposes.

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  1. phinds

    To supercharge science, first experiment with how it is funded

    Interesting article from the Economist. To me it seems a bit long on vague ideas and short on specifics, but it would be very good to get the right people at least talking about the problems that they point out. The article: They go on to point out that the current system is, to use their...
  2. hagopbul

    Asking for advice about filing for a patent on a new device

    Hello All : i uploaded some threads here asking about patent on engine modification , as i looked more in the discoveries , found out that it is already , discovered , but came up with another system to improve the energy efficiency (theoretical , experiment and a make shift prototype ) , now...
  3. T

    Funding from an organization and delay regarding that matter

    I am continuing a personal research about a new kind of wind power generation system by my own and have got partial success. I have found a Switzerland based organization that claimed to assist research and development by individuals like me by funding them. I have contacted them and last May...
  4. A

    Grant for Research in Theoretical Physics

    Suppose there is a nonprofit that wants to order a piece of research in theoretical physics. The research is rather small; it consists in considering an issue and writing a 8-10 pages article. The physicist to do the research will be from a high income country; he/she should be an experienced...
  5. A

    Admissions Asking my prospective PhD supervisor about funding status

    Hello, A professor has accepted me in his group as a Ph.D. student based on an admission interview. At the end of the interview, he discussed with me how he would fund my Ph.D. He said that he has enough funding to provide me with a salary through 3 or 4 years of my Ph.D. program. He said also...
  6. U

    Admissions COVID-19 and Physics Graduate Admissions

    Several universities say that taking courses pass/no-pass or credit/no-credit during terms disrupted by COVID-19 will not necessarily harm those applying to their graduate program. There are also more open-ended invitations for applicants to discuss how the pandemic has impacted their lives. In...
  7. person123

    NASA Why isn't NASA using artificial gravity for manned space travel?

    Hi! I'm curious what your take on this is. I'm taking an introduction to U.S. Government course and my professor was discussing the inefficiencies of the public sector; the discussion on politics isn't relevant here but he did make an interesting point about space travel. He argued that the...
  8. J

    Studying PhD funding for non-EU students at Cambridge

    I heard that it is hard for non-EU students to apply for PhD fundings so self-funding is needed. Does anyone know how hard is it to get full funding for a non-EU student?
  9. J

    Other How hard is it to get into a CS PhD compared to physics?

    Hello guys (and girls), I'm from Europe and I was wondering whether any of you know how hard it is to get into the top US CS PhD programs as compared to getting into physics. I think I've once read on Quora that getting into engineering is way harder since this area of research does not receive...
  10. Replusz

    Funding for Summer Research in the USA

    Hi, I'm a 3rd year under-graduate student studying at a good European University (in the EU, in the Great Britain), and would like to apply for summer research project in the US for the summer. For theoretical Physics, such as gravity. However I have heard that the USA is expensive and I cannot...
  11. mfig

    Other Guide to obtaining research funding or grant writing?

    Hello, I am looking for advice on where to go to find funding opportunities in the hard sciences, and how to go about the application prcess once a source is identified. I know that is pretty general, but my knowledge is at the beginner's level. I would take links to websites that talk about...
  12. Rlaneholliday

    Admissions I'm accepted as a PhD student. Interview for funding/RA -- Any Advice?

    First post, so I'm not entirely sure if this is the right place to post this. I have been accepted as a PhD student at the Stevens Institute of Technology. It's my ideal institute as my area of interest is in nanofabrication/nanophotonics and their lab is top tier in this regard. I was not...
  13. hagopbul

    About some information on research funding

    Hello all: I need to ask this rocky question, if you want some funding for a research project and you are outside academic sphere currently , how to get it ? Where to apply ? And how to find team member, considering the project is a short one ? What about patents ? Best H
  14. G

    Admissions Is it possible to fund a part III course in Cambridge?

    Hi, I'm a final year MPhys student(not at Cambridge but in the UK) and I'd like to attend the MASt part III course in Cambridge for theoretical physics(I want to do a PhD in theoretical physics). I understand that I might be too late, but is there any way I can get funding for this course? I...
  15. Y

    Other Metrics on fields in physics with funding/activity?

    Are there any metrics that show which areas in physics have lots of funding and activity at this present moment? Of course it would vary by location as well. I'm mainly interested in Europe. I am basically trying to figure out if Quantum Information/Quantum Computing is a good field to...
  16. BillTre

    Controversial Reactor is Rapidly Gaining Funding Support

    The Versatile Fast Neutron Source, a research fast reactor, is gaining funding support from congress. Some say it is needed to maintain expertise in the area. Others says its a boondoggle without a good justification. More detailed arguments are here in a Science mag news article.
  17. Tone L

    Admissions Tuition waiver for PhD (no TA/research funding)

    Hey guys. I currently work at a research institution as a junior level research scientist. I plan to earn a PhD (I have a B.S.), at the local university. The institution works closely with the local university and I have many adjunct professors within my lab. My plan would be to apply to a PhD...
  18. E

    Schools Grad School Advice -- Physics MS or PhD?

    I am going to be majoring in Engineering Physics at the School of Mines in Colorado. I also want to major in CS, seeing as I am a female and already considered worth less than my male counterparts [salary-wise]. I might be thinking ahead, I am taking the required science still to get into a...
  19. Dadface

    Funding Research: Pros & Cons of Popular Science

    [This thread was forked from https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/the-pros-and-cons-of-pop-science.943499/] I think that some scientists in particular theoreticians, need to occasionally use some popularising skills in order to justify their work to those who hold the purse strings. Quite...
  20. X

    Programs Self Funding My Ph.D To Do Risky Dissertations

    I'm a 2nd year Ph.D student and I have a pretty good idea what my topic for my dissertation is going to be. It is a very ambitious topic and doesn't fit the mold of small esoteric problems AKA " little problem that nobody ever heard of " in theoretical physics that are the topics of many...
  21. Hypercube

    Other Availability of funding within different areas of physics

    Hello! I was wondering if any of you researchers on PF are willing to provide some insight in regards to how much funding is available to different areas of physics? I'm happy with just qualitative, personal experience-type answers, like which areas you think have the most, which areas have the...
  22. D

    Who Should Decide on Funding for Physics Research?

    Obviously, we can't fund everything in physics. There has to be a selection process. Who should make the decision? Should it be based on opinion polls of the public? I think the decision should be made by physicists. Most physicists would say that cold fusion is "fake physics" but mainstream...
  23. D

    Studying Funding PhD Research: Personal Experiences

    How does one fund their PhD research? Do you live very poor? I want to study to be a physicist but I kind of a have a time frame to make some money within 4-5 years (I'm currently doing undergraduate studies). How does it all work? I just want insight from personal experiences. Thanks
  24. binbagsss

    Admissions Can you get PhD funding without a distinction in masters?

    Undergrad degree 2:1. I'm about to commence a masters, if I get a merit only, what are my chances of getting phd funding? In the UK. The university in the UK is a strong one if it makes any difference. Thank you.
  25. poincare

    Schools Competition and funding for graduate school in Mathematics

    In graduate school for physics, the competition in certain fields(for example High Energy Theory) is very intense. Does anyone know how the situation is in fields of mathematics. So, which areas of mathematics are the most difficult to get into for grad school ? I would be particularly...
  26. Sam I Am

    Programs Funding Scenario: Opinions Wanted | Physics Forums

    Greetings Physics Forums, I would like to propose a funding scenario; please tell me what you would do. You have been accepted to graduate school with six years of fellowships (3 through NSF, 3 through the school, though the latter are actually 9-month periods). As an entering first-year...
  27. M

    Schools The meaning of funding during grad school

    This is a topic that has kept me wondering for some months. In grad school one of my friends said that when he was applying to study for his Ph.D, one of the first things one must find out before applying was if funding was available. Where I went to study, many professors were available for...
  28. D

    MHB Funding a correlation for F(x,y,z)=v

    Hello guys, I am investing the effect of three parameters on a process and I need to come up with a correlation connecting these three correlations together. I have the experimental results for f(x,0,0), f(x,y,0) and f(x,y,z). I tried to do 3d interpolation with Matlab but since the change is...
  29. R

    Funding for attending a conference

    I have been asked by my supervisor to submit an abstract to a conference with a view to making a poster for the event. But, I need a source of funding i.e. travel expenses etc is anyone on here aware on how I would find a source? I am in the UK. Thanks for any advice / suggestions.
  30. T

    Are there no Master's programs with funding in the States?

    I'm Canadian and looking into quite a few different graduate programs in Physics. I am still quite open to different opportunities, and have found some interesting Master's programs (both MSc and MASc) here that are funded. But outside of Canada, I was looking into applying for graduate programs...
  31. F

    Rankings vs funding (MSc in physics)

    Hello everyone! I recently graduated with a BSc in physics from a good university in my home country with a very decent GPA. I didn't have a long term plan in mind but I at least wanted to continue with a master's degree so after a little bit of research I applied to 2 universities in Germany...
  32. Dishsoap

    On a CV, where do you put applications for external funding?

    When applying to graduate school, I consider it significant that I'm applying for external fellowships (since, in theory, it means the grad school may not have to fund me). Presently on my CV, I have a section for "national awards", and there I list Blah blah blah award 1 blah blah blah award 2...
  33. ZapperZ

    When and How Did You First Learn to Write a Funding Proposal?

    So one of the chapters that I had wanted to expand upon in my "So You Want To Be A Physicist" essay is one part of being a practicing physicist or university faculty member where you write funding proposal to get money to not only support your research work, but also support your students...
  34. mesa

    Is Crowdsourcing a Viable Option for Scientific Research Funding?

    I have managed to raise funds over the summer to run a successful experiment on campus and the results are pointing towards some interesting phenomena that warrant further study. I have considered crowdsourcing to raise more capital to further the project but wonder if any of you have...
  35. M

    Physics Accelerator Physics PhD Competitivity and study in the USA

    Hello, I have just graduated from university with a decent (but not outstanding) result: 2:1, not far off of a first, with good references. I did my final year project on accelerator physics and I am currently working at the same university over the summer doing similar work on an accelerator...
  36. Tone L

    Do Masters students receive funding for graduate school?

    Well to start, I am graduating next spring and I plan on attending graduate school immediately after for some concentration in atmospheric physics. I am slightly unknowing of how the whole 'money' situation works in graduate school. For example you get accepted into a grad program as a PhD...
  37. P

    Sources of funding for undergrad summer research

    Hey guys, I found summer work with a post-doc in my University. I will be working with him on a side project that he's had an interest in for some time, but could only start it this coming summer because of lack of time. However, because he's only a post-doc (and I only got the position by...
  38. EternusVia

    Schools Asking my Boss for Grad School Funding

    Hi all, I'm going to ask my boss to pay for some percentage of my graduate school. He has hinted before that this might be a possibility. It won't be totally out of the blue. So, I have a few questions for you. 1) Have any of you had a similar arrangement? 2) If so, how much did your...
  39. GiantSheeps

    Stargazing Are there astronomy competitions?

    I run an astronomy club at my school, and I recently discovered that the robotics club gets $2000 from the school every year to build a robot. They then go on to compete in tournaments with that robot, so that justifies the $2000. It would be great if I could get the school to give us $2000 to...
  40. N

    Just got external funding what now?

    I am waiting to hear back from a few american universities about my application for a phd in theoretical physics. I just got news that I have obtained external funding from my home (European) country, enough to cover the first year (tuition + stipend). I hope this will positively influence my...
  41. A

    Is Funding Available for International PhD Students in the UK?

    Hello, I have applied for a PhD in the United Kingdom ( I am not familiar with their system) and they said that they can offer me a place but they pay only my fees. So I understand I have to pay my food and housing without salary, which seems impossible to me... Do you know if there exists...
  42. dlgoff

    Is Public Education in Kansas Meeting Students' Needs?

    ... Not a current event but still relevant to me. I'm just looking for feedback. My girlfriend and I have discussed this much. I'd like to know what other members think of public educations in the US. Particularly here in Kansas after seeing this video; if you care to comment.
  43. mesa

    If one acquired private funding how do they approach their University?

    If a student acquired private funding and would like to work with their University on a project how would they go about approaching them? A little background, I am an undergraduate engineering student with 20+ years experience in the business world in HVAC, construction, journalism and...
  44. C

    Schools How to get funding for masters in US universities?

    Hi fellas, If I want to apply for a masters program in any US university, then how would I be sure if they can arrange me a fund or not. Do I have to mail a professor to know about my funding? and also where should i mention that I need a funding, in my application form or i have to complete...
  45. N

    Benefit of external funding for phd?

    This year I'll be sending out PhD applications (to the USA) for 2015 onwards. I'm also applying to an external scholarship (from my home country) and it seems I have a good chance. Note, this funding is for one year. More specifically it pays tuition fees and a lower end stipend for one year...
  46. Student100

    NSF funding of social and behavioral sciences.

    So I was reading a science mag link today and wondered what you all thought about the NSF's role in funding the social and behavioral sciences? I don't really have a problem with it, but I'd rather see more research into actually refining the predictive power of these branches of science. It...
  47. S

    Want to have a PhD with full funding

    Hi, I want to have a PhD in Electrical Engineering in US. Is there any grad school where an international student can get full funding with certainty? Also, is there any grad school which does not cost me more than 15K annually in tuition fees and other related stuffs? Thanks
  48. A

    Schools Can graduate students survive solely on university funding for living expenses?

    Hello, I would like to ask a few questions regarding funding in grad school for physics (and maybe for other fields). I know that tuition fees are quite large in grad school, but most of the time (if not always) they are being covered by the school. People who receive funding from school has...
  49. T

    Why does gravitational wave research get DoD funding?

    Question in the subject. I have no idea what the DoD's interest is in this. Sorry is this is the wrong forum.
  50. S

    Is Funding for a Masters that Hard?

    While browsing through one of the AIP's relatively recent publications (written in 2012 concerning the classes of 2009/2010) I found some information I thought was out of line with the common conception that masters-only students are rarely if ever funded. According to the publication (see page...
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