MSU notches $22M in annual grant funding

Missouri State University officials received a school record $22 million from 289 grants in fiscal 2014, which ended June 30.

The grant activity is up 9 percent from last year, with the greatest funding, $8.6 million, coming from federal agencies, according to an MSU news release.

State agencies pitched in $4.9 million for the school’s research, education and service projects, and another $3.3 million was supplied by private businesses – a possible indicator of improving economic conditions.

The funding covers such projects as a study on civic engagement and social capital in Missouri, tests of hydrogen extraction for sustainable energy and lab work to research the connection between nerve cells and chronic pain.

During the recent economic recovery, MSU researchers say the grant environment has become more competitive.

“Developing proposals takes immense time and effort, with no guarantee of funding,” MSU Director of Research Administration Erin Parrish said in the release. “Our university researchers continue to develop successful proposals and utilize various funding sources, from federal agencies to private businesses, to sustain current projects and develop new ones.”

Funds from business organizations and international agencies have faltered in recent years, but this year the university grew its business funding by 39 percent and doubled its international contributions to $170,000. According to the news release, the greatest percentage increase in funding came through county and city agencies – a 257 percent increase to $332,700.