Columbia University is introducing GrantForward, a new funding opportunity discovery platform for its faculty, researchers, administrators, and students. GrantForward is a web-based database that aggregates and vets opportunities across more than 30,000 federal, foundation, and private sponsors and integrates AI-powered tools designed to streamline funding discovery and personalize recommendations.
During a University-wide trial earlier this year, Columbia members expressed overall positive impressions of the platform’s features, flexibility, and interdisciplinary options. “GrantForward was incredible at providing live, relevant opportunities,” noted one test user. “The AI function worked surprisingly well, and it was great at incorporating the feedback I provided for more relevant results.”
Key features include: an AI bot for grant recommendations; an AI query builder and advanced search and filters; researcher profile integration; saved searches; and newsletter creation tools. “These features—particularly the AI-driven personalization, researcher profile tools, and built-in sharing capabilities—distinguish GrantForward and were highlighted during the trial as major advantages,” said Yamir Gomez Carrasco, senior program manager in the Executive Vice President of Research's Office of Research Initiatives and Development. Gomez Carrasco managed the University’s evaluation and recommendation process that led to GrantForward’s adoption.
