External Funding Specialist Support

Dawnie Elzinga

External Funding Specialist
MSPH, MBA
Phone: (435) 797-2017
Email: dawnie.elzinga@usu.edu

As the External Funding Specialist within the Office of Research, my goal is to help USU faculty secure research funding and provide an extra layer of support for complex proposals.

I offer a range of Research Development Services specifically designed to support faculty's pursuit of high-impact research opportunities, typically targeting grants of $1 million or above.

Service	Overview
Funding Landscape Analysis	Identifies current and emerging funding opportunities aligned with your research. Conducts long-term, ongoing strategic funding searches to ensure you capture the most relevant opportunities.
Funding Program Analysis	Provides insights into specific funding programs to strengthen your proposal competitiveness (e.g., award history, funding trends, sponsor priorities).
External Profile	Provides a summary of leading researchers and institutions in your field, along with potential collaborators.
Strategic Planning Support	Provides planning support for research teams preparing for large-scale proposals, ensuring the most competitive proposal possible.
Large and/or complex proposal support	Under the direction of your college’s Proposal Development Specialist, offer an additional layer of support for complex proposals.

External Funding Specialist Service Request

Working Together

I view each faculty member as a long-term client, tailoring my services to your specific needs. Here is what you can expect in working together:

Initial Meeting: We'll schedule a 30-minute virtual meeting to discuss your research goals, strengths, and challenges.
Analysis and Support: Based on our meeting, I'll conduct the requested analysis and deliver it within 1-2 weeks, depending on the complexity. I'm always available for further investigation or assistance as needed. For strategic planning, we will work through a strategic planning process, ensuring your team has all the necessary components to submit a quality proposal.
Your Funding Scout: I continuously search the funding landscape, keeping you informed of timely opportunities and giving you ample time to develop competitive proposals.

Ideas for How to Use My Services

Unsure of the best funding program for your specific research project? Request a Funding Landscape Analysis.
Looking for potential collaborators for your research? Request an External Profile Analysis.
Need insights into a leading program in your field? Request an External Profile Analysis.
Have a research team gearing up for a big proposal? Request Strategic Planning Support.

Additional Resources

Stay updated with my bi-weekly newsletter, Funding Frontiers, featuring curated funding information and opportunities relevant to USU research. Subscribe here!
Access curated funding lists and research summit webpages tailored to the USU community. Explore here!

Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out!