Sponsored Programs Information Network (SPIN) contains information on more than 8,000 current funding opportunities, i.e., grants, fellowships and other support programs. Published by InfoEd, Inc., the database is updated almost daily. The user will find a helpful keyword thesaurus divided into twelve major categories or topics. Included among the broad topics are separate sections on: Arts/Humanities; Behavioral/Social Sciences; Education; Science and Technology; Mathematics; Computer Science; Management/Commerce; and Law. After clicking on a broad topic, the SPIN user has the option of narrowing his/her search by selecting one or more descriptive keywords. An individual may sign up for email notification of opportunities relevant to his/her discipline.
This is a very important point. Most of the grant opportunities included in these databases are intended to support the activities of independent professionals and others with terminal degrees — usually a doctorate — in their discipline. Therefore, when conducting a search for funding opportunities for students, one may wish to narrow his or her search to funding opportunities specifically intended to support students. Students should expect that they will be eligible for only a small percentage of the grant opportunities appearing in each of these databases.
These databases are not designed to provide information relating to traditional forms of financial aid, scholarships or loans for students. Nor is this a form of employment service for students. The type of information for students contained in these databases includes the most competitive academic programs, including dissertation fellowships, summer research internships for undergraduates, a limited number of travel opportunities, and so on.
NOTE: The SPIN database cannot be accessed through AOL, Netcom, or any other private ISP (Internet Service Provider). These databases may only be accessed through the "stjohns.edu" domain.
Click to access the InfoEd database: InfoEd
Click to access the SPIN database: SPIN
Database Access
The SPIN database cannot be accessed through AOL, Netcom, or any other private ISP (Internet Service Provider). These databases may only be accessed through the "stjohns.edu" domain.