ABSTRACT
This chapter describes opportunities for obtaining funds for social research before going on to offer guidance on how to prepare a research proposal. The World Wide Web has considerably simplified the task of obtaining details of current opportunities for research funding. In responsive mode the researcher will need to demonstrate that the research issue has been properly formulated and relates to current scientific and theoretical debates and builds on previous relevant research. Prescriptive mode is the method of funding operated by government departments in particular. Following the distinction between responsive and prescriptive modes of funding, the researcher may have a particular research interest or a good idea for research and seeks funding. The European Union funds research in various ways but mainly through its Framework Programme. The method of funding research is characteristic of the research councils and charities in that the research community initiates ideas for research, prepares proposals and submits them to the funding body for consideration.
