FundRef

FundRef is a metadata standard and registry designed to identify the funders of research outputs. Originating as a Crossref initiative, it provides standardized funder names and identifiers and allows the inclusion of grant numbers in scholarly metadata, enabling precise attribution and easier aggregation of funding information across publications.

The project was developed in collaboration with research funders and publishers to address inconsistent funder naming and the fragmentation of funding data in bibliographic records. FundRef metadata was incorporated into the Crossref deposit system, with the goal of improving discoverability and analysis of funded research.

FundRef comprises fields for funder name, funder identifier, and grant numbers. The funder identifier links to entries in the Funder Registry, a canonical, maintained list of funders and their unique IDs. Articles may list multiple funders, each identified and linked to a registry entry.

Over time, FundRef evolved into and largely merged with Crossref's Funder Registry, which provides persistent IDs and machine-readable metadata to support reporting by funders, institutions, and researchers. The combined framework is used by publishers to capture funding information and by data services to analyze research impact and funding landscapes.

FundRef's legacy continues in Crossref's Funder Registry, which standardizes funder names and integrates funding data into scholarly metadata.