Funding agencies are organizations that provide financial support for various projects, research, and initiatives. They can be government bodies, private foundations, or non-profit organizations. Their primary goal is to promote development in areas such as science, education, health, and the arts by offering grants or loans to individuals and institutions. These agencies often have specific criteria and application processes that applicants must follow to receive funding. Examples of funding agencies include the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for health research and the National Science Foundation (NSF) for scientific projects. They play a crucial role in advancing knowledge and innovation across different fields.