You can make invaluable connection with such soul mates at conferences in friendships which can last for decades. Either way, it is heartening to know that others are interested in the same things you are. Every profession is a group of human beings. The cocktail parties and receptions are often the best places to pick up this informal information. Formal papers may not focus on the trendy aspects as much as hallway exchanges.
Every national meeting has one or two sessions devoted to grant writing.
Attend these sessions and learn what might be fundable. This kind of grantsmanship is good for you and good for your school. Meet leaders in the field Shake Ray Browne's hand and listen to Pat Browne. Meet the current and previous Presidents of the organizations. These are people in a network of the community of popular culture and American culture scholars, the people who set the tone and tenor of our studies.