New non-profit links donors to researchers; seeks scientists in need of project funding
St. Petersburg, FL--Scientists and researchers seeking additional funding sources for projects that will enhance their research goals now have an alternative resource for the money they need to propel their projects forward: the general public. SciFlies.org, a new non-profit organization created to connect research projects with thousands of small donors who wish to support them directly, is now accepting submissions from scientists and researchers. Any scientist or researcher affiliated with a university or research institution is invited to visit www.sciflies.org to register and fill out the research application. Once a project is submitted, it will undergo a review for scientific merit and public readability before going live on the site. The formal launch of SciFlies.org to the general public will be announced in November 2010.
"SciFlies provides one of the most significant new avenues for funding research, development and innovation in 50 years," said David Fries, co-founder and chief science officer of SciFlies.org. "As someone who has been writing grants and raising funds for my research projects and those on which I’ve been part of a team, I know how frustrating it is to have vital discovery and proof of concept work held up for want of a few thousand dollars."
Fries, who is on the faculty of the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science and has spun out several successful entrepreneurial companies from technologies developed there, knows all too well how a lack of steady funding can interrupt the progress of scientific discovery. To address this need, he partnered with veteran nonprofit and political fundraiser Larry Biddle and regional technology industry advocate and communications strategist Michelle Bauer to develop the model for SciFlies.
The way SciFlies works is simple. Scientists complete an application that allows them to present their project needs and goals in terms that the general public will understand. An individual page on SciFlies.org is set up for each project in categories such as medical and environmental research so that the public can select projects based on their personal interest. Donors can then make direct, tax-deductible contributions to the projects of their choice through the site. The funds are deposited directly into the foundation accounts of the university or research institution with whom the scientist is affiliated for direct disbursement once the fundraising goal is achieved.
At this time, individual project requests are set at a minimum of $5,000 and will not exceed $100,000 per year. Requests that are greater than $50,000 will require a phased approach. An option for multi-year proposals is planned for the future.
For more information, visit www.sciflies.org.
SOURCE:Common Language; [email protected]
Posted by:Gail Overton
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