1. Workshop: Applying for Research Funding from the Philanthropic Sector An RMIT case study Dr Martin Stebbing

2. RMIT University2 A Special Case Seeking funding for a large piece of equipment – a Confocal Microscope Seeking funding for a large piece of equipment – a Confocal Microscope Required by many different investigators for their research Required by many different investigators for their research Cost around $450,000 Cost around $450,000

3. RMIT University3 Build a Team Talk to Colleagues Talk to Colleagues –particularly those with good track records! Find out who will benefit Find out who will benefit Talk to those who you think will benefit, but are not aware of the opportunity Talk to those who you think will benefit, but are not aware of the opportunity Decide on a “champion” for the cause to coordinate grant applications and organisational efforts Decide on a “champion” for the cause to coordinate grant applications and organisational efforts

4. RMIT University4 Making a Start We initially started with small school based grant We initially started with small school based grant Applications to Applications to –Ian Potter Foundation $200,000 –Perpetual Trustees $100,000 –Ramaciotti $30,000 –ANZ trustees $30,000

5. RMIT University5 Plan Ahead Think about how you will manage funds when/if they are awarded Think about how you will manage funds when/if they are awarded Particularly important if several researchers and perhaps competing interests are involved Particularly important if several researchers and perhaps competing interests are involved Many granting bodies will require evidence of this planning Many granting bodies will require evidence of this planning –application process can provide a good outline of what is required – eg Perpetual Trustees For larger projects with several funding sources, multiple application/reporting/spending deadlines need to be considered For larger projects with several funding sources, multiple application/reporting/spending deadlines need to be considered

6. RMIT University6 Leveraging other funds Once you have one grant, other funding sources can open up Once you have one grant, other funding sources can open up Particularly some types of RMIT funding are reserved for matching external funds Particularly some types of RMIT funding are reserved for matching external funds Availability depends on competing interests within RMIT Availability depends on competing interests within RMIT

7. RMIT University7 Focus on Outcomes Make sure you can justify/quantify outcomes Make sure you can justify/quantify outcomes Be creative in thinking about how outcomes can be achieved and who can benefit Be creative in thinking about how outcomes can be achieved and who can benefit Eg will both teaching and research outcomes be enhanced Eg will both teaching and research outcomes be enhanced Easier when benefits are shared between larger groups of researchers/stakeholders Easier when benefits are shared between larger groups of researchers/stakeholders

8. RMIT University8 Persistence Pays Off We had a 50% success rate with external grants – raised $230,000 from external and school based teaching and research grants We had a 50% success rate with external grants – raised $230,000 from external and school based teaching and research grants The rest of the funds provided from RMIT Research and Innovation Infrastructure funds The rest of the funds provided from RMIT Research and Innovation Infrastructure funds

9. RMIT University9 Perpetual Trustees Grant Larger than normal allocation $100,000 – although still within the bounds of granting scheme Larger than normal allocation $100,000 – although still within the bounds of granting scheme Funds provided from H & L Hecht Trust Funds provided from H & L Hecht Trust Hans Henri Hecht was an industrialist Hans Henri Hecht was an industrialist –Emigrated to Australia in 1900 at 19 years of age –Contributed greatly to the development of manufacturing in Australia –Supported many charities but shunned publicity during his life –In his will left a bequest which forms the H & L Hecht Trust

10. RMIT University10 Some Luck Helps During the process, a new supplier entered the market During the process, a new supplier entered the market They They –provided a very good product at a cheaper price –were very keen to gain business and establish a presence in Australia Despite sudden drop in exchange rate, they honoured their original quote! Despite sudden drop in exchange rate, they honoured their original quote! There was less competition for RMIT research infrastructure funds at that time! There was less competition for RMIT research infrastructure funds at that time!

11. RMIT University11 The Result Microscope now installed in building 223 in Bundoora Microscope now installed in building 223 in Bundoora The first of its type in Victoria The first of its type in Victoria The second of its type in Australia The second of its type in Australia So far exceeding expectations So far exceeding expectations Major coup for RMIT Bundoora Major coup for RMIT Bundoora Will contribute to regional development as well as global research effort Will contribute to regional development as well as global research effort

12. RMIT University12 Smaller Grants/Projects Some of the same principles apply Some of the same principles apply Choose your grant scheme/funding body carefully Choose your grant scheme/funding body carefully E.g. if your track record is not strong enough you will still need to collaborate E.g. if your track record is not strong enough you will still need to collaborate Talk to the agencies if you need to Talk to the agencies if you need to Research office staff are also very knowledgeable Research office staff are also very knowledgeable

13. RMIT University13 The Department/School Wide Approach Several granting bodies will accept one grant per school or expect schools to rank applications so that they can be considered in the order of their priority to the school Several granting bodies will accept one grant per school or expect schools to rank applications so that they can be considered in the order of their priority to the school Talk to colleagues about their priorities and take turns/ plan ahead as to who will apply Talk to colleagues about their priorities and take turns/ plan ahead as to who will apply