Research, Innovation
» FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz)?
- How will SFAz operational costs be funded?
- If the CEO groups are covering the operating costs for the first 5 years, where will the funds come from to invest in Arizona’s future?
- How will SFAz be governed?
- Where will SFAz invest?
- How will grants be reviewed?
- How will the public be made aware that grant applications are being accepted?
- When will the grants or investment guidelines be announced?
- What will be the size of the grants?
- How many grants will be awarded each year?
- How will success be measured?
What is Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz)?
Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with goals to build and strengthen scientific, engineering and medical research programs and infrastructure in areas of greatest strategic value to Arizona’s competitiveness in the global economy.
The statewide CEO business organizations – Greater Phoenix Leadership, Inc. (GPL), Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC) and the Flagstaff 40 – joined together to create Science Foundation Arizona as a unique public-private partnership that will be a catalyst for innovation. SFAz will invest in the entire education pipeline, partnerships between non-profit research institutions and industry and other science and math programs to help Arizona create a knowledge driven economy.
How will SFAz operational costs be funded?
The private sector, through the above noted CEO groups in Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff, have committed to fund SFAz’s core operating costs, estimated at $2.5 million per year, for the first 5 years.
In June 2006, the Arizona Governor and State Legislature appropriated $35 million in HB2477 through the Department of Commerce and its Commerce and Economic Development Commission to invest in SFAz. All of this money will go toward grants that will be investments in Arizona’s future. Additional philanthropic contributions will also be invested through the SFAz grant making effort.
SFAz will be governed by a 12-member Board of Directors consisting of accomplished and respected individuals across Arizona, along with highly talented R&D leaders from outside the state to ensure the perspective that is essential to compete in today’s global economy. The Board will set investment policy and performance expectations, and empower the President and CEO to operate the Foundation. Donald V. Budinger serves as Chairman of the Board and William C. Harris, Ph.D., has been recruited as the President and CEO. A full list of board members and their bios appear on our website at www.sfaz.org.
SFAz’s investments will focus on science, engineering and math programs that create a competitive advantage for Arizonans and the future of the state. SFAz will help position Arizona to become one of the top tier states for new innovation and highly successful companies that employ highly educated scientists, engineers and medical researchers -- the type of innovation that results in leadership and a high quality of life for our citizens. We want Arizona to be a place where our children can fulfill their dreams and do not have to move out of state for knowledge-based jobs.
SFAz’s grant review process for its research investment grants will be patterned after similar federal programs like the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. Importantly, SFAz has staff members who have extensive experience with such federal competitive grant processes.
How will the public be made aware that grant applications are being accepted?
SFAz will publish its call for grant proposals on its website, by sending an announcement for its programs to all of the heads of research in the not-for-profit sector, and through a state-wide public relations and media effort, as well as a specialized list for targeted programs.
When will the grants or investment guidelines be announced?
The program announcements will begin in November 2006 and be ongoing, and will vary by program.
What will be the size of the grants?
This varies by program area, and will range from $5,000 to several million dollars.
How many grants will be awarded each year?
For 2006-2007, we anticipate that up to 500 grants could be awarded, which includes grants to students and teachers, as well as larger research oriented grants. Future years will depend on continued funding.
While it will be easy to track other funds leveraged by investments made by SFAz, it is unlikely that measurable results, (i.e., patents issued, job growth, and other metrics), will happen in a single year. SFAz will report on the number and quality of the students recruited, the strategic importance of the individual research programs funded and leveraged, etc.
We believe it is more pragmatic to recognize that SFAz is investing in research potential and talent in a manner similar to venture capital investors. That is, SFAz will make informed decisions on its investments, recognizing that all R&D carries risks. By investing the R&D funds in Research Performing Institutions that train and educate students at the highest levels, we are greatly reducing the risk and ensuring a significant return on the investment (ROI) since SFAz funding is focused on Arizona’s human capital and their ideas. As with venture capital investments, SFAz funding will help fuel expansion of the knowledge-driven economic sector.
If you have other questions about SFAz, or would like to provide input on this presentation, we encourage your feedback at info@sfaz.org.