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MIND Fund FAQs
What criteria make for a strong application? Generally, the more proximal the opportunity for matching funding and collaboration, the more competitive the project will be.
- What counts as “matching funding”?
- Federal grants that fit into areas of the collaborative funnel
- State grants/state contracts that fit into areas of the collaborative funnel
- Philanthropic gifts and documented commitments that fit into areas of the collaborative funnel
- Gifts made directly to CU or Children's
- Non-governmental grants that fit into areas of the collaborative funnel
- Payments on contingent commitments to CU or Children's
- How do you rank “matching funding”? We would rank the following types of support letters/commitments in order from highest to lowest:
- Letters of support with matching funding commitment whereby a partner or granting agency commits to supporting at a specific ratio every $1 provided by the MIND Fund, those with higher total dollars of support increase the competitiveness (10:1 Match > 1:1)
- Letters of support from partners on projects with a financial commitment after the completion of the project
- Letters of support from partners on projects with no financial commitment
What if the proposal does not have identified matching funds but demonstrates promise for obtaining matching funds? Matching funds is not required but is desirable and one of the principal considerations for funding. If a proposal does not have committed matching funds, show a clear pathway to obtain follow on funding including source, amount, timeline and an explanation of how completion of proposed deliverables facilitates unlocking matching funds.
Is there a specific timeframe for project completion? 2 years are recommended as a general guideline to provide sufficient time to complete the project and account for potential delays. Projects can always be completed in shorter timeframes if possible.
What are allowable budget items for a MIND Fund grant? Can MIND Fund awards be used to pay for personnel salary/FTE?
- Allowable Expenses:
- Personnel & Support: Salaries for essential technical personnel, graduate students, or postdoctoral support aligned with institutional standards.
- Materials & Supplies: Consumables and specific project-related lab supplies.
- Equipment: Capital expenditures and specialized equipment are typically allowed if they directly expand the technical capability required for the targeted proof-of-concept.
- Commercialization Activities: Engagement of specialized consultants work (i.e. regulatory, market analysis, etc.) to support commercial product development efforts.
- Unallowable Expenses:
- Construction: Building or facility construction costs are strictly excluded.
- General Administration: Routine administrative overhead, general office supplies, and standard utilities.
- Allowable Expenses:
Do I need to submit a detailed budget along with my MIND Fund application? No, only a high-level budget is required for the application. If your project is selected for funding, you’ll need to submit a detailed budget before the award can be transferred.
How is intellectual property handled for projects funded through the MIND Fund? IP is protected in the same manner as any other innovation from CU faculty. Additional information here.
Does the MIND Fund retain any ownership, licensing rights, or commercialization options for projects it funds? No.
Are there any restrictions or requirements related to future SBIR/STTR submissions or startup commercialization? No.
Are applications only open to CU Anschutz faculty? Yes
Who can supply my “external Letter of Support”? Does the person need to be external to my department, or external to the University system and UC Health? Anyone can provide a letter of support but refer to the questions above on qualifying matching funding and ranking of matching. The Letter of Support is the best way to demonstrate this matching commitment.