 Question: What is the Tailored Collaboration Program? |
The Tailored Collaboration Program is a Water Research Foundation research program that was adopted by the Board of Trustees in 1996. It was formed to provide subscribing utilities the opportunity for more direct involvement in research projects. |
| Question: What types of projects are funded under the Tailored Collaboration Program? |
The Tailored Collaboration Program funds research projects that are proposed by a Water Research Foundation subscriber or group of subscribers. This may include research that is relevant to a specific region or a particular subset of the Foundation’s subscribers, and that would not typically be addressed by the Foundation’s other research programs. |
| Question: What are the unique opportunities allowed for via the Tailored Collaboration Program? |
The Tailored Collaboration Program provides utility subscribers access to the Foundation’s independent review process, research management system and communication platform, as well as access to Foundation research funds. It also provides the Foundation with matching funds to expand our research agenda. |
| Question: How is funding for Tailored Collaboration Program research projects allocated? |
The Tailored Collaboration Program is a matching funds program. For approved research projects, the Foundation will match research funding from any water utility that has been a Foundation subscriber in good standing for at least two years. |
| Question: What are the matching limits for each research project? |
For an individual project, the Foundation will match (dollar for dollar) up to $150,000. The Foundation will also match an additional $50,000 on a one-to-two basis. This allows a maximum Foundation match of $175,000 per project against a subscriber contribution of $200,000. |
| Question: What exactly will the Foundation match? |
The Foundation will match monetary funds (cash) only. In-kind contributions, while encouraged, will not be matched by the Foundation. |
| Question: Who can participate in the Tailored Collaboration Program? |
Any water utility that has been a subscriber in good standing for at least two years can submit a proposal to the Tailored Collaboration Program. The Foundation will also consider matching funds provided to a subscriber by organizations that are not eligible to subscribe on their own behalf. Non-subscribing water utilities are permitted to participate in the program; however their funds will not be matched by the Foundation. |
| Question: Can consulting and/or manufacturing subscribers participate in the program? |
The Tailored Collaboration Program is designed as a partnership program between the Foundation and utility subscribers. However, subscribing consultants and manufacturers can participate by supporting a research project submitted and managed by a subscribing utility. |
| Question: Can subscribers partner together on a Tailored Collaboration Program research project? |
Yes! In fact, consortia of interested subscribers are encouraged to participate. However, one utility must take the lead in submitting and managing the proposed research project. Subscriber funds can be contributed by one, some, or all of the research project partners, resulting in a grand total to be matched to the Foundation (not to exceed $175,000 per project against a subscriber contribution of $200,000 — see above). |
| Question: When are project funding decisions made? |
Tailored Collaboration Program projects are reviewed and funded throughout the year as proposals are received, subject to available funding. |
| Question: How are project funding decisions made? |
Proposals are evaluated on an individual merit basis (as opposed to a competing with other proposals). Qualifying projects must be deemed technically feasible by a Technical Review Committee and consistent with Foundation policy and direction as determined by the Board-appointed Tailored Collaboration Review Committee. |
| Question: How much money is available for Tailored Collaboration Program projects? |
Our Board of Trustees allocates 20 percent of the Foundation’s annual research budget to the Tailored Collaboration Program. For 2012, the program budget is $1.28 million. |
| Question: Who do I contact if I have additional questions? |
For additional information about the Tailored Collaboration Program, you may contact Chris Rayburn, the Foundation’s Director of Subscriber and Research Services (303.347.6188, crayburn@WaterRF.org), with any additional questions you might have. |