Funding Briefs

Man Versus Man William Wordsworth waxed poetic about “man’s inhumanity to man,” but the more broadminded Harry Frank Guggenheim was interested in studying, as he put it, “man’s relation to man.” In keeping with that idea, the New York foundation that Guggenheim endowed in 1929 has traditionally sponsored a seven-part international program of scientific research aimed at better understanding the causes of dominance, violence, and aggression. Now an eighth area is being considered: the foundation might make small contributions to charities actively addressing social problems in these areas. Since the program is in its formative stage, unsolicited grant proposals will not be considered; the charity organizations must be nominated in a letter from a current Guggenheim grantee or from a scientist currently involved in related research. The reason for this procedure, explains program assistant Ellen Agoratus, is twofold: the scientist/nominators act as an unofficial pre-screening mechanism by recommending - nonprof its they know are “making a difference;” and nominating gives the scientists an opportunity to acknowledge charitable organizations that have taken a lead in this field by supporting the scientists’ work in the past. (Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, 527 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10022-4301. 212/ 644-4907). Going Public Public colleges are an untapped resource of scientific potential, according to Research Corporation president John R Schaefer. Speaking at a conference of 150 faculty administrators, the head of the Tucson, Ariz.-based grant-making organization urged that “comprehensive universities”—those with either no Ph.D. program or a limited one—consider establishing scientific research facilities. Proceedings from the session, “Science Research in the Comprehensive University,” are now available from Francis R Collea, director, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, California State University, 400Golden Shore, Suite 304, Long Beach, Calif. 90802. A Fundraising Hit For years, Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has relied upon an unusual source of research financing: the Jimmy Fund to which moviegoers contribute. It all started back in the early 1950s, when such Hollywood greats as Spencer Tracy, Joan for Crawford, and James Cagney would appear in short films promoting the institute (then known as the Children’s Research Foundation) and its affiliated Jimmy Fund. After each screening, ushers circulated canisters for donations of viewers’ spare change. Tried and still true, the Jimmy Fund continues to collect coins this way—and last year the organization brought in $350,000 via this method. (The Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, Mass. 0?115 617/ 732-3379). Funding The Wonder Years Formation of a new research and grantmaking institution is underway, backed by funding from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Called the Center for the Future of Children, it grew out of the Palo Alto, Calif. foundation’s interest in providing equal opportunity for impoverished youth around the country. The Center for the future of children will receive $1 million from the Packard Foundation for its first year, when an action, plan for research and funding will be developed, and $5 million or more per year thereafter. One of the center’s main funding interests will be the treatment of childhood disabilities and diseases. Richard E. Behrman, dean of Case Western Reserve University’s school of medicine, will become, its first director, effective in July. The 25-year-old foundation was started and funded by Hewlett-Packard Co. cofounder David Packard and his wife. Last year the foundation increased its activities in science and education, and more than doubled its annual grantmaking. Currently the foundation awards approximately $25 million per year. (David and Lucile Packard Foundation, 300 2nd Street, Suite 200, Los Altos, Calif. 94022 415/ 948-7658).

Funding Briefs

The Scientist Staff

Man Versus Man

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