Funding

Competitively-awarded research grants comprise our single largest source of funding at the Biodesign Institute. Another major source of revenue comes from industry research contracts. We also receive support from a voter-approved fund (the Technology and Research Initiative Fund, or TRIF) that is derived from a percentage of sales tax revenues. This funding was used to launch the Institute, with the expectation that reliance on the fund would be decreased as the Institute is increasingly able to generate other funding.

For this reason, gifts from generous individuals, private nonprofit foundations and other philanthropic sources form a growing and crucial source of support. Federal and industry sources of funding favor mature projects that have already been supported through the discovery phase, so early-stage "launch" funding is particularly important.  However, there are opportunities at all stages of the process where philanthropic investments can accelerate the translation of discoveries into societal use. We invite you to support our research with a tax-deductible donation.

Indicative Results

In FY10, the Biodesign Institute: 

• Engaged a workforce exceeding 500 people, including 59 faculty, 120 researchers, 53 technicians, 176 students (variable) and 95 operational /support staff. 

• Posted $63 million in research awards: a $32.8 million increase (94.5%) over the prior year. Non-federal partners accounted for 32.5% and federal agencies accounted for 67.4% of total awards. 

• Exceeded $290 million in new research contract proposals, an ASU record second only to last years’ record of $390 million. 

Biodesign Funding Since Inception