Spiritual Transformation Research Program (STP) 
- Supplemental Grants Program 

Background:
The original funding stream for STP was $1.5 million dollars (roughly 10 grants up to $150,000 each). However, after receiving 470 Letters of Intent and discerning the high quality of so many proposed research studies, the Metanexus Institute requested supplemental funding from the John Templeton Foundation to increase the number of grant awards.

Sir John responded to the request in two ways: (1) by encouraging Metanexus Institute to invite 20 additional PI's to the October workshop; and, (2) by providing $550,000 in supplemental funding. Sir John asked that the funds be dispersed in the following manner: 5 grants of $75,000 (to be matched on a one-to-one basis by the PI), and 5 “catalytic grants'' at $35,000 each (again, to be matched on a one-to-one basis by the PI).

Rationale for the “Matching grants” Program:
Underpinning Sir John Templeton's vision for his Foundation is the principle of “venture philanthropy.'' He is constantly seeking ways to maximize the yield on his philanthropic investment, constantly asking his staff to identify and secure (whenever possible) funding partnerships with other Foundations, government agencies, and targeted philanthropists. In regard to the STP “matching grants” program, Sir John Templeton has decided to utilize an incentivized “venture capital'' approach to attract other funders and/or new sources of funds for spiritual transformation research.

Continuum of Matching Support: 
The ideal level of support: PI secures a $75,000 grant from another Foundation, governmental agency or individual philanthropist interested in supporting spiritual transformation research.

The realistic level of support: PI secures support from a variety of sources, including institutional support and support from other existing grants.

There is a level of support that is unacceptable to the donor's intent: when a PI declares that all of the “matching funds'' have been secured from a grant received by the PI months before s/he received a spiritual transformation grant from Metanexus.

A reasonable expectation: PI receives a grant award at least 10% of the match (in real dollars) from outside sources.

Role of Metanexus Institute
The Menelaus Institute (Professor Sol Katz) will assist each of the PI's (approved for the matching funds) in developing a strategic plan to secure the required matching funds.

Examples of Appropriate Matching Funds: 
* Release time
* Salary stipends for post-doc fellow/grad assistants 
* Technology match 
* Travel matches 
* Complimentary funding from other grant applications 
* Money from outside sources (e.g., wealthy alumni)

10/4/02 - Dr. Arthur J. Schwartz JTF