reverett, regarding your point about funding off the wall stuff, have you taken a look at the database of grants awarded on the MJFF site? (you probably have, but i have to ask!) I believe their Fast Track program is or was intended to function something like that.

also, they have funded quite a lot of grants - have you checked that database against your 50 promising items? it would surprise me if there was zero overlap.

here's a link to the database - personally, i think it is the best part of their new site:

MJFF searchable database of grants awarded

and i don't know about MJFF (have you contacted them?) but *I* am curious about your 50 items - would you, or perhaps have you posted them here?

thanks,
boann