Private sector funders will want to expend resources, for the most part, on interventions that will mitigate the immediate, on-the-ground problems facing Flint families and businesses. This might include –as examples - losses facing businesses, early childhood educational or health interventions, services for other people affected (young adults, older adults, certain neighborhoods, etc.). 

Private sector funders (corporate and foundation) will not be drawn to infrastructure projects (eg, water service pipes, long term issues in civil engineering, public school challenges) as they will perceive these kinds of issues to be more suitable to public funding.  

Agencies may well step up to the challenge through Rapid processes at both NIH and NSF. Federal funding in general will allow for broader questions, deeper questions about the science or the engineering.  

Foundations will be most drawn to work that is undertaken with community stakeholders.  This engagement of community will need to take place before the funding – or the proposal – is put in place.  Foundations in general have a great focus on under-served populations, a deep interest in solving social justice problems and are supportive of work at the level of intervention, e.g. health, nutrition, wellness, in addition to a great focus in work related to equity, social justice, and policy.

Internal sources of funding (MICH R or UMOR or Provost) will want to serve as seed funds for work that will aim at other sources later in the work.  It will be best used to build those community networks, launch, pilot, test, etc., for work that you expect will be fundable by Federal or private sources at the next stage.