In October 2010, FMCSV created along with the São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Fapesp) a fund to encourage the creation of knowledge related to child development. The funds, which amounted to R$ 2.6 million — half from Fapesp and half from FMCSV - will be used to finance the scientific and technological studies of researchers from public and private São Paulo-based institutions.
The five-year agreement includes a cooperation management committee made up of two representatives from both entities. The group draws up research proposal invitations, manages the technical and financial issues of the project and oversees the performance of the work.
The initiative aims at raising funds for the research of people from teaching and research institutions of São Paulo state, who can present innovative projects with results that have market potential. The partnership includes the following areas: improvements in the early childhood care system and the evaluation of initiatives dedicated to the development of children from 0 to 3 years of age; health, social assistance, education and development; partnerships with countries and communities.
Fapesp’s funds are allocated to São Paulo-based universities and research institutions. FMCSV’s part can be applied to equipment (provided that, after project conclusion, the equipment remains in the selected institutions), scholarships, expenses (consumer material, trips, services of third parties related to the project), research infrastructure and temporary hiring of technicians needed to perform the tasks.
The selection of research projects follows the standards and criteria usually used by Fapesp and is carried out by the managing committee. The process starts with the disclosure of the research proposal invitations, which point out the priority topics, the format of the proposals, the way in which they will be scored and the work schedule. Each team can only register a single proposal.
The first bid notice was released in March 2011 and the proposal registrations were opened on June 13, 2011.