May I apply on my own if I already know the funder?

No. Foundation Relations internal review process ensures that other faculty or staff members are not already seeking a grant from the same funder. Also, Foundation Relations works to maintain consistency and integrity of approach through on-going relationships with funders. It is possible that WPI has approached the funder before and/or will approach the funder in the future. These factors can have a significant impact on the success of not only your proposal, but also the proposals of your colleagues. Therefore, it is very important that all proposals to private and corporate funders are approved and submitted through Foundation Relations.