As you will see in my third comment above, I agree with you: I don't see tha availability of funds as a problem.
I suggest Jerome appoint an FP with specific responsibility for creating and pursuing funding applications. Would you be prepared to take that on?
Some top of the head ideas for projects include:
How about writing a diary documenting the project formulation/funding application process... and then invite ET members to submit ideas for projects..?
I agree to do it, but I have not enough time at the moment.
About the ideas you listed, we must be aware that any request for subsidies must go through a process called an "open call for proposals", where the submitted project is assessed by a committee which takes into account the credibility and reliability of the project leader and partners. The problem is: even if Et creates a non-profit organisation, this organisation will not have any background (former studies, projects or publications), nor project management experience and no financial reliability.
The only domain in which we could claim some knowledge and experience is n°5: "The role of Blogging/networking sites in developing a new EU civil society", which could be a good way to start. For other themes, we would have to find credible partners (it is not impossible). "Dieu se rit des hommes qui se plaignent des conséquences alors qu'ils en chérissent les causes" Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet
Open calls for tender are very well defined with detailed specifications and tight rules and criteria. They open to everybody, including for-profit organisation, so ET would be in competition with established think-tanks, universities and consultants with a robust background in the field.
"open calls for proposals" are, well, open, which means they don't have detailed specifications. However, they must fit in the policy framework and still follow the same tight rules. They are only open to public organisations, universities and non-profit organisations. "Dieu se rit des hommes qui se plaignent des conséquences alors qu'ils en chérissent les causes" Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet
