I once red about a marketing campaign led by Judy Genshaft, the president of Florida university. The University was building a a specialized research center in biological engineering and bio-economy, and they did not have enough money for that.

Judy sold the the bricks that going to be used to build the center for business men who graduated from the university. Each who wants his name to be written on a brick on the center walls, pays 100$. And those whom want their names to be written inside the center halls pay 10,000$ !!!

And it works, the center has been built using the money paid by those who want their names to be written on the center bricks.

Funding and investments are not necessary come from the usual channels we know. Try think out of the box, find alternative ways, extend your mind, stretch your capabilities, and think in groups.