Robert W. Wilson of New York, NY, better known for his role in developing the hedge fund concept, decided in 1998 to do something about accelerating the pace of basic and clinical research in tinnitus. He requested a plan to make approximately $500 000 per year available to advance the understanding of tinnitus and find symptomatic relief for it. What evolved are the Tinnitus Research Consortium (TRC) and a plan to make grants-in-aid of $100 000 per year for a maximum of 3 years. With 2 grants-in-aid awarded each year, a steady expenditure of $600 000 per year was reached in 3 years. It is unique, in my experience, for a single individual to support an ongoing grant program.