[gist]

The OP hasn't actually said that he turned down funding just that he wasn't looking for it and not sure he (?) wanted it.

This is really similar to someone saying they aren't looking for a job. It's implied I guess that if someone offered them a million dollar job (where they had been making $100k) with complete freedom and great working conditions they'd at least consider it.

Your point is taken though and very possibly might also mean "I take the high road and would turn it down no matter what". (Which doesn't mean they would of course just that they say they would).