Leads within a Project

Leads within a Project

My PROJECTS require financing which I seek from various sources (banks, private capital, etc), which I would like to be LEADS for the Project, until they provide funds, at which time I  convert them into Accounts.   Is there a way to create a link Projects and Leads?  I can do Contacts but I find that the Leads tab provides more of the information that I need.  

What about VENDORS? Instead of LEADS, associate them to PROJECTS?  Can that be done?