Chapter 24. Research and Other Sponsored Programs
Section 24.2. Research Projects

24.2.4.3. Proposals to Foundations

If applying to a foundation for sponsorship on a research project, the principal investigator must work with the Corporate and Foundation Development office.

The principal investigator should obtain preliminary approval from the department chair, dean, or vice president for research when the proposed project will include University cost-sharing, other than release time. Facilities and administrative costs do not constitute a University match.

A draft of the proposal should be submitted to the Corporate and Foundation Development office at least two weeks prior to the deadline date.

As a principal investigator (PI), do the following:

1. Bring the draft of the proposal and preliminary budget to the Corporate and Foundation Development office for review at least two weeks before the foundation's filing deadline or the PI's intended filing date.



2. The Corporate and Foundation Development office will:



1. Review the proposal to ensure that it meets University prospective funding foundation requirements and guidelines, and assist in its editing.



2. Examine the budget to determine if it conforms to the prospective funding foundation and the University requirements.


NOTE: The Corporate and Foundation Development office will help prepare the budget if requested by the PI.


3. Contact the prospective funding foundation to confirm the foundation’s guidelines and ascertain their interest.



4. Keep the PI informed of, and involved with, any communications with or from the foundation.



5. Discuss the propriety and fit of the intended foundation for funding the particular PI's project. Suggest additional funding opportunities, foundations and otherwise, to the PI, as appropriate.




3. The Corporate and Foundation Development office will forward the completed proposal to one of the University officials authorized to contractually bind the University, if necessary.



4. Where appropriate, the Corporate and Foundation Development office will prepare a cover letter of introduction or support.


NOTE: Additional letters of support from the investigator or department chair may accompany the proposal.


5. The PI or Corporate and Foundation Development office will have the required number of copies of the proposal prepared and mailed with a cover letter.


NOTE: If done by the Corporate and Foundation Development office, extraordinary mailing costs will be billed to the appropriate department.

Notification of acceptance or rejection can be anywhere from one to six months. If additional supporting material is subsequently requested by the foundation, the Corporate and Foundation Development office will notify the PI.



If funded, a contract is generally sent to the University and is reviewed by the Corporate and Foundation Development office to ensure that it meets University policy.

The Corporate and Foundation Development office will obtain the signatures of appropriate University officials on the document.

6. The PI is responsible for all reporting requirements to the sponsor. Upon receipt of foundation funding, the Corporate and Foundation Development office will develop a project reporting schedule with the PI which is consistent with foundation requirements. The PI is also responsible for filing annual reporting memoranda and final project reports with the Corporate and Foundation Development Office, and keeping the office apprised of any communications with the foundation. Failure to follow-through with reporting requirements may result in the University's limiting of foundation funding opportunities for the particular principal investigator. The Corporate and Foundation Development office will remind the PI well enough in advance of report due date.