9.6.2 Corporate and Foundation Support

As many faculty are seeking funding for their projects, it is imperative that contacts with prospective funders be prioritized by department chairs and then coordinated through the Foundation and Corporate Relations Offices. This will help avoid submission of competing proposals and will help ensure that proposals reflect the department/school priorities.

If you are interested in applying to a foundation, contact the Foundation Relations Office at ext. 2230. If you are interested in applying to a corporation, contact the Corporate Relations Office at ext. 2228. Foundation relations will forward a pre-proposal form; corporate relations uses a transmittal form. Both require signatures of department chairs/deans. You may also want to review the Foundation Center collection at the J.R. Van Pelt Library where funder directories and related private grantseeking information may be found.

Foundations are likely to fund projects that are unique, creative and replicable. Corporations fund projects in alignment with their business interests and are most likely to fund schools from which students are recruited, especially if alumni are in key positions at that corporation. Some funders support research. Those that fund capital or endowments will usually only provide a portion of the total funds needed. Many departments have been successful soliciting equipment grants. If an equipment grant is secured, either new or used, please report it to the corporate relations office.

Keep in mind that foundations and corporations operate on their own schedules. You may need to allow six to eighteen months for a decision. Their boards may meet as often as every other month and as infrequently as once a year.

The Offices of Foundation and Corporate Relations can help you prospect for the most likely funder. You can expect advice and assistance on the best approach for your prospect. The offices will read and suggest edits to your proposal, reviewing your proposal to be sure it conforms to the guidelines of the foundation or corporation. The offices will also help you gather any required organizational information, such as an IRS status letter or annual report. If you wish, and time allows, they will also help draft a cover letter and mail your proposal. When a proposal is funded, the offices will send an acknowledgment and receipt.

As you are the best advocate for your project, you are the best person to write your proposal. You are responsible for getting clearance to submit the proposal and for securing approvals from your department chair for any University funds and space requirements. You need to confirm that you are in compliance with the University's conflict of interest policy. If you are funded, you are expected to send thank you letters and reports to the funder in a timely manner. Please also forward copies of correspondence with foundations or corporations to the appropriate office.