|
Information for MSU Faculty and Staff
| The Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations acts as a central resource for faculty and administrators, matching campus projects and research efforts with the interests and resources of private and corporate donors. By providing a link between internal activities and external opportunities, the office helps inform local and national organizations about the outstanding achievements and cutting-edge research currently underway at MSU. At the same time, we assist faculty members and administrators with information and access to much needed external sources of funding. |
|
| If you are looking for funding support outside the government or public sectors, we can assist you in the following ways: |
- Conduct research and provide information on potential funding sources
- Assist with the letter of inquiry, proposal development, and proposal writing
- Provide additional documentation as requested by the funder (cover letter, IRS 501(c)3 determination letter, audited financial report, etc.)
- Assemble and mail the proposal package
- Serve as central point of contact with the corporation or foundation, arranging conference calls and personal visits when possible
- Ensure acknowledgement of gift and provide ongoing stewardship
|
| Many foundations and corporations require that all contacts with them be made through a single source. While others may be less restrictive, they frequently limit the number of applications they will accept from any one institution. To better serve the Montana State community and the requests of private foundations or corporations, we ask that you contact the Corporate and Foundation Relations office by telephone (406) 994-2522 or email (tweller@montana.edu) when you are considering submitting a proposal to a corporation or private foundation. |
|
| We will assist you as needed, include your request in a central record of proposals currently underway, and inform you of other funding opportunities that might be of interest to you. If you feel that your request falls under the Office of Sponsored Programs, please follow the procedures established by that office. |
| Is It a Charitable Grant or Sponsored Program? |
| In general, a gift implies that the funder does not expect anything of commensurate value in return, such as first rights to specific research findings, inventions or reports of summary findings. The funder may, however, request progress and spending reports, as well as restrict funds to a specific purpose area or field of research. In the event of such restrictions, the award (often referred to as a grant) may still be treated as a gift. |
|
| Distinguishing between sponsored programs and gifts determines whether funds are deposited into university accounts for sponsored (usually contractual) services, or are deposited directly into the Montana State University Foundation as gifts. When questions arise as to the appropriate designation of a donation or award, decisions will be made in consultation with the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations and the Office of Sponsored Programs. |
|
|
|
|
