To aid in the classification of whether the External Funding under consideration is a gift or a sponsored project per the Classification of External Funding Policy, a decision matrix is provided below. Ultimately, the final decision resides with the Vice President of Research and Economic Development in consultation with the Vice President of Administration and Finance.

To aid in the decision-making process, a review of all documentation associated with the funding shall take place.  This may include the project description or statement of work, budget materials, the award letter or funding agreement, and any correspondence with the funder regarding the award.

  1. Is the funding provided by a federal, state, local, foreign, or other governmental entity?

____YES          ____NO

If YES, this is a SPONSORED PROJECT

 

  1. Is the funding provided by an individual (not an organization)?

____YES          ____NO

If YES, this is a GIFT

 

If ANY of the above = “YES” it is classified as specified.  If ALL = “NO”, proceed to the following prompts:

 

  1. Is the funder entitled to deliverables, including intellectual property rights, royalty sharing, or tangible products of the research (excluding progress reports and copies of final publications)?

____YES          ____NO           ____UNSURE

 

  1. May the funder terminate the agreement and/or demand return of unspent funds if specific research or project plans have not been implemented or for other restrictions placed on funding?

____YES          ____NO           ____UNSURE

 

  1. Is there any preferential treatment or an economic benefit to the funder (e.g., use of sponsor services, products, materials)?                                    

____YES          ____NO           ____UNSURE

 

  1. Does the funder retain significant oversight and/or control over the project or funding?

____YES          ____NO           ____UNSURE

 

If ANY of the above = “YES”, then this is a Sponsored Project. If ALL = NO or UNSURE, proceed to the following prompts:

 

  1. Does the funder require detailed financial or technical reporting?

____YES          ____NO           ____UNSURE

                                   

  1. Does the funder have any right to assert a pre-publication review?

____YES          ____NO           ____UNSURE

                                   

  1. Does the funder retain the right to approve changes to the statement of work, personnel, or budget?

____YES          ____NO           ____UNSURE                                                             

 

  1. Does the project involve collaborating with the funder’s personnel?

____YES          ____NO           ____UNSURE

 

  1. Is there a requirement to adhere to a line item budget and either a detailed fiscal report or an external audit for the project?

____YES          ____NO           ____UNSURE

           

If ANY of the above = “YES”, then LIKELY a Sponsored Project.  If ALL = “NO”, then LIKELY a Gift. 

 

Ultimate authority to decide is determined by the Vice President of Research and Economic Development in consultation with the Vice President of Administration and Finance.