The Search for External Support

Utilizing The University of Iowa Foundation and the Division of Sponsored Programs

If you are ready to begin your search for external financial support for your project or program, you do not have to search alone. Staff from the Division of Sponsored Programs and The University of Iowa Foundation can help you identify potential funding sources and guide you through the process of submitting proposals.

The Division of Sponsored Programs will assist you with:

• Locating funding opportunities from government agencies, corporations, foundations, and other organizations.
• Identifying sponsor contacts.
• Obtaining application guidelines and forms.
• Preparing budgets, developing proposals, and negotiating contracts.
• Understanding the sponsor's review process.
• Observing compliance issues related to University, state, and federal regulations.
• Securing authorization for proposal submission and award acceptance.

The University of Iowa Foundation will assist you with:

• Assessing the private sector fund-raising potential for your project or program.
• Identifying corporate, foundation, or individual prospects for possible support.
• Cultivating relationships with prospective corporate, foundation, and individual donors.
• Acquiring equipment or materials as gifts in kind.
• Finding sponsorships.
• Assisting with proposal preparation.
• Presenting the request.
• Maintaining relations with donors.
• Coordinating solicitations.

General Definitions

• Gifts
  Gifts are made without anything of monetary value expected in return by the donor. Contractual requirements are not imposed. However, use of funds may be restricted to a particular purpose such as a professorship, scholarship, or research in a broadly defined area (e.g., cancer). The UI Foundation seeks and receives gifts.
• Grants
  Grants are awarded to support instruction, research, or service provided by the University. They are usually given to accomplish a specified purpose or project. The terms of a particular grant determine how the grant funds are processed and used. Both the UI Foundation and the Division of Sponsored Programs may seek and receive grants. (See indicators.)
• Contracts
  Contracts are written agreements between the University and another entity/sponsor, which establish a quid pro quo relationship and provide an economic benefit. The award is subject to conditions outlined in a contractual instrument signed by both parties. The Division of Sponsored Programs seeks and receives contracts.

Indicators

While these definitions help to clarify the difference between gifts, grants, and it can still be difficult to know whether to seek help from Sponsored Programs or the UI Foundation. The following indicators will help direct you. When in doubt, staff members in either office can help you decide which office to use.

• The award is from a governmental or quasi-governmental entity.
• The award comes from a corporation's research and development budget based on a written proposal for a specific project.
• The award is provided by a written contract document for a specific project.
• The sponsor may place restrictions on fund use or research results and maintain the right to revoke award.
• The award is for the work of a specific faculty member. Work is characterized by precise programmatic objectives to be accomplished within a specific time and budget.
• Studies are to be conducted on substances/products/processes, etc., that the sponsor owns.
• The sponsor hopes to gain direct economic benefit as a result of the contracted activity.
• The award instrument requires a regular, detailed financial accounting such as line item reporting on the specific fund use, and/or detailed reporting on project status.

Indicators for administration by the UI Foundation:

• The award is from a private individual.
• The award is from a non-governmental source for construction/renovation projects or endowment.
• The donor specifically intends the award to be charitable in nature.
• The conditions/stipulations placed on the intended use of the award are minimal and serve to direct the funds to areas of scholarships, construction/renovation projects, or general research support of interest to the donor.
• The donor intends the award to be irrevocable and relinquishes the right to reclaim any unused remainder.
• The donor makes the award without expectation of direct economic benefit or other tangible benefit commensurate with its worth.