Approver(s):
Authorizes Release:
Responsible Area:
Review Cycle:
Last Review:
Related Policies and Additional References:
Scope
This policy outlines the distinction between sponsored projects and philanthropic gifts at St. Mary’s University. Proper classification is essential to ensure adherence with compliance standards and administrative oversight. Faculty and staff interested in pursuing external funding must contact SPARC for assistance before beginning the submission process.
Exception
Faculty and staff who receiving renumeration outside their period of appointment and that will not be managed by the university, or who will not be using any University resources to accomplish the renumerated activities are not subject to this policy. This includes consultant services. However, other institutional policies, such as those regarding consulting or other employment, conflict in research, and the oversight of relevant committees, such as IRB and IACUC, will still apply.
Policy Outline
A. Sponsored Projects
A sponsored project is an activity or program for which funding is received from an organization outside the University, such as a government agency, corporation, foundation, or other formal entity to provide a benefit, or a deliverable for, the outside organization. A defining feature of a sponsored project is the need to comply with pre-award and post-award requirements for attaining and managing the awarded funds. This category includes University subrecipients and contracts. Additionally, sponsored projects are awarded to the University rather than to an individual principal investigator.
Such projects typically, but not always, have some or all of the following elements that are outlined in a formal agreement:
- a statement of work with defined objectives and commitments (such as time, fiscal or physical resources, and application of technical or scholarly expertise);
2. a detailed budget with reporting or accountability requirements;
3. deliverables such as property, data records or aggregate results, equipment, and intellectual property.
B. Philanthropic Gifts
A philanthropic gift is a voluntary donation of money or property given with no expectation of direct benefit or control from the donor. If there are any goods or direct services in exchange for a philanthropic gift, a disclosure statement is provided to the donor, as this will affect their charitable deduction. Although a gift may have many of the features of a sponsored project, it is primarily identified by the donor’s philanthropic intent. University Advancement supports the process of obtaining philanthropic support to support the University’s mission and priorities. All fundraising activities are managed by University Advancement and are subject to University policies such as the Gift Acceptance Policy.
C. Conclusion
The difference between philanthropic gifts and sponsored projects may be complex and difficult to determine. In situations in which it is not clear whether certain funding support is a sponsored project, SPARC and University Advancement will assess funding requirements and make a final determination.
Whether funding is classified as a sponsored project or a philanthropic gift, all funding entities and projects must comply with university policies and sponsor requirements.