Correct classification of external funding can be very complex. Rather than focusing on any individual characteristic, each offer must be looked at in its totality. The table below summarizes a few of the criteria that are reviewed when making this determination. (chart obtained through Utah State University).
Gifts |
Grant |
Contract |
License Agreement |
|
| Managing Office | Development | Sponsored Programs | Sponsored Programs | Sponsored Programs |
| Primary Intent | Charitable intent, no expectation of economic benefit or quid pro quo | Public Good | Economic Benefit or specific benefit to Sponsor | Economic Benefit or specific benefit to Sponsor |
| Source of funding | Individual, Private, Non-governmental | All except individual | All except individual | All |
| Purpose | General. Doesn't direct specific scientific inquiry. May be restricted to a particular purpose such as professorship or scholarship. | Semi -Directed with broad, programmatic objective. Result of submitting proposal driven by outcome. | Specific purpose, service or objective. Result of submitting proposal driven by outcome. | Specific purpose, service or objective relating to Intellectual Property (IP). |
| Terms | General or non-restrictive | Semi Restrictive | Restrictive | Restrictive |
| Irrevocable | Revocable | Revocable | Revocable | |
| Intellectual Property (IP) issues | IP/ Ownership issues | IP/ Ownership terms | ||
| Typically must return unexpended funds | Data or Publication restrictions (even review and/or approval language) | Data or Publication restrictions (even review and/or approval language) | ||
| Payments contingent on progress | Payments may be contingent on progress | Payments may be contingent on progress | ||
| Specific period of performance | Specific period of performance | Specific period of performance or license term | ||
| Specific financial accountability | Specific financial accountability | Specific financial accountability | ||
| Sponsor approval may be required for deviations | Sponsor approval required for deviations | Sponsor approval required for deviations | ||
| Reporting/ Deliverables | Minimal reporting, Stewardship vs. contractual obligation | Required | Required | Required |
| Regular financial and progress reports required | Regular financial and progress reports required. | Regular financial and progress reports required. | ||
| Final financial and Final Technical Reports standard | Final financial and Final Technical Reports. | Final financial and Final Technical Reports. |