Correct classification of external funds is essential for appropriate fiscal and fiduciary management by USU. Gifts, grants, and contracts are the principal forms of awards made by both governmental and private sources. The correct classification and processing of awards is sometimes complex and will require the exercise of informed judgment, particularly in cases where the nature of an award is not immediately clear. Rather than focusing on any single characteristic, each award must be considered in its totality. To clarify the process of determining classification and assure greater consistency among the various colleges, schools, departments, centers and administrative units of the University, please review the procedure for Distinguishing Between Gifts, Grants, and Contracts and consult the chart below.
Gifts to USU of a restricted or unrestricted nature that do not include any conditions that would classify it as a grant are not viewed as sponsored programs and are not processed through the Sponsored Programs Office, but through the gift transmittal procedures within USU’s Advancement Office. Gift solicitation and acceptance should be coordinated with the appropriate development officer in each college.
Correct classification can be very complex. Rather than focusing on any individual characteristic, each award must be looked at in its totality. The information below summarizes a few of the criteria that are reviewed when making this determination.
Gift
Primary Intent
- Charitable intent
- No expectation of economic benefit or quid pro quo
Source of Funding
- Individual
- Private
- Non-governmental
Purpose
- General
- Doesn't direct specific scientific inquiry
- May be restricted to a particular purpose such as professorship or scholarship
Terms
- General or non-restrictive
- Irrevocable
Reporting/Deliverables
- Minimal reporting
- Stewardship vs. contractual obligation
Managing USU Office
Advancement, (435) 797-1364
Grant
Primary Intent
- Public Good
Source of Funding
- All
Purpose
- Semi-Directed with broad, programmatic objective
- Result of submitting proposal driven by outcome
Terms
- Semi Restrictive
- Revocable
- Intellectual Property (IP) issues
- Typically must return unexpended funds
- Payments contingent on progress
- Specific period of performance
- Specific financial accountability
- Sponsor approval may be required for deviations
Reporting/Deliverables
- Required
- Regular financial and progress report required
- Final financial and Final technical Reports standard
Managing USU Office
Sponsored Programs, (435) 797-1226
Contract
Primary Intent
- Economic Benefit or specific benefit to Sponsor
Source of Funding
- All
Purpose
- Specific purpose, service or objective
- Result of submitting proposal driven by outcome
Terms
- Restrictive
- Revocable
- Intellectual Property/Ownership issues
- Data or Publication restrictions (even review and/or approval language)
- Payments may be contingent on progress
- Specific period of performance
- Specific financial accountability
- Sponsor approval required for deviations
Reporting/Deliverables
- Required
- Regular financial and progress reports required
Managing USU Office
Sponsored Programs, (435) 797-1226
License Agreement
Primary Intent
- Economic Benefit or specific benefit to Sponsor
Source of Funding
- All
Purpose
- Specific purpose, service or objective relating to USU Intellectual Property (IP)
Terms
- Restrictive
- Revocable
- IP/Ownership terms
- Data or Publication restrictions (even review and/or approval language)
- Payments may be contingent on progress
- Specific period of performance or license term
- Specific financial accountability
- Sponsor approval required for deviations
Reporting/Deliverables
- Required
- Regular financial and progress reports required.
- Final financial and Final Technical Reports.
Managing USU Office
Technology Transfer Services, (435) 797-1199
View the full, approved document defining gifts, grants and contracts.