What is a Sponsored Project?

Differences between Sponsored Projects and Gifts

All sponsored projects, whether a grant or contract are administered through URSA, with Georgia State University Research Foundation (GSURF) serving as the award recipient. Fellowships are also processed through URSA, though individuals may sometimes be the award recipient. On the other hand, externally funded gifts are NOT considered sponsored projects and are administered through the Development Office with the Georgia State University Foundation as the award recipient. The following sections differentiate between sponsored projects and gifts:

Sponsored Projects are all externally-funded research or scholarly activities that have a defined scope of work or set of objectives which provides a basis for sponsor expectations. The two most common sponsored projects' funding mechanisms are grants and contracts.

A sponsored project normally has one or more of the following characteristics:

• The proposed work requires a specific line of scholarly inquiry such as a work statement, testing of a hypothesis, a model project, or a defined set of deliverables.
• Deliverables may include programmatic, technical, and detailed financial reports during or at the conclusion of the project.
• The sponsor requires a specific time period for conducting the project.
• The sponsor imposes restrictions on the publication or dissemination of results of the project.
• The line of inquiry involves testing proprietary products or intellectual property rights, or the sponsor requests options on the results or product.
• The funds are awarded following a competitive application or bid process.
• The project involves use of human subjects, laboratory animals, radiological hazards, recombinant DNA, or other research risks.
• Funding is awarded based on specific budget categories, and permission must be sought from the sponsor to change the budget.
• Federal, state, or other fiscal compliance policy governs the project, or there are other terms and conditions that impose certain obligations on the University.
• The project includes funds for facilities and administration (also called indirect costs or overhead).
• The project involves a commitment of University facilities, personnel, or other resources.
• An audit of the funds may be required during or at the end of the project.
• There is the provision for audits by or on behalf of the grantor;
• Funds unexpended at end of period shall be returned to the grantor unless written approval is provided by the grantor.

Gifts (which are not considered Sponsored Projects):

Gifts that are administered through the Development Office may have the following characteristics:

• Has an unrestricted purpose or serves as an endowment (e.g., eminent scholars, endowed chairs, professorships), funds capital projects (e.g., construction or renovation, equipment), or general student support (e.g., scholarships, fellowships).
• Requires only minimal reporting to the sponsor (e.g., general information on use of  funds).

Inevitably, there will be situations when the classification of a grant or gift will be unclear. When such situations arise, contact your Sponsored Programs or Development representative for clarification.