Funding Options
Corporations and foundations consider their philanthropic support an investment and want to know their money is being put to good use. It's important to know the implications associated with different giving arrangements.
Donation
A corporate donation is a voluntary philanthropic gift in which there is an irrevocable transfer of property and the donor receives no valuable benefit in return. Donations can be made to support most university activities, including research, infrastructure, academic programs, co-curricular activities and extracurricular opportunities for students.
Although donations have no marketing value, there may be opportunities for some donors to receive recognition. You should expect that all donors will want to know about the impact of their investment. You can work with your faculty fundraiser and our team to determine how best to steward a donation. Recipients of donations must adhere to University of Alberta policies and procedures including the Donation Acceptance Policy.
Sponsorship
A sponsorship is a business arrangement in which the sponsor receives advertising or promotion of its brand, products or services, or equivalent benefit. Sponsors receive a business receipt in recognition of their funding, not a charitable receipt. There are many considerations for seeking sponsorship - our office can help.
Foundation Grant
A grant is funding provided to the university by a government entity or other external organization for operating or restricted purposes. A grant is an investment, so it's important to understand a foundation's goals and understand your obligations as a grantee. Consider the following when seeking support from a foundation:
- Foundations increasingly focus on using their philanthropy to advance their strategic priorities, which are often listed on a foundation's website.
- Foundations increasingly encourage interdisciplinary projects, particularly in science and technology. They also collaborate with other funding partners.
- Foundations outside Canada are unlikely to fund University of Alberta projects that are based entirely in Alberta or Canada or that benefit only local populations.
Find out more about what information is often requested in a grant application.
Sponsored Research
Sponsored research is funded by an external agency, either through a grant or contract, and is usually in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP). Sponsored research can be supported through specific research agreements between a corporation and the university. There are various types of research agreements. The Research Services Office can provide information.