INTRODUCTION TO FUNDING CATEGORIES

Most biomedical research project funding falls into one of the following 4 categories:

1) CONTRACTS are the most formal type of award. Under a contract, the sponsor supports clearly defined activities. Contract characteristics include:

• Specific deliverables are stipulated in negotiations.
• Project performance is monitored by the sponsor.
• Technical reports are required.
• Detailed financial reports are required.

Contracts - n. an agreement

2) GRANTS are made to support a specific project as outlined in a proposal. Grant characteristics include:

• Project usually has stated goals and objectives.
• The sponsor has expectations about how the funds will be spent.
• Grant deliverables may include formal project reports.
• A financial report is required.

Grants - n. something bestowed

3) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS are a grant-contract hybrid.

    Cooperative Agreements: This form of federal assistance involves both the Government and the grantee sharing responsibility for programmatic management of the project. Cooperative agreements anticipate "substantial sponsor (usually federal) involvement with the recipient during performance of the contemplated activity." Specific terms of collaboration are spelled out in individual agreements, which the ORA will review carefully with the investigator. In all other respects, cooperative agreements follow the policies applicable to grant.

4) GIFTS support diverse institutional activities. Three general features of gifts include:

• No deliverables are required from the activities supported.
• No formal reports are required.
• No formal financial reports are required.