A research administrator may be asked to aid in determining whether an award is a sponsored project or a gift. In some cases, this distinction is a difficult one. While the intent of the donor or sponsor must be taken into consideration, donors sometimes confuse the issue by using the word "grant" when the donation meets the criteria of a gift or vice versa.

The classification of a gift and/or sponsored project affects the way Stanford manages the funds and the way it calculates and applies Facilities and Administrative (F&A) cost rates. Stanford has a fiduciary responsibility to sponsors and donors to accurately classify awards as sponsored projects or gifts.

Resources and tools to assist in your review and appropriate classification:

RPH 13.1: Definition of Sponsored Projects and Distinctions from Other Forms of Funding
The Gift or Sponsored Project Checklist.
Attachment A to 13.1 "Determining Whether Funding is a Gift or Sponsored Project" job aid.
Reach out to your school management team and OSR (Office of Sponsored Research). OSR sets up and administers sponsored project accounts while Fund Accounting in the Controller's Office sets up and maintains gift accounts.

Comparison of the Conditions of Sponsored Projects vs. Gifts:

Distinguishing Between Sponsored Projects and Gifts