3.3.2 Accountability for Grants, Gifts, and Contracts

Funds received from sources other than the state of Michigan (general operating funds) by the University in support of various academic and/or research and other sponsored programs must be placed in the proper category for administrative and accounting purposes. In order to accomplish this, the University has defined the two broad categories of grants/gifts and grants/contracts/agreements into which it will place these funds..

A grant/gift is defined as something which is voluntarily given to the University and the University is not obligated to provide any deliverables (e.g. technical reports, software, hardware) to the donor. A grant/gift includes awards having no expectation of economic benefit nor in which any tangible compensation to the grantor exists or is implied. Most monies received from private or corporate foundations are in this category. Monies in support of various academic or research and other sponsored programs are, according to University policy, assessed facilities & administrative (F&A) cost charges.

A grant/contract/agreement is defined as a formal agreement between the University and one or more parties for the performance of work at a generally fixed or reimbursable rate. This agreement is in writing and is enforceable by law. The University is required to provide deliverables (e.g. technical reports, software, or hardware) to the funding parties. Most state and all federal research and other sponsored projects are in this category. Generally funds in this area will be charged F&A costs at the current University rate.

Most funds received by the University can be easily defined and can be placed in the proper category. However, in those cases where definition is questionable, the University, through the appropriate administrative office, will contact the donor/sponsor for additional information to determine the proper categorization.


Revised:
1/22/2018 - Annual Review: Addition of "generally" to the sentence "...University and one or more parties for the performance of work at a generally fixed or reimbursable rate."
12/08/2016 - Annual Review: Addition of "/agreements" to first paragraph "...grants/contracts/agreements..."
02/13/2015 - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, the email address for questions is now policy@mtu.edu. From the second paragraph, deleted the last sentence that read "However, in the grant/gift category, the University will negotiate a waiver of these F&A costs." From the fourth paragraph, the first sentence read "Most funds received by the University will be easily defined ...." now reads "Most funds received by the University can be easily defined ....".
02/13/2014 - Updated Michigan Tech and Handbook banners, no changes made to content.
06/13/2011 - Annual Review: "various academic and/or research programs must be placed in the proper category" is now "various academic and/or research and other sponsored programs must be placed in the proper category"; the sentences "Monies in support of research are, according to University policy, assessed indirect cost charges. However, in the grant/gift category, the University will negotiate a waiver of these indirect costs" now read "Monies in support of various academic or research and other sponsored programs are, according to University policy, assessed facilities & administrative (F&A) cost charges. However, in the grant/gift category, the University will negotiate a waiver of these F&A costs"; "A grant/contract is defined as a formal agreement between the University and one or more parties for the performance of work at a fixed or reimbursable rate, this agreement will be in writing and is enforceable by law" now reads "A grant/contract/agreement is defined as a formal agreement between the University and one or more parties for the performance of work at a fixed or reimbursable rate. This agreement is in writing and is enforceable by law."; "(e.g. technical reports, software, hardware)" is now "(e.g. technical reports, software, or hardware)"; "Most state and all federal research projects are in this category. Normally funds in this area will be charged indirect costs at the current University rate" now reads "Most state and all federal research and other sponsored projects are in this category. Generally funds in this area will be charged F&A costs at the current University rate." To reflect current University titles and practice, MTU is now Michigan Tech and the email address for questions is now hbwebmaster.