Can you help me find funding for my program?
Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) focuses on identifying grant opportunities that support institutional priorities. Additionally, we serve as a matchmaker between PSU programs and grantmaking organizations. We invite you to tell us about your work so that we can keep you in mind as we learn about grant opportunities. Send us an email with the following information:
- A short overview of your project or program
- Scope/amount of funding you are seeking
- What is the potential impact of your work?
- What is unique about your program?
- Do you have any funders who are already supporting your work?
How do I know if my project is considered a gift or a grant?
The Classification and Management of External Funds: Gifts and Sponsored Projects Policy determines what is considered a gift and what is considered a sponsored project at PSU. All new grant proposals should begin with a Notification of Intent to Submit form. Information provided in the form is used to classify the funds in accordance with the policy, and an applicant is connected with a SPA analyst or CFR team member to complete their submission.
I’ve received a grant award. How do I access my funds? How long will it take to access my funds?
Typically, funds must be placed in their own Foundation account for financial tracking purposes. The account creation process can take between 2-4 weeks after the funds are received.
Upon receiving a grant:
- Coordinate salary distributions through your Senior Fiscal Officer using a Labor Distribution Form.
- For reimbursements, submit a Foundation Personal Reimbursement Form with receipts.
- For direct payments to vendors, submit a Foundation Check Request with the invoice.
For further information on accessing Foundation funds, please reference the Foundation's accounting policies here:
If you are new to working with the Foundation, please also review our welcome and resources page here:
What is involved in grant reporting?
Grant Reports typically include a narrative and financial component. The PSUF accounting team will assist with finance reports. The CFR team will send out reminders at 60, 30, and 14 days to ensure timely reporting and compliance with funder requirements. All reports must be submitted through CFR for processing.
Should I work with CFR if I am requesting sponsorships for an event my department is hosting?
If you are planning to reach out to local businesses to solicit sponsorships for an event or program, we encourage you to check with the CFR team to see if we have any insights or past experiences working with those organizations.
What do I do if a funding opportunity says only one applicant per organization?
Many private funders limit the number of proposals that can be submitted by an organization. If you are interested in submitting a proposal for a grant opportunity that is limited submission, please contact the CFR team for guidance.
Why are indirect costs/gift management fees 5% of the project?
PSU Foundation assesses a 5% gift fee on all gifts and gift-supported projects, which covers the costs associated with managing fund accounts, including staff time for account maintenance and financial reporting. This fee ensures the sustainability and compliance of fund management at PSU. When you submit a grant, CFR will work with you to appropriately budget the gift fee in your grant proposal.