Gift or Grant?

What is the difference between a grant and gift, and who is responsible for their management?

If you answer “Yes” to one or more of the following questions, then the funding likely is a sponsored program and should be processed through the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP).

If you answer “No” to all of the following questions, then the funding likely is a gift and should be processed through University Advancement.

1. Does the funding agency expect you to provide a deliverable(s)?

Deliverables entail providing:

  • Product
  • Service
  • Technical or scientific report(s)
  • Intellectual property rights
  • Fiscal reports (including invoices) and audits

2. Does the funding agency expect you to enter into a written agreement that is legally enforceable?

A written agreement may have:

  • Administrative terms and conditions for use of the funds
  • Provisions for intellectual property
  • Provisions for reporting
  • Provisions for publication rights
  • Any other legal provision

3. Does failing to provide a deliverable result in the sponsor taking actions against the University?

Failure to deliver could result in unfavorable consequences to UNC Asheville.