Types of Funds
1. Sponsored Projects (5 ledger funds)
2. Self-Support Funds (9 ledger funds)
3. Designated Funds (2-ledger funds)
4. Gifts (C Ledger Funds for The Campanile Foundation)
Generally, awards and projects can be grouped into three types: gifts, sponsored projects, and self-supported projects. The Director of SR Development, in consultation with the Director of SR Administration, is responsible for determining under which category new funds are awarded.
1. Sponsored Projects (5 ledger funds)
Sponsored Projects (5 ledger funds) activities involve a sponsor providing funds or other resources with conditions attached. A proposal is typically submitted to a funding agency, resulting in an award document that provides funds and identifies terms and conditions required to conduct a specified scope of work. The following is a sample of some of the criteria considered when determining if an award will be designated as a sponsored project:
- Is the source of funds federal or federal pass through (federal pass through funds are originally awarded from the federal government to an entity other than SDSU Research Foundation and then are awarded to SDSU Research Foundation through a pass through entity such as the State of California)?
- Are funds from a state agency, municipality or foundation?
- Is the activity to be performed research? Instruction? Public service?
- Is there an award document that stipulates the method of payment as cost reimbursable, fixed price or letter of credit?
- Are there technical or fiscal reporting requirements?
- Is there a definite project start and end date?
- Are there any restrictions on specific uses of funds?
- Did the sponsor include a line item budget that identifies expenditures by activity, function or project period?
- Is there cost sharing or matching of funding requirements?
- Is there reference to terms and conditions such as compliance with federal or state regulations, allowable vs. unallowable costs, subcontracting, etc.?
- Are there record retention requirements?
- Are there contract clauses indicating the funding entity retains the right to audit or inspect pertinent financial documents, expenditures or other related records?
2. Self-Support Funds (9 ledger funds)
Self-Support funds (9 ledger funds) are projects that do not receive an award or donation from a particular funding source, but receive revenues based on activities, services or products provided by a project. These types of funds are called "campus and community programs" or "self-support funds" by SDSU Research Foundation and are funded primarily by the local community and augment the educational program of the University. SDSU Research Foundation charges a nominal 6% administrative fee on expenditures and retains interest earned on cash balances to offset costs of administration. Campus and Community Programs (CCP) funds can be classified into two broad categories: community-related and general campus service programs. Community-related programs have substantial interaction with individuals, corporations, and organizations in the local community. Examples of these programs include KPBS Public Television and Radio Stations, Friends of the Malcolm A. Love Library, and the College of Extended Studies. The category of general campus service programs includes activities relating to University faculty and staff and official on-campus organizations. Examples of these programs include SDSU Press, Student Resource Center and drama productions.
3. Designated Funds (2-ledger funds)
The designated funds (2 ledger) are funds set up for allocations from the SDSU Research Foundation general funds, which have been approved by the Research Foundation Board of Directors. Examples of designated funds include Research Support Funds and Grant-In-Aid awards. For more information on Research Support Funds please visit the Research Foundation's website: (http://www.foundation.sdsu.edu/sra/research_support.html). For information on Grant-in-Aid awards contact SDSU Office of Graduate and Research Affairs at 619-594-6622.
4. Gifts (C Ledger Funds for The Campanile Foundation)
Gifts (cash, real property, equipment or other items of value) are donations that come without consideration or strings attached other than in designating a particular program or activity to which the funds or resources should be directed. Elements of a gift donation or bequest include:
- It is given for an unrestricted purpose without further consideration, including providing funds for such activities as endowments, scholarships, capital projects or general student financial assistance.
- No specific program of work or research is required.
- No reporting required other than minimal reporting to the donor in the form of a general statement of how funds were used.
- No time restraints on the use of the funds.
- It involves no written or oral contractual requirements.
- No intellectual property, confidentiality or publication conditions associated with the receipt of the funds.
- No record retention or audit requirements.
- It is awarded irrevocably.
The Campanile Foundation is a tax-exempt, philanthropic entity that is an auxiliary organization of SDSU. The Campanile Foundation is responsible for the acceptance of gifts and ownership of most endowments. SDSU Research Foundation is responsible for the accounting and administration for these funds to prevent the duplication of existing services. Gift funds are established as C ledgers and are assigned to an SR administrator in the same manner as sponsored projects and campus programs. In accordance with the agreement between the Campanile Foundation and SDSU Research Foundation, SDSU Research Foundation charges a nominal 6% administrative fee on expenditures and retains interest earned on cash balances to offset costs of administration.