Gifts Versus Grants

What is a Gift?

A gift is a donation made with no expectation of anything tangible or intangible in return.

Motivated by philanthropy – The donor gives with charitable intent.
Can support a specific purpose (e.g., a research project), but:
- Should not include a line-item budget or require detailed financial accountability to the donor.
Research gifts are subject to a 13% research administrative fee (effective 3/5/2025).
Approval & Management:
- Research gift agreements are reviewed and approved by Fund Management in UDAR.
- Fund Management may edit agreements to align with UC Berkeley policies.
- Only UDAR can accept and sign gifts on behalf of UC Berkeley.
- Learn more: Who can sign gift agreements?

A grant is funding provided with specific conditions, often requiring detailed scope, reporting, and deliverables.

Can support specific research or operating expenses but typically include:
- A detailed scope of work and timeline.
- A line-item budget that must be followed.
- Financial reporting back to the funder.
- A requirement to return unspent funds if not used within the project timeline.
May require specific deliverables such as:
- Intellectual property rights (e.g., patents, copyrights).
- Technical reports, training, or materials for the funder.
Who provides grants?
- Federal & state entities and non-profits provide grants.
- Corporations do not give grants (corporate funding falls under different agreements).
Grant Management & Approval:
- Grants are negotiated and managed by:
  - Sponsored Projects Office (SPO) – for non-profit & federal/state grants.
  - Industry Alliances Office (IAO) – for corporate-sponsored research.
- Only SPO & IAO can accept and sign grant agreements on behalf of Berkeley.