Corporate & Foundation Engagement

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Helping you pursue and sustain high-return funder relationships

An integrated approach to research and development

Call for LOI Applications:
New Hanover Community Endowment

The New Hanover Community Endowment (now known as the "The Endowment") invests in initiatives that create lasting impact and enhance the quality of life in New Hanover County. Guided by four strategic pillars: Education, Social & Health Equity, Community Development, and Community Safety, The Endowment supports projects that drive meaningful, transformative change. Learn more
 

Who Can Apply:
UNCW Faculty & Staff Only

How to Apply:
Complete Letter of Inquiry (LOI) application

Deadline:
Our internal LOI process is currently open. The Endowment has shared that they are undergoing a new strategic plan, which should be released publicly in June of this year. It is also anticipated that they will announce their approach to grant cycles (timing, types of grants, etc.), and we plan to adapt our process to align with The Endowment’s. While we still want to collect an inventory of ideas, we will not be meeting with The Endowment staff prior to the release of the new strategic plan. We anticipate the first IRC meeting to be held shortly after the announcement of their award process.

Note: The Endowment does not pay for facilities and administrative (F&A) costs.
Contact cfe@uncw.edu with any questions.
 

Gift or Grant?

View the glossary to understand the differenceHide Glossary

Gift
A contribution received by an institution for either unrestricted or restricted use in the furtherance of the institution for which the institution has made no commitment of resources or services other than, possibly, committing to use the gift as the donor specifies.

Grant
A contribution received by an institution for either unrestricted or restricted use in the furtherance of the institution that typically comes from a corporation, foundation or other organization, rather than an individual. Please note that if the grant requires deliverables or has terms and conditions, the grant must be processed through the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPARC). Office of Corporate & Foundation (CFE) staff assists faculty and staff in determining if the grant must be processed through SPARC.

Contract
An agreement between an institution and another entity to provide an economic benefit for compensation. The agreement is binding and creates a quid pro quo relationship between the institution and the entity. Contracts are excluded from university fundraising totals.

Sponsorship
A contribution to an institution to sponsor activities, events or projects in exchange for recognition on campus, at an event or in accompanying publications. Although our office does not secure corporate sponsorships for events, we advise faculty and staff to contact CFE before seeking sponsorships from corporations.

Questions? Get in touch
Source: CASE Reporting Standards & Management Guidelines For Educational Fundraising 4th Edition
 

FAQ

Are faculty and staff required to work with your office before contacting a corporation or private foundation?

Faculty and staff are advised to contact the Office of Corporate & Foundation Engagement (CFE) before approaching a corporation or foundation for funding opportunities. Many funders require that applicants or principal investigators approach their organization through a centralized office. CFE also coordinates limited submission opportunities with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPARC) to ensure that the university complies with the funder's submission policies.

Does my funding proposal have to be submitted through SPARC?

It depends. If the funding proposal requires deliverables or has clearly defined terms and conditions, the answer is yes. CFE will determine which internal processes your request should follow. Applications that require SPARC’s services must be routed through RAMSeS before applications are submitted to the funder.

Does CFE have relationships with program officers and foundations?

Our office manages relationships with UNCW’s foundation donors. We can share best practices, previously funded proposals, and tips and tricks provided by program officers. CFE can also coordinate when to contact foundations, taking into consideration that other faculty or staff could be pursuing the same funder.

Does CFE work with companies to secure university funding?

CFE collaborates with companies who are interested in investing in our students, faculty, and staff. We actively search for opportunities of synergy for companies interested in supporting the efforts of the university. Although our office does not secure corporate sponsorships for events, we advise faculty and staff to contact our office before seeking sponsorships from corporations.

Will you review my proposal?

Yes. Our office will gladly review and provide suggested edits to your proposals. Recognizing that you are the content expert, we can assist with translating your concept to ensure that your proposal is as competitive as possible before submitting to a funder. Our office also coordinates site visits for program officers that express interest in visiting UNCW.

My application is requesting attachments (e.g., tax forms, financial statements, etc.) and I am not sure where to find them. Can you help?

Contact us to learn more

Megan Gorham

Megan Gorham
Director, Corporate & Foundation Engagement
(910) 962.4278
gorhamm@uncw.edu

Ally Adams

Ally Adams
Assistant Director, Corporate & Foundation Engagement
(910) 962.3679
adamsat@uncw.edu