Working with Corporate & Foundation Relations

CFR primarily dedicates its efforts to the academic priorities of the University's strategic plan and other major projects that have been designated priorities by University leadership and academic deans. Projects in need of substantial financial support, such as academic or research priorities of the university receive support from CFR. For these projects, CFR provides a comprehensive set of services.However, many projects are worthy of funding and any member of the Baylor community seeking to submit a proposal for such funding is encouraged to utilize CFR’s resources and guidance documents. However, for these proposals, CFR can provide a more limited set of services.

Bottom line: We are here to help! However, please understand the CFR and unit based Development Directors will need to prioritize which projects to champion and which to offer more guidance-focused level of assistance.

Yes, however, researchers developing proposals to government agencies for research funding normally receive assistance through the Office of the Vice Provost for Research. The OVPR has staff dedicated to the task of helping research faculty craft proposals for sponsored research.

Yes. We can assist with foundation proposals that will benefit the Baylor University, either as the primary applicant or sub-awardee.

OSP is the central point of coordination for sponsored projects and the University’s authorized representative for grants, contracts, and other agreements. CFR will work closely with OSP during the proposal and award process to obtain and administer funded projects and programs from all outside sources.

CFR professionals actively manage the University's relationship with several prominent corporations and foundations, including proposal submissions for gifts that support university priorities.CFR should be an early point of contact when preparing to approach private funding organizations for the following reasons:

• CFR staff have extensive knowledge of corporate and foundation funding priorities, traits of successful proposals, etc.
• CFR staff are aware of many existing relationships between University personnel and foundation/corporation staff. CFR can work with you to maximize these connections and strengthen these relationships.
• Many foundations and corporations have strict guidelines that must be followed in order for a proposal to be considered.Although foundations may consider proposals for both gifts and grants, corporations may consider only proposals for gift funding.CFR can help you customize your proposal (or pre-proposal) to fit the required specifications.
• Some foundations and corporations place restrictions (Limited Submissions) on the number of applications an institution may submit. Ideally CFR is aware of the pending and funded grants that may be jeopardized by an unsolicited proposal.

Yes.

Corporations contribute millions of dollars annually in gifts to the University, and foundations contribute millions in both gifts and grants.Baylor University has longstanding relationships with a number of these organizations. The University has a priority-driven agenda with a few select funders and a process in place to ensure that the same corporations and foundations are not simultaneously inundated with requests from Baylor University. To make this effective, contact CFR before contacting a foundation or corporation.