Corporations FAQ

1. What is the role of the office of Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR)?

CFR serves as the primary contact for those corporations with interests that span the University and thus would benefit from a single institutional contact. CFR represents the broad priorities of the University, promoting opportunities for corporations to enhance research through investments, recruiting, marketing, and other initiatives. CFR facilitates connections to help match interests and build strong working relationships into the future.

2. How can CFR help our company?

We will work with you to determine the best engagement and investment opportunities to meet your branding and recruiting goals and capitalize on the company's contributions. Working with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, we can identify faculty experts and program leads in areas of interest to begin discussions on research that will both meet your technical needs and help develop highly qualified graduates. Companies that consider Baylor University to be a strategic partner look for deeper engagement with the university.CFR will work with you to structure mutually beneficial partnerships that, with your investment, can maximize opportunities for research collaboration, student engagement, access to top talent, employee and executive education, etc.

3. What are the roles of the Corporate and Foundation Relations, the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and the Technology Commercialization & Industry Engagement?

CFR helps facilitate relationships between corporate and foundation funders and administrators and faculty. We can also help in determining whether a particular project will likely be administered as a gift or sponsored project.
The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), a division of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, supports Baylor University faculty in the acquisition, performance and administration of projects and programs funded from sources outside the University. The OSP is the central point of coordination for sponsored projects and the University's representative for grants, contracts and other agreements from government agencies and private industry. Please check the OSP website for a more detailed description of services and staff contact information.
The Office of Technology Commercialization & Industry Engagement, division of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, assists Baylor University faculty in assessing and evaluating intellectual property that results from research activities. When the results of research may be commercialized, the office guides the faculty member in the commercialization process. Additionally, OTCIE links industries and entrepreneurs directly with the Baylor researchers who can best help them develop research goals that are both relevant and attainable. This relationship provides research partners with the basic information they need to formulate an effective research strategy while giving Baylor faculty the opportunity to conduct practical, results-oriented research in their fields of specialization.

4. What is the difference between a sponsored project and a gift?

Whether funds received for a project will be administered as a gift or sponsored project, is a decision made by Baylor University based upon the nature of the project, and the terms and conditions of the award documents. Classifications made are based on IRS rulings. If you would like to discuss your project in regards to these terms, please contact CFR at (254) 710-2561 or email cfr@Baylor.edu.

5. My company's foundation requires that the receiving institution be a 501(c)(3). Is Baylor University considered a 501(c)(3)?

Yes. Baylor University is exempt from federal income tax under Section 115 of the Internal Revenue Code and with this status is precluded from obtaining additional specific exception under Code section 501(c)(3) for charitable contributions.

6. How can I learn about the various opportunities to partner with Baylor University?

We recommend that you contact our office at 254-710-2561 and speak with one of our corporate relations specialists who can help you determine the best paths to meet your needs or email CFR@Baylor.edu. You may also review the options outlined on our Corporate Connections page.