A funder is interested in supporting my research, how do I begin?
That’s positive news! The first step is to provide information about the opportunity using the Philanthropy Intake Form and OCDO staff will contact you to support you through the process. For more information about how philanthropy works at the Lab, see the OCDO Philanthropic Funding Guidance.
What is philanthropic support?
Philanthropic support is funding given to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory by an external, non-governmental entity (individual, foundation, non-profit, or corporation) without any expectation of anything in exchange other than knowing the funds are being spent as designated by the donor. For more details, see the OCDO Philanthropic Funding Guidance.
Are gifts and philanthropy the same thing?
Gifts are a form of philanthropy. Philanthropy can also come in the form of sponsored awards, also known as grants, from foundations or non-profits.
Do Lab burdens apply to philanthropic funds?
All funding that is spent by the Lab is burdened according to Lab regulations and our Prime Contract. There are a number of burden issues that are specific to philanthropy that OCDO staff are well-versed in and can talk through with you.
I already have a good relationship with a philanthropic funder. Why do I need to work with the OCDO?
There are many regulations, contract requirements, and other issues that are specific to philanthropic funding at the Lab. The OCDO will ensure these important requirements are addressed correctly. As professional development staff, we can also help strategize on how to grow an existing relationship or help design an outreach strategy.
Can the Lab accept all kinds of philanthropic support?
The Lab can accept gifts from philanthropic supporters, but there are significant limitations in the amount and type of philanthropic funding the Lab can accept. For example, the Lab cannot accept equipment nor common forms of philanthropy such as endowments, stock gifts, or bequests. The Lab also cannot accept philanthropy to pay for facilities or other non-research needs. However, the OCDO can bring the Berkeley Lab Foundation in to assist with these and many types of funding that the Lab is not able to accept directly.
What is the Berkeley Lab Foundation?
The Berkeley Lab Foundation is a 501c3 and an official support group of the Lab’s contracted operator, the University of California. The Foundation was established in 2013 by UC as a service to the Lab. It exists to bring in and manage types of funding that the Lab is unable to accept directly. Examples include support for facilities, conferences, and other non-research needs; funding mechanisms like stock donations, endowments, or bequests; and gifts that will be spent both at LBNL and its UC research partners. The Berkeley Lab Foundation ensures that all funding it brings in supports the Lab’s mission, is from acceptable funders, and is brought in through appropriate mechanisms.
Does Berkeley Lab Foundation charge burdens or other kinds of overhead costs?
Because BLF is a service provided to the Lab by the University of California, the Lab incurs no cost in using it.
PHILANTHROPY RESOURCES
Guide to Flexible Funds
Flex Fund Payment Request Form (Note: Must make your own copy)
OCDO Philanthropic Funding Guidance
Philanthropy Intake Form