The CAHS Research Support Center assists faculty who are seeking external funding for their research pursuits through training and tipsheets. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, we provide assistance for each step of the proposal preparation process from identifying funding sources to proposal development and submission. We also act as liaison to the Office of Sponsored Programs and University Development and Advancement (which oversees managed donors).
No! The CAHS Research Support Center is an optional service provided to faculty in the College. If they prefer, faculty may work directly with the Office of Sponsored Programs to submit proposals. In either case, the department/school’s financial officer and department chair are must be kept informed of proposal submission.
There are several options for finding external sources of funding including SPIN searches, SMARTS notification, and searches of the Foundation Directory.
Click here for detailed information on finding external support.
A gift is an unconditional and nonreciprocal transfer of cash, securities, or property to the CSU Foundation to benefit Colorado State University. Most often, individuals, corporations, and foundations make gifts and are managed by the Office of University Development and Advancement. A sponsored activity is a transfer of cash or securities that in substance is a purchase of goods and services. Typically, federal and research agencies fund sponsored activity and are managed by the Office of Sponsored Program.
CSU has identified a group of major donors and/or prospective donors who are assigned a key contact in University Development and Advancement. They are typically donors who have multiple interests and/or a large presence within Fort Collins. These are called managed donors and have been selected for coordinated contact in order to maximize their relationship with CSU. Clearance from University Development and Advancement is required before a proposal can be submitted to any of the
managed donors. It’s best to contact
Stephanie Ouren, CAHS Research Support Services Coordinator before contacting any private funder (corporation or foundation).
SPIN is an acronym for "Sponsored Programs Information Network," a computer database of current and available funding sources. SMARTS is the "SPIN Matching and Researcher Transmittal System," an electronic notification system that alerts faculty to funding opportunities that match specific program criteria.
RFP and RFA are acronyms for "request for proposal" and "request for application." These terms refer to requests from funding sources for submissions of project proposals. Each funding source has specific and unique RFP/RFA requirements, which are usually found on the funder's web site. The word “guidelines” is often used interchangeably with RFP/RFA.
The Proposal Approval Support System (PASS) is a Web-based proposal notification system. It is the location to enter general information regarding planned proposals. PASS provides proposal notification to Sponsored Programs and University Development and Advancement; serves as the mechanism to obtain approval to submit to a Managed Sponsor; and offers a user a variety of search/report capabilities regarding planned proposal submission. PASS also contains a link to the Proposal Budget Spreadsheet (PBS) and a link to the status of active 5-3 projects. Click
here for access to PASS.
Proposals are submitted on behalf of CSU and must therefore be authorized by appropriate University administrators prior to submission. This is accomplished by obtaining signatures on the Sponsored Programs Project Approval Form, or SP-1 Form. Signatures are required by the Principal Investigator, Department Head, Dean, and Regulatory Committee (when applicable). The College encourages use of electronic SP-1s (also called eSP-1s).
Stephanie Ouren will come to faculty members’ office the first time they submit and eSP-1 to help them learn the process of activating an eSP-1.
The Proposal Budget Spreadsheet ( PBS) is an electronic spreadsheet program used to assist faculty and staff in the accurate creation of proposal budgets. PBS includes the Sponsored Programs Approval Form (SP-1) and various agency forms. Click
here for PBS.
Stephanie Ouren is available to help faculty use PBS.
Indirect costs, also known as “F&A” (Facilities and Administrative Costs), are the costs of doing research that cannot be directly related to a specific project but are nevertheless incurred by the University as an expense of engaging in research. Examples include facilities and equipment use, library expenses, research administration, and accounting support. Click
here to link to the chart that outlines CSU’s negotiated indirect rates.
Cost sharing , matching, and cost contributions are all terms used to refer to the sharing of project costs by sources other than the external funder. Examples of cost sharing include salary and fringe benefits and time of researchers. Confer with your department/school’s financial officer and your department/school’s chair early in the process when a proposal involves cost share.
Certs and reps are sponsor certifications and representations and are assurances that the University complies with federal regulations regarding conflict of interest, hiring practices, drug-free workplace, and others. Frequently requested information on CSU (including the DUNS number) is available by clicking
here.
The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is the coordinating office for externally funded sponsored activities at the University. OSP serves Colorado State University faculty and staff in research initiation through assistance in identifying funding opportunities and with the preparation and submission of proposals, as well as in the administration of the University's funded projects with contractual arrangements.
Click here for a link to the OSP Website.
The OSP staff is organized into teams supporting each college and unit. The members of Team 5, who supports the College of Applied Human Sciences, are below:
- Vincent A. “Bo” Bogdanski, Senior Research Administrator, 970.491.5574
- Marilyn Morrissey, Research Administrator, 970.491.2375
- Andy Reynolds, Administrative Assistant, 970.491.7784
- Richard Batman, Accounting Technician, 970.491.4637
The staff includes:
- Tom Mazzarisi, Business Manager, 970.491.5236
- Stephanie Ouren, Research Support Services Coordinator, 970.491.6070
