Foundations have a long tradition of supporting research conducted by academic institutions. However, with government funding shrinking and philanthropy taking more outcome-driven approaches, priorities are shifting. Use the information in this toolkit to help you craft agreements with universities that best serve the needs and interests of all parties.

Here we offer sample agreements from three different foundations that represent varying approaches, priorities, and levels of complexity. We've also included templates that address access to research tools, milestones and deliverables, progress reporting, confidential disclosure, materials transfer, and research consortia. Produced with generous support from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Tools You Can Use

CHDI Agreement Templates
Source: CHDI

Model Provisions for Disease Foundations and Research Institutions
Source: FasterCures

Chordoma Foundation Grant Award Letter
Source: Chordoma Foundation

Michael J. Fox Foundation Agreement Template
Source: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Sample Funder Addendum: Access to Research Tools
Source: FasterCures

Michael J. Fox Foundation Milestones and Deliverables
Source: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Annual Progress Report Template
Source: Melanoma Research Alliance

Confidential Disclosure Agreement for Research Consortium
Source: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Choose an MTA: The MTA Toolkit
Source: Association of University Technology Managers

Consortium Master Collaboration Agreement
Source: Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute