Working with CFR

The Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) team partners with faculty and staff throughout the proposal process—from identifying private funding opportunities and developing solicitation strategies to reviewing materials and facilitating submissions. We also help steward relationships with funders and support long-term engagement.

Because every private funder has unique priorities and application requirements, early coordination with CFR helps position projects for success.

What CFR Does

• Share relevant funding opportunities with schools, divisions, and departments
• Research and identify prospective funders
• Help refine project ideas to strengthen competitiveness for funding
• Meet with faculty and staff to discuss opportunities and develop solicitation strategies
• Assist in preparing proposals and supporting materials
• Review, edit, and facilitate proposal submissions
• Steward relationships with funders and support long-term engagement
• Track reporting requirements and deadlines

What CFR Does Not Do

• Administer or procure public funding opportunities (e.g., NIH, NSF)
• Commercialize products or bring intellectual property to market

On Campus Collaboration
CFR works closely with campus partners—including Sponsored Projects Administration, the Office of Intellectual Property Development, and the Office of Research—to identify private funding opportunities that complement public funding and research commercialization.

We also coordinate with university leadership and partner offices across campus, including Executive Administration, Career Services, and Alumni Relations, to support strategic fundraising and funder engagement.

Start with Your Project
Before seeking funding, take time to define the scope and goals of your project. A strong proposal begins with a clear understanding of:

• Project objectives and anticipated outcomes
• Timeline, staffing, and resource needs
• Total project costs and potential internal support needs
• Evaluation plans and long-term sustainability
• The potential impact of the work

Not every funder is the right fit. Corporate and foundation funders typically support projects that align closely with their priorities, so identifying strong matches early is an important first step.

Finding Funders
CFR can help identify corporations and foundations that align with your project goals and funding needs.

Faculty and staff may also explore opportunities independently. Tulane Libraries’ Grants & Funding Research Guide includes tools and tutorials to support funding searches, including Foundation Directory Online and GrantForward.

Proposal Process & Expectations
Unlike federal grants (e.g., NIH or NSF), private foundation and corporate proposals are rarely standardized. Most funders have their own application formats, required questions, deadlines, and submission processes. Proposal requirements—including structure, length, and supporting materials—vary widely and should always follow the funder’s specific guidance.

Many funders use a two-stage application process:

• Letter of Inquiry (LOI) or Concept Paper
  An LOI provides a brief overview of a project’s goals, anticipated impact, and funding need. Successful LOIs may result in an invitation to submit a full proposal.
• Full Proposal
  A full proposal expands on the project in greater detail and may include objectives, methodology, personnel, partnerships, evaluation plans, and budget information.

Coordinate Internally
Before moving forward, discuss your project with your department chair, dean, or other relevant leadership to ensure alignment with school and university priorities.

You should also consider:

• Whether additional support will be needed for indirect costs
• Any cost sharing or collaboration with other Tulane units
• Commitments from collaborators and participating departments