Sponsored Programs

Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) serves as a central resource providing guidance and stewardship that supports the entire research community at Vanderbilt University.

Vanderbilt Campus

Federal R&D Funding Guidance

Updated 3/3/2025, 11:40 am Central Time

Click Here for Guidance

What is Sponsored Research?

Research activities are properly classified as sponsored research if the research activity is sponsored (funded) by an external organization, i.e., a federal, state, or private organization or agency. 

Categories of sponsored research handled by SPA:

SPA does not handle: funding directly to PIs, internal Vanderbilt grants (i.e., Discovery, Catalyst Awards), and gifts given directly to Vanderbilt University.  Please work with your department administration.

If it is unclear whether your project qualifies as sponsored research, please reach out to spa@vanderbilt.edu for clarification.

What SPA does

How do I know if my proposal or award goes through SPA?

TO ADD BLACK BOX LINK TO DECISION TREE

Services to Researchers

  • Develop and submit proposals to external sponsors  
  • Advise on award negotiation and acceptance 
  • Manage awards from external sponsors 

Lifecycle of an Award

Follow the life cycle of an award to Vanderbilt from external entities for Vanderbilt projects and programs and find the resources and tools you need to assist you with administrative requirements and related questions.