UW Research that is funded via gift [1] funding is subject to the same regulatory requirements as sponsored programs.
This checklist is designed to help researchers determine where to locate additional guidance so they may comply with these regulatory areas.
Data and Technology
If the gift supports work that involves data, certain laws or regulations may apply. For projects that include personal data, please review the Privacy Office’s Laws page [2] and contact uwprivacy@uw.edu [3] for help. If personal data will be shared with a third party, you may need a data processing agreement [4] or similar contract.
If you will be developing new technology, methodologies, systems or other patentable innovations review resources from CoMotion [5].
Export Controls
If the project involves:
- sending or taking of hardware, equipment, goods, software, monies, biological or chemical materials out of the U.S.
- export controlled/proprietary technical information or source code that is not intended for publication
- travel to or collaboration with a person or entity in a sanctioned country or region (e.g., Cuba; Iran; North Korea; the following regions of Ukraine: Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk)
Contact the Export Controls Office at eco-help@uw.edu [6]
Environmental Health & Safety
Contact the UW Environmental Health and Safety Department [7] (EH&S) if the proposed project includes any of the following: Biohazards, Select agents and toxins, Radioactive materials, Chemical thresholds (toxic, unstable, explosive), or Diving.
Review UW Environmental Health & Safety’s Guide for Principal Investigators [8]
Human Subjects
Human Subjects
Activities that meet the regulatory definition of human subjects research require either IRB review or a determination of exempt status; review the UW Human Subjects Division [9] guidance.
Clinical Trials
If the project involves clinical trials, UW Medicine faculty, facilities, or services contact UW Clinical Trials Office (CTO) [10].
Human Embryonic Stem Cell Use
If the research involves the use and/or creation of human embryonic stem cells: contact escro@uw.edu [11].
ESCRO Information [12]
Questions about Human Subjects Research at the UW? Contact Human Subjects Division via email: hsdinfo@uw.edu [13].
Animal Use
If the research involves animal use contact the UW Office of Animal Welfare [14].
Contact the UW Office of Animal Welfare [14] for guidance on animal use in research.
Parties Involved
Gifts from Foreign Entities
Gift funding that originates from a party located in or affiliated with the government of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria or China must be reviewed for acceptability.
Contact your advancement representative for the review process on the acceptability of these foreign gift funds.
Gifts from Federal Restricted Parties
If the funding originates from a person or entity appearing on any Restricted Party Lists [15], contact the Research Security Office at researchsecurity@uw.edu [16].
Financial Interest
If you, or other researchers contributing to the design, conduct, or reporting of the research, have a Significant Financial Interest as defined in GIM 10 [17] review Financial Conflict of Interest [18] guidance, especially for SFI Review for Unsponsored Research that Requires IRB Review [19], and submit disclosures accordingly. Contact the Office of Research [20] directly for further guidance on disclosure requirements for research supported by Gift Funding.
Other Support
Monetary donations, gifts, and in-kind contributions that directly support an investigator’s research may need to be disclosed to sponsors as “Current & Pending (Other) Support” if they are given with an expectation of anything in return (i.e., time, services, specific research activities / lines of scientific enquiry, or money). Review information on completing Current and Pending, or Other Support [21] documents, or contact research@uw.edu [20] with questions.
Facilities
Approval for Facilities
Get approval from your School/College Dean’s Office if the project will be using UW facilities, renovating UW space, or leasing space.
Non-UW Individuals & UW Locations/Resources
If you intend to grant access to non-UW visitors, please get permission first. Start with your Department Administrator for possible visiting scholar appointment or visiting scientist appointment [22].
Other Resources
- GIM 34: Classification of External Support as Either a Sponsored Program or a Gift [1]
- GIM 10: Financial Conflict of Interest [17]
- Distinguishing between a Sponsored Program, Gift, or Service Activity [23]
- When do I need an eGC1? [24]
- UW Advancement: Distinguishing Between Gifts and Sponsored Programs [25]
Page Updated 3/27/2026