At JMU, Corporate & Foundation Relations supports faculty, staff, and university leadership by securing private support for research, scholarship, creative activities, and sustainable university projects and programs. Here's how we can assist you:

• Strategic Connections: We connect university academics and leaders with a diverse array of philanthropic organizations, ranging from local businesses to national foundations.
• Funding Expertise: Navigating JMU's funding landscape can be complex. Our team is well-versed in the university's internal gift and grant processes, policies, and procedures.
• Identifying Opportunities: We specialize in identifying private funding opportunities tailored to your specific project needs, maximizing your chances of securing grants.
• Tailoring Proposals: Understanding how your project aligns with a private foundation's purpose and funding priorities is key. We assess this alignment and help you tailor proposals accordingly.
• Proposal Development: Our team is here to assist you in crafting a compelling proposal and writing and editing documents that effectively communicate the scope and significance of your work.
• Requesting Endorsements: Leveraging our network, we can request university leaders, alumni, and others with ties to specific foundations or corporations to endorse your proposal and enhance its credibility.
• Application Submission: We can take the lead on gathering necessary approvals from university administrators and submitting applications to funders on behalf of the university.
• Gift Management: After securing funding, we provide assistance in gift acceptance and stewardship. We also work closely with relevant university departments, including the Office of Sponsored Programs, University Business Office, and JMU Foundation, to ensure compliance with legal and institutional policies.

Our team is here to help you fulfill your commitments and build strong and lasting partnerships with your funders. Here's how we can assist you with stewardship:

• Reporting Assistance: We'll guide you through the process of preparing reports in accordance with the funder's requirements. For funding that requires compulsory narrative and financial reporting, consult with the Office of Sponsored Programs for JMU forms, protocol, and processes.
• Progress Updates: Keep your funders informed about project advancements, key milestones, and outcomes. We'll help you tailor the frequency of updates based on your project's timeline and your relationship with funders.
• Adapting to Changes: Should there be any adjustments in your project's scope or direction, we're here to help navigate these shifts and communicate them with your funder for transparency.
• Additional Engagement: When appropriate, we can help facilitate additional engagement with funders by extending invitations to relevant events or sharing updates on your work. We'll offer guidance on the level of contact deemed suitable based on the individual funder's preference.