If a department wishes to engage outside vendors in a sponsorship arrangement—whereby the sponsor gives the department a sum of money and, in exchange, the department provides in-kind benefits (such as marketing, radio spots, event tickets, table or booth space, or company banners)—a contract is required. The UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) policy titled "Gift, Grant, Contract, and Sponsorship Determination" governs these arrangements.
- Sponsorship agreements should be routed through Procurement Services by sending a request to contracts@bfs.ucsb.edu.
- Procurement will work with the Office of Finance and Administration to review and approve the fair market value of the sponsorship benefits. This office is responsible for valuing the benefits and determining the value of any quid pro quo benefits.
- Sponsorship agreements must be approved prior to advertisements, promotions, or other activities involving the sponsor entity.
- Sponsorship proposals must include a description of what the sponsor will provide to the university and the estimated fair market value of the product or service the university will provide in return.
- For more information, please view the Gift, Grant, Contract, and Sponsorship Determination Policy (PDF).
If an external entity wishes to provide funding to your department without receiving an in-kind benefit, this is likely a gift or donation. In these cases, the Office of Development or Institutional Advancement should be consulted instead of Procurement.
As always, contracts should only be signed by those with official delegation of authority. Please route your contract request to contracts@bfs.ucsb.edu.