Process for Requesting Institutional Letters of Support for Research Grants

Many grant proposals require a letter of support from an institutional signing official, typically provided by the Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation (VCRI). The following process standardizes the procedure for requesting a letter of institutional support from the VCRI.

Additionally, this process ensures that leadership within the Colleges and/or Institutes are aware of the request, and that these relevant university officials have been involved in decisions of financial commitments in support of the application.Ìý

As early as possible, optimally four weeks before the due date, the Principal Investigator (PI) should determine whether an institutional letter is required. Extra time may be needed if financial commitments are requested (please see the Research & Innovation Office (RIO)’s cost share/matching policies) or to answer questions about the sponsor and/or collaborators that may arise prior to receiving an official signature.ÌýÌý

No financial commitment from RIO

If the letter is to approve and/or endorse a submission without the need for specific financial institutional commitment, the PI, through their Associate Dean for Research (ADR) and/or Institute Director, must supply the following information with the request for a letter toÌýÌýÌýrio@colorado.edu:ÌýÌýÌý

  1. draft of the requested letter based on the solicitation’s requirements (Word doc)
  2. information about the funding opportunity (e.g., link to solicitation)
  3. a brief description of the project
  4. date the letter should be returned to the PI

Financial commitment from RIO

While it is understood that some funding opportunities require (or reviews are favorably impacted by) institutional support, the PI should first secure support from the units involved in the research, which is best achieved and/or coo