General Questions

At Carleton University, we firmly believe in the transformative power of higher education for the greater good. The Department of University Advancement acts as a facilitator for meaningful collaborations between students, faculty, staff, researchers and volunteers, donors, private and public organizations, and the broader community, to extend Carleton’s commitment to serve the greater good of society. Our champions, donors and partners contribute not to Carleton but through Carleton, uniting for a collective impact on society, its economy, institutions and the health and well-being of citizens around the world. Carleton University remains dedicated to being a force for positive change.

Carleton University values corporate partnerships in support of its mission, vision and values. The Department of University Advancement helps facilitate meaningful collaborations between corporate partners and Carleton staff, faculty, students and student groups. Specifically, we:

• identify or create initiatives that address both the sponsor’s and Carleton’s needs and priorities;
• provide advice on identifying and connecting with corporate partners;
• review sponsorship packages and facilitate sponsorship agreements with corporate partners;
• ensure co-ordination between Carleton’s various departments and corporate partners;
• provide concierge service to connect corporate partners with Carleton’s diverse campus community;
• accept, deposit, receipt and record sponsorship funding.

A Sponsorship is a marketing-oriented, contracted financial alliance between Carleton University and a corporation, organization or foundation. As defined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), “Sponsorship occurs when a business makes a donation toward the cost of a charity’s activity or event and, in return, the charity advertises or promotes the business’s brand, products or services.”

Sponsors receive a business receipt in recognition of their funding. Sponsorship funding is not eligible for charitable income tax receipts.

As defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada), a gift is defined as “a voluntary transfer of property owned by a donor to a donee, in return for which no benefit or consideration flows to the donor”.

Donors to Carleton University may be eligible for a charitable gift receipt that may be claimed as a non-refundable tax credit on an income tax return. The Department of University Advancement is responsible for accepting donations and issue tax receipts on behalf of Carleton University.

Sponsored research occurs when research is undertaken as part of an agreement with a funding agency or foundation or corporate partner outside of the University and the use of the monies is restricted by the terms and conditions of the underlying agreement. These projects may also be referred to as Externally Restricted Research. Sponsored research includes activities such as, but not limited to: knowledge mobilization activities/events related to the research being funded; salaries for graduate students to help carry out the research; funding for equipment or materials to conduct the research. For more information on sponsored research visit the Industry and Partnership Services website.

Yes. Carleton University has a Corporate Sponsorship Acceptance Policy which you can download and read by clicking here.

Carleton University is committed to excellence in teaching and research and to the fundamental principles of academic freedom. As such, Carleton will accept sponsorship by institutions, corporations, organizations or foundations to help it achieve its academic mission, and to enhance its programs and services to students, staff, faculty and alumni.

The Department of University Advancement is responsible for ensuring that the University abides by the Corporate Sponsorship Acceptance Policy.

While events are the most typical and frequent type of initiative for which sponsorship is requested, other examples include:

• on-going programs (including academic, athletic and extra-curricular);
• time-limited projects;
• physical spaces and buildings;
• digital initiatives and more.

Reach out to us through the Contact Us form to learn more.

Yes. All Sponsorship relationships with Carleton University must be written agreements and must be approved through the Department of University Advancement to support the prospect identification, prospect clearance, solicitation, asset valuation and fulfillment processes. Sponsorship contracts or letters of agreement will be developed in consultation with the University’s legal counsel and the appropriate staff person.

Yes. Carleton will not accept sponsorship funding which limits or imposes conditions on academic freedom; may result in unwarranted or unmanageable expense; may compromise Carleton’s reputation or jeopardize the University’s charitable status; may provide any special consideration or improper benefits to an individual or group with regard to admission to the University or its normal hiring, promotion and contracting procedures.

Yes. In-kind sponsorships may be accepted based on their value to the University. In-kind sponsorships must follow the procedures and receive the appropriate approvals as outlined in the Corporate Sponsorship Acceptance Policy.

The terms sponsorship and advertising are often used interchangeably but are very different. Advertising can be defined as creating custom, specific messaging about a desired product or service. The advertiser pays to ensure that messaging reaches a wide audience, with the aim of persuading people to purchase the advertised product or service.

Carleton University has an Advertising Policy which you can read by clicking here.

The sale of products and services on campus falls outside the scope of sponsorship. All private or commercial organizations who wish to market, advertise or sell products or services on campus must seek approval to do so.

To learn more, refer to Carleton University’s Commercial Activities Policy which you can access by clicking here.

The responsibility of enacting and executing the recognition of corporate sponsors lies with the campus department that is leading the associated project, program or event. The Department of University Advancement is available to help advise on the appropriate types and levels of recognition. This may include activities such as, but not limited to, corporate sponsor logos on invitations and promotional materials (print and digital), or by having an employee of the corporate sponsor included in the speaking program for an event.

There are several different ways in which sponsors can make their sponsorship payment, including cheque, credit card or electronic fund transfer (EFT). Once a sponsorship is confirmed, the Department of University Advancement may issue an invoice which will include details on the different payment options available.

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Please submit your question through our Contact Us form. We will be happy to help answer your question. And if we can’t, we’ll put you in touch with the person or department at Carleton that can.