OR
Consult the official UNC Board of Governor's policy. However, generally, if you answer "Yes" to one or more of the following scenarios, then the funding in question is sponsored research. The staff of either of the above referenced offices welcome your questions if further clarification if needed.
Based on the following distinctions...
... does the funding agency expect you to provide deliverable(s)? If yes, then contact Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services.
To carry out a specific project, does the funding agency expect you to enter into a written agreement that is legally enforceable with administrative terms and conditions for the use of the funds? (This agreement may include provisions for intellectual property, reporting, publication rights, and any other legal provision.) If yes, then contact Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services.
Degree of specificity alone does not distinguish philanthropy from a sponsored program because philanthropic funds can be undesignated or designated to specified purposes. However, if there is a specific and expected return in exchange for the funding wherein failure to deliver could result in unfavorable consequences to the institution, then contact Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services.