A direct sponsor is the one giving the funds directly to the University. A prime sponsor, or prime funding source, is the originating source of funds. Pitt is often required to comply with both the direct sponsor’s terms and the prime sponsor’s terms, so it is important that all sources of funding are identified in proposals and agreements.
Example: Pitt receives a subaward from University of Michigan, that received an award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). In this scenario, University of Michigan is Pitt’s direct sponsor, and NSF is Pitt’s prime sponsor.
Please see the previous tip for more information on this topic.