Letters of inquiry to foundations can be a problem. I, too, have found that off
ering services improves faculty contacts with the research office. We offer sec
retarial support, editing, budget and forms preparation, copying and collating,
 and mailing for all contacts with potential sponsors. I've found faculty very
understanding about not submitting to a particular foundation when another prop
osal or the development office is wooing them, especially if I can find one or
more other sources for their proposals. Since I offer extensive help in identif
ying potential sponsors for projects, most faculty come to me first and I can s
imple not list foundations that pop up that are on the university or foundation
 hot list. But, telling faculty that it's inappropriate to go to a particular f
oundation is a lot different than telling them their proposed work falls outsid
e the scope of the university mission.

Bill Caskey
Director, Sponsored Research & Projects
Central Missouri State University
Warrensburg, MO  64093
   Voice:  (816) 543-4092
     FAX:  (816) 543-8333
InterNet:  xxxxxx@cmsuvmb.cmsu.edu