I'm hoping that others have dealt with the situation noted below and can provide
 some insight.

In a situation where a private donor (i.e. grateful patient) makes a
 contribution to an individual researchers' specific research project, what
 procedures are employed by the institution?  Are these direct gifts accepted in
 all cases (i.e. what if the gift is being made to a researcher who is not
 producing quality research?)  Are the dollars directly credited to the
 researcher or is there a formal approval/oversight process that the dollars
 must be channeled through?  Looking for any guidance/experience/cautions that
 anyone can offer on this matter.

Deb Hansen
Accounting Manager
Marshfield Medical Research Foundation
1000 N. Oak Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
PHONE: 715-387-9130
FAX: 715-389-3131
EMAIL: xxxxxx@mfldclin.edu