AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University generated more than $274 million in grants, contracts and cooperative agreements during fiscal year 2004, a record high. This is an increase of 19 percent over the previous year's total of $230 million.
The $274 million includes all contracts and grants received directly by Iowa State from federal, state and local government units, corporations and foundations. This funding is used for research, public service/extension activities, educational projects, student financial aid, buildings and equipment.
"We're extremely proud of Iowa State faculty and staff for their success this past year in obtaining external funding for their research and educational projects," Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy said. "This funding is important not only in building the academic excellence of Iowa State, but in helping to create new economic opportunity for Iowans through our research and development enterprise."
Sponsored funding for research alone was more than $163 million, a 10 percent increase over the previous year and another record for Iowa State.
"This achievement is truly remarkable, especially in the midst of significant budget cuts," said Vice Provost for Research and Advanced Studies Jim Bloedel. "Our faculty and staff have brought national and international recognition to the university and the state of Iowa as a result of their high quality work."
Many federal grants and contracts cover only the costs associated with conducting the work required for specific projects. Bloedel emphasized the importance of continued state support to cover the "infrastructure, facilities and salaries needed to create and maintain a world-class environment."
"Often, the quality and extent of these resources are considered carefully in the competitive evaluation of the proposal," Bloedel said.
Support from federal agencies increased by nearly 11 percent to $169 million. The largest contributors of federal funding to Iowa State included the Department of Agriculture ($49 million); the Department of Energy, primarily to the Ames Laboratory ($35 million); the Department of Health and Human Services ($24 million); the National Science Foundation ($22 million), the Department of Education ($18 million), the Department of Defense ($6 million) and the Department of Transportation ($5 million).
Support from non-federal sources increased by 36 percent to $105 million. The largest contributors of non-federal funding were foundations and associations ($46 million, which included $25 million for construction of new buildings); businesses and corporations ($25 million); state, county and city government agencies ($23 million); and other universities and colleges through joint projects ($10 million).