Policy and Procedures for Communications, Including Review and Submission of Proposals

When an SAO staff member is considering approaching a private entity for non-government financial or in-kind support, he/she is required to contact the Director's Office before initiating any contact with the funding sources.

If approached directly by a private funding source, a SAO staff member may engage in the conversation, but must notify the Director's Office at the earliest opportunity. SAO staff may not accept or negotiate gifts, grants or contracts on behalf of the Smithsonian or SAO.

For the duration of the Smithsonian Campaign, SAO will only propose projects for non-federal support that advance SAO's core mission and/or SI's national campaign objectives. Non-federal support includes private individuals, private foundations, family foundations, trusts, corporations, small businesses, sole proprietorships, and other non-profit organizations.

A copy of the policy can be found here: SAO Policy and Procedures for Communications with Non-Government Funding Sources.