How will fEC affect research funded by charities?
Traditionally, charities have been unwilling to pay overheads under current funding arrangements. A definitive position regarding charity funding under fEC has not yet emerged, with discussions at Government level taking place. It is possible that some will pay the direct estates charges, but not the indirect cost. Recognising this issue, SHEFC, in its letter to institutions announcing funding for 2005-2006 has indicated that some of the increased QR funding announced for 2006-2007 will be directed to “adjust our funding for research for subject areas that support research commissioned by charities to ensure that we maintain this important investment in Scottish research”. However, in order that the University can identify the true cost of the research, applications to charities should be costed on a fEC basis.
