COFUND: The coordinator of a COFUND project is asking a co-funded researcher’s university to pay an annual amount as part of their co-funded contribution. The university however is not listed as a partner in the proposal. What should be done?

The COFUND is a mono-beneficiary action, which means that there is only one beneficiary that signs the Grant Agreement and who can directly claim unit costs. The other types of partners in the COFUND are Implementing Partners and Associated Partners.

Implementing Partners are legal entities that can receive financial support from the Beneficiary and implement the MSCA COFUND Doctoral or Postdoctoral Programme. Implementing Partners are not signatories of the Grant Agreement. Therefore, they cannot claim costs of the programme directly from the European Research Executive Agency. Implementing Partners can employ researchers.

Associated Partners are entities which participate in the action (e.g. providing training or secondments), but without the right to charge costs or claim contributions. They contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement. Associated Partners may not employ the researchers under the action. They can be established anywhere in the world and can be from any sectors. Any funding received is based on agreement with the coordinator.

While there are no letters of commitment required from any partner at the application stage, it is recommendedthat financial arrangements be discussed at this stage to avoid any misunderstandings at a later point. If the proposal is funded, and partners are involved, the signature of a Partnership Agreement between the Beneficiary and all partners is strongly recommended to regulate the internal relationship between all participating organisations. The Partnership Agreement must comply with the obligations laid down in the Grant Agreement.