Gift: A gift from a donor may carry a stipulation as to its use, but there can be no expectation of benefit back tot he donor including the technical and financial reports common to sponsored agreements; it is donative in its purpose. It is likely a tax benefit to the donor.

Grant: is used when the principal purpose is to transfer money, property, services or anything ov value to recipient in order to accomplish a public purpose;  No substantial involvement is anticipated between government and recipient during performance of activity.

Cooperative Agreement: is used when the principal purpose is to transfer money, property, services or anything of value to recipient in order to accomplish a public purpose.  Substantial involvement is anticipated between government and recipient during performance of activity.

Contract: is used when the principal purpose is to acquire property or services for direct benefit or use of the federal government.  The sponsor determines that procurement contract is appropriate.  Contracts are very restrictive, can have high demands, and there is no expectation of cost sharing.