The UIDEA Agreement

Updated December 2022

Teams admitted to the UIDEA program complete two separate agreements, one among their own team members defining how they'll work and one with the UIDEA program, called the UIDEA Agreement, which outlines expectations of the Foundation and the members of each team. Below are the expectations everyone agrees to as part of that latter agreement. Key dates for the Spring 2023 batch are posted here.

UIF Responsibilities

• Provide funding for initiative as outlined in approved budget. Expenses will be paid by the Foundation during the batch
• Outline the processes by which UIDEA will operate
• Assist in identification of additional advisors or team participants as needed
• Advise teams on best possible path to success
• Flag potential issues and opportunities for teams
• Communicate regularly about UIDEA activities with teams or points of contact as outlined below
• Share agendas and documentation in advance of Checkpoints
• Create platform(s) for demonstrating team pitches and successes
• Alert advancement leadership to strategic planning, annual planning, and budget needs to scale initiatives

Team Responsibilities

• Identify key point of contact for communications between team and UIDEA staff
• Execute Founders’ Agreement, share with UIDEA staff, and abide by Agreement
• Design or pilot best possible solution for success across the University of Illinois advancement program
• Build ideas that are innovative, not just to advancement at the University of Illinois but across the industry
• Function as if they were “startup” owners, developing plans, solutions, and changes independently and quickly
• Actively participate in Checkpoint, All-in, and Pitch Workshop sessions, including Kickoff
• Pitch design or pilot live at Demo Day
• Communicate among team and with UIDEA staff regarding opportunities, concerns, conflicts, or uncertainties
• Provide feedback—positive and negative—with Batch peers
• Maintain synergy with team members and resolve conflict quickly
• Evaluate and incorporate feedback from advisors, UIDEA staff, leadership, and Batch peers
• Take advantage of resources provided by the Foundation, including trainings and workshops
• Maintain budget provided by the Foundation
• Contribute and share content and stories that further promote the UIDEA program and inspire innovation in philanthropy and engagement
• Conduct UIDEA work above and beyond normal professional or student responsibilities
• Abide by all applicable laws, ethical standards, and University policies

Participant Understanding

• Team members understand that UIDEA’s mission is to further advancement at the University of Illinois and to invoke fundamental change in how our industry does business
• Teams may choose to commercialize their ideas, with the Foundation’s preference that incorporation not be pursued until after the completion of the UIDEA program
• UIF will separately evaluate each team and reserves the right to discuss equity, licensing, service agreements, or recoup expenses if team operationalizes its idea into a for profit venture
• The UIDEA program does not utilize state funds for the purposes of funding a team’s initiative
• Teams who choose to commercialize their ideas are encouraged to participate in that university’s Founders’ Pledge program
• UIF is not interested in retaining rights in any created intellectual property a team creates. Teams must separately address intellectual property policies and procedures as outlined by their respective employers, including those outlined by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees
• Teams who choose to commercialize their ideas are independently responsible for addressing any conflict of interest protocol outlined by their respective employers
• Photos and content taken or created as part of the UIDEA program may be used for promotion and marketing, without restriction