<p>barrons, </p>
<p>It appears that Michigan, like most universities, would LIKE to get full cost recovery on every grant. Like most universities, the only sources that come close are certain federal grants, and commercial collaborations. Even the federal rates are subject to painfully complex calculations, and end up with a negotiated rate. This need not truly recover at 100%. Foundations almost never pay at these rates. Many universities limit the ability of faculty to accept grants with low overheads. Others merely discourage it, or require permission each time someone proposes to do it.</p>