I was just awarded a “prize” in a competition for food system innovations by an organization I will call NonPrfit Org. NonProfit Org calls this a “prize”, but the award came with many requirements that make it more like a contract or grant. I have a sole proprietorship focused on scientific research, writing, and consulting in the area of interest to NonProfit Org. The “Prize” is to be paid in two installments annually of $120,000, each. The conditions that are imposed along with the “prize” would seem to make it in reality a contract or grant, from which I should be able to deduct the expenses of carrying out the work they expect to be done. During the competition interview, they even asked me for an estimated budget for the work. My question is, can I report this as a business income and deduct the expenses of conducting the work they expect in return? Here are the conditions I had to agree to ahead of receiving the “prize”:
Applicant acknowledges and agrees that a further condition of being selected to receive the Prize: (i) Applicant will use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that key Team Members attend NonProfit Org conferences, meetings, and other public convenings; (ii) Applicant will permit at least one (1) annual on-site visit by NonProfit Org staff, consultants, or other representatives to review Applicant’s ongoing work; (iii) Applicant will provide at least biannual updates on its use of the Prize funds and on applicant’s work; (iv) Applicant will promptly respond to other requests for information from NonProfit Org staff, consultants, and other representatives; (v) Applicant will be an active participant in the NonProfit Org community, including without limitation offering support as needed to other NonProfit Org award winners and partners; (vi) Applicant will identify itself as “supported by NonProfit Org” in all relevant press releases and will include NonProfit Org logos and other brand identifiers on certain mutually agreed communications collateral.
