Who contacts the foundation?

This varies depending on the particular foundation/corporation. The project director and the Foundation Relations officer will determine how the project can best be presented to the funder and by whom. The initial contact might be a phone call, a letter, a proposal, or a meeting. The Office of Foundation Relations sometimes has a personal contact (program officer, colleague at another institution, faculty member, board member) who can help determine the most effective approach, and give additional guidance regarding the funding process.