A grant is a way for the government to fund ideas and projects to benefit the public. Grants help fund services like health care, education, infrastructure, and public safety.
Types of Grants
There are several types of grants:
- Government Grants – Provided by federal, state or local agencies. Highly competitive with detailed applications.
- Continuation Grants – Renew existing discretionary funding.
- Federal Grants – Awarded from federal revenue to carry out a public purpose.
- Private Grants – Awarded by private organizations or individuals. Often have specific requirements.
- Institutional Grants – Provided by colleges, universities, and other institutions. Help fund research, scholarships, and programs.
Grant Proposal Formats
The format required for grant proposals depends on the type of grant. Most common are:
- Letter of Inquiry – 2-3 page overview sent to private foundations.
- Full Proposal – Detailed proposal outlining project plans, budget, and objectives.
- Status Report – Updates funders on program progress for continuation grants.
Types of Grant Funding Models
There are four main types of grant funding:
- Competitive Grants
- Formula Grants
- Continuation Grants
- Pass-Through Grants
Each type offers a basic understanding of funding structures to guide your search for grant revenue.