Types of Grants
Types of Grants
Learning Objectives
- Learn about types of sponsors and types of grants
- Consider the fit between types of sponsors and your specific grant
- Become familiar with resources for finding both government and private grants
Introduction
Types of grants vary, and they are dependent on the type of sponsor. Because different sponsors have established different missions and goals that they would like to see promoted with their money, a grant seeker should always think about how to match their project with a sponsor’s priorities.
This may mean that you may need to approach a certain type of sponsor for a certain type of grant. For example: A small non-profit organization that secures money for families who need help with living expenses while their child receives treatment for cancer might approach private corporations for philanthropic grants that are meant to help people in need. A university researcher might approach the federal government to fund cancer research (though perhaps pharmaceutical companies might also be interested in funding such research). In each case, the purposes and goals of sponsors, as well as those of the grant writers, may vary.
Thus, as you seek grants, it will be important to consider the purposes and missions of various types grant providers while looking carefully at the grants that may match your needs. Knowing what type of organization might be most likely to help fund your project can help you direct your search. Try to find a balance between focusing your search and remaining open to possibilities.
Type of Grant Provider | Description | Resources |
Federal and State Grants | Grants from the federal government are allocated for distribution by federal agencies or departments. For example: if a non-profit agency seeks a grant to implement a health program for children, the department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may have a grant to meet that need. Grants monies at the state level often come from federal block grants, meaning that the federal government provides funds that are tied to a state’s population level for the state to disburse (Mikelonis, Betsinger, & Kampf, 2004, p. 80). | libguides.gcu.edu/grants |
Local Grants (See also “Foundations” below) | Grants administered by municipalities are usually funded by foundations that a local government has set up for that purpose (Mikelonis, Betsinger, & Kampf, 2004, p. 78). | The Foundation Center Foundationcenter.org libguides.gcu.edu/grants |
Foundations | Foundations are non-profit organizations whose purpose is to produce and distribute funds for charitable purposes. They range in size from family-sponsored foundations to large charitable trusts established by corporations. In most cases, foundations award grants that align with the original purpose of the foundation’s founder(s) (Karsh & Fox, 2003, p. 18). | The Foundation Center Foundationcenter.org libguides.gcu.edu/grants |
Endowments | Endowments are investments made for non-profit or educational institutions with the purpose of using money earned in interest to further the mission of the institution. Sometimes grants are written to establish an endowment or supplement an existing one (Kachinske & Kachinske, 2010, p. 242). | The Chronicle of Higher Education (www.chronicle.com) The Chronicle of Philanthropy (www.philanthropy.com) libguides.gcu.edu/grants |
Corporate Grants | Businesses that provide grants do so through foundations they establish, often to serve the communities in which they are located. The money corporations can award is usually tied to the business’s performance, and sometimes corporations can provide in-kind donations instead of monetary gifts (Mikelonis, Betsinger, & Kampf, 2004, p. 84). | The Foundation Center (www.foundationcenter.org) libguides.gcu.edu/grants |
Reflective Questions
- What types of sponsors seem most likely to be interested in funding your project?
- Even if one type of sponsor seems less likely to be interested, in what way might they be?
- Which organizations are some potential early candidates for funding your grant proposal?
References
Kachinske, T. & Kachinske, J. (2010). 90 days to success in grant writing. Boston: Cengage.
Karsh, E., & Fox, A. S. (2003). The only grant-writing book you’ll ever need: An insider’s guide. New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers.
Mikelonis, Betsinger, & Kampf. (2004). Grant seeking in the electronic age. New York: Pearson.
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