Learn the Lingo
From finding grants that fit your requirements to actually writing and submitting the proposal, one of the most difficult concepts for a first-time grant applicant is the lingo! We know it can be confusing, however we are here to help!. We have outlined some of the most common lingo and acronyms that you will encounter throughout this process!
Understanding key grant proposal lingo is essential when you're seeking funding for your projects or initiatives. Here are some important terms and concepts commonly used in grant proposals:
Request for Proposal (RFP): This is a document issued by a funding organization that outlines the details and requirements of the grant, including the objectives, eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and deadlines.
Proposal Narrative: The main written document that describes your project, including its objectives, methodology, budget, and expected outcomes.
Executive Summary: A concise overview of your proposal, usually found at the beginning, summarizing the key points.
Statement of Need: This section explains why your project is necessary and identifies the problem or need it aims to address.
Goals and Objectives: Goals are the broad, long-term outcomes you want to achieve, while objectives are specific, measurable targets within a defined timeframe.
Methodology: Details how you plan to carry out the project, including the activities, strategies, and timelines.
Budget: An itemized list of project expenses and income, including salaries, equipment, supplies, and other costs.
Matching Funds: The portion of the project's budget that you commit to raising from other sources to support the grant-funded activities.
Evaluation Plan: Describes how you will assess the success and impact of your project. This often includes measurable metrics and methods for data collection.
Sustainability: Explains how you will continue the project's activities and impact beyond the grant period, often focusing on long-term financial and operational sustainability.
Letters of Support/Commitment: Letters from individuals or organizations endorsing your project or pledging resources, which can strengthen your proposal.
In-Kind Contributions: Non-monetary resources, such as volunteer hours, donated goods, or services, that can be used to match grant funds.
Indirect Costs: Overhead expenses associated with the project, like administrative and facility costs. Some grants allow for indirect costs, while others do not.
Scoring Criteria: The specific factors or criteria used by the grant reviewers to evaluate proposals. Understanding these can help you tailor your proposal.
Reviewer or Review Panel: The individuals or group responsible for evaluating and scoring grant applications.
Proof of Nonprofit Status: Many grants are available only to registered nonprofit organizations, so you may need to provide documentation of your nonprofit status.
Needs Assessment: A thorough analysis of the problem or need you're addressing, often based on data, research, and community input.
Logic Model: A visual representation of your project's components, including inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes, illustrating the logical connections between them.
Capacity Building: Activities that strengthen an organization's ability to effectively carry out its mission and projects.
Letter of Inquiry (LOI): A brief, initial letter sent to a grantmaker to express interest in their funding opportunities. If the funder is interested, they may request a full proposal.
Report: After receiving a grant, you may be required to submit regular progress or final reports, detailing how the grant funds were used and the project's impact.
Familiarity with these terms and concepts will help you navigate the grant application process and create a compelling proposal that aligns with the funder's expectations.
Grant proposals often include acronyms to save space and simplify complex terms or concepts. While acronyms can vary depending on the specific field or funding organization, here are some common grant proposal acronyms you may encounter:
RFP - Request for Proposal: The document that outlines the details and requirements of the grant.
LOI - Letter of Inquiry: A preliminary letter expressing interest in a grant opportunity, which may lead to a request for a full proposal.
RFI - Request for Information: A document used by funding organizations to gather information about potential projects or initiatives before issuing a formal RFP.
ROI - Return on Investment: A measure of the financial or social impact of a project relative to the amount of funding or resources invested.
CBO - Community-Based Organization: Nonprofits or organizations that provide services and support at the local community level.
NGO - Non-Governmental Organization: Typically, non-profit organizations working on various social and humanitarian issues.
501(c)(3) - Refers to the section of the U.S. tax code that grants tax-exempt status to charitable organizations.
IRS - Internal Revenue Service: The U.S. government agency responsible for tax collection and enforcement.
NPO - Nonprofit Organization: A general term for organizations that do not distribute profits to owners or shareholders.
SME - Small and Medium-sized Enterprise: Typically used in economic development grants, referring to small or medium-sized businesses.
SOW - Statement of Work: A detailed description of the work to be performed under a contract or grant.
IRB - Institutional Review Board: A committee that reviews and approves research involving human subjects to ensure ethical treatment.
IRF - Independent Research Fund: Grants provided to support independent research projects.
DEI - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Focus on promoting diversity and equal opportunities in organizations and projects.
STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Often used in education and research grant proposals.
HEA - Higher Education Act: Relevant in grant proposals related to education, particularly in higher education.
CDBG - Community Development Block Grant: A specific type of grant program in the U.S. that supports community development projects.
NEA - National Endowment for the Arts: A U.S. federal agency that provides grants for artistic and cultural projects.
CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: A U.S. government agency that often offers grants related to public health.
NIH - National Institutes of Health: A U.S. agency that supports medical and health-related research.
NOFA - Notice of Funding Availability: An announcement by a funding organization that a grant is open for applications.
CFR - Code of Federal Regulations: A publication that outlines the rules and regulations governing federal grants.
Keep in mind that the use of acronyms can vary between different regions and industries. It's essential to define acronyms when you first use them in your grant proposal to ensure clarity and understanding for reviewers who may not be familiar with specific terms.
Let us know if you have any additional questions or concerns! We are here to help!