What is a grant?

First, the technical answer. A grant is a sum of money “funders” or “grant makers” provide to an “applicant” or “grant seeker” for a specific purpose. Grant funding does not have to be repaid–it is not a loan. In some cases, however, if a grant is not used as intended, the funds must be refunded to the grantmaker.

From a grantsmanship standpoint: a grant is a tool nonprofits use to address important issues within their communities. A grant proposal is actually a call to action. It’s a request that a funder join the nonprofit as a partner in achieving specific results. At its best, a grant proposal is a compelling  and well-supported argument for change.