Types of Grants

There are thousands of grants just waiting to be given away. The majority of grants awarded by foundations and corporate giving programs can be categorized as:

• General purpose or operating support grants
• Program development or project support grants

General purpose or operating support grants can be used for general operating expenses, from a specific program to the heating bill.

Program or project support grants are usually given for specific activities that have a beginning and an end, objectives, and a predetermined cost. These grants are restricted to the project for which they are given. Some of the more common project grants are:

• Planning grants: supports initial development work when figuring out what your new program will look like 
• Seed money or start-up grants: help new orgranizations or programs for the first few years until they can make money on their own
• Management or technical assistance grants: supports the management or administration (fund raising, marketing, financial management, etc)  
• Facilities and equipment grants (also called “bricks-and-mortar” or capital grants):  help to buy some long-lasting physical asset, such as a building, computer or form of transportation (van or company car) 
• Endowment grants: when charity has an endowment fund (it spends only the interest and keeps the original sum (the principal) untouched).
• Program-related investments (PRIs): the IRS allows foundations to make loans — called program-related investments (PRIs) — to nonprofits. They are usually made at low interest, or even no interest.

Are you looking for a grant?

There are grants available for just about everyone. The problem is finding the right one for you. Try the  free online Scholarship & Grant Guide with 20 million scholarships & grants. Simply request information from a Top-Colleges school. There is no cost or obligation!