Grant Glossary

An individual or organization that submits an application for federal funding.

An individual designated by the applicant organization to act on its behalf in all matters related to the grant application and award.

Financial assistance that provides support or stimulation to accomplish a public purpose. Awards include grants and other agreements in the form of money or property.

The interval of time (usually 12 months) into which a project period is divided for budgetary and funding purposes.

A government-wide compendium of federal programs, projects, services, and activities that provide assistance. Now part of SAM.gov.

The process by which the federal awarding agency determines that all applicable administrative actions and required work have been completed by the recipient.

A grant awarded through a merit-based review process where applications are evaluated and ranked.

A legal instrument of financial assistance between a federal agency and a non-federal entity where there is substantial involvement between the parties.

The portion of project costs not paid by federal funds. May be required or voluntary, and can be cash or in-kind contributions.

Costs that can be identified specifically with a particular project or activity, such as salaries, equipment, and supplies.

A grant awarded at the discretion of a federal agency through a competitive process, as opposed to formula grants.

Data Universal Numbering System - a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses. Now replaced by UEI.

Funding directed by Congress to a specific recipient, project, or location.

The conditions that must be met for an applicant to qualify to apply for and receive funding.

The federal agency that awards and administers the grant or cooperative agreement.

A document published by a federal agency announcing the availability of funding and inviting applications. Also called NOFO.

A grant allocated according to a distribution formula prescribed by law or regulation, rather than through competition.

A legal instrument used when the principal purpose is to transfer money, property, or services to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation.

The organization or individual receiving grant funds. Also called recipient.

The federal government's online portal where applicants can find and apply for federal grant opportunities.

Non-cash contributions of property or services that may be used to meet cost sharing requirements.

Costs incurred for common purposes that cannot be directly assigned to a specific project, such as utilities, rent, and administrative salaries.

See Cost Sharing/Matching.

An evaluation process using criteria specified in the funding opportunity to assess the quality of applications.

The official document announcing the availability of federal funding. Contains all requirements for applying.

A state, local government, Indian tribe, institution of higher education, or nonprofit organization that carries out a federal award.

A legal commitment by the federal government to pay grant funds to the recipient.

A non-federal entity that provides a subaward to another entity to carry out part of a federal program.

The total time during which the recipient may incur costs to carry out the work authorized by the grant.

Gross income earned by the recipient directly generated by a supported activity or earned as a result of the award.

The total time for which an award is made, including any approved extensions.

An entity that receives a federal award directly from a federal awarding agency. Same as grantee.

System for Award Management - the official website where entities must register to do business with the federal government.

Small Business Innovation Research - a federal program that supports R&D at small businesses.

A detailed description of the activities to be performed under the grant.

Small Business Technology Transfer - a program similar to SBIR that requires partnership with a research institution.

An award provided by a pass-through entity to another entity to carry out part of a federal program.

The sum of allowable direct and indirect costs, including cost sharing and match.

A 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned by SAM.gov, replacing the DUNS number.

The portion of funds authorized by the federal agency that has not been obligated.