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Questions and Answers

Welcome to Grant Warehouse’s Q&A Page

Have questions about grants, applications, or eligibility? You’re in the right place.

How to Submit a Question

You may submit questions to Grant Warehouse in one of the following ways:

  1. Complete the form located on the Grant Warehouse Home Page under:
    Articles and Resource Categories → How to Submit a Q&A
  2. Email your question(s) directly to:

Responses will be posted within 2–3 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a grant?

The Business Dictionary defines a grant as: “A bounty, contribution, gift, or subsidy (in cash or kind) bestowed by a government or other organization (called the grantor) for specified purposes to an eligible recipient (called the grantee). Grants are usually conditional upon certain qualifications as to the use, maintenance of standards, or proportional contribution by the grantee or other grantor(s).”

2. Do grant funds have to be paid back?

Grant funds do not have to be paid back. However, misuse or fraudulent spending of grant funds can require repayment and may result in serious legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment—especially for federal or state grants.

Grant funds must be used exactly as outlined in the approved proposal. If changes become necessary, you must submit a formal amendment request and receive written approval before making any changes. Always maintain a clear paper trail.

3. How long does it take to write a grant?

It depends on the grant. Some applications can be completed in under an hour, while others—particularly federal grants—may take several weeks or even months. Corporate and private foundation grants are often simpler and more beginner-friendly.

4. What is the difference between a grantor and a grantee?

The grantor is the organization providing the funding. The grantee is the organization or individual receiving the funding.

5. How do I know if my organization is eligible for a grant?

Grantors typically outline eligibility requirements in the application or funding guidelines. Always review these requirements carefully, paying close attention to geographic restrictions, nonprofit status, and program focus.

If your organization has never applied for a grant, ensure you are grant ready. This often includes having a FEIN, IRS nonprofit determination (if applicable), and required registrations. A Grant Readiness form is available on this website.

6. Can my application be rejected for formatting issues?

Yes. Applications may be rejected for failing to follow instructions, including incorrect font type or size, margin requirements, page limits, or word counts. Grantors often use these requirements to narrow the pool and identify applicants who follow directions carefully.

7. Are there different types of grants?

Yes. There are four primary types of grants:

1. Federal Grants

Federal grants are awarded by U.S. government agencies to support public purposes such as education, healthcare, research, and economic development. There are over 900 federal grant programs administered by 26 federal agencies. All federal grants can be found at grants.gov.

2. State and Local Grants

Federal funds are often passed through to state and local governments, which release Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for services such as public safety, infrastructure, education, and social services. These grants are typically found on state or municipal websites, though access may not always be user-friendly.

3. Corporate Grants

Many corporations and corporate foundations provide grant funding. There are no free government databases that compile these opportunities. Paid grant databases exist, with costs ranging from under $200 per year to several thousand dollars annually. These databases are not exhaustive, and many grants remain relatively unknown.

4. Private Foundation Grants

A private foundation is a nonprofit organization created with funds from a single donor, family, or business. Private foundations operate using investment income from their endowments and do not raise funds through public campaigns.

Like corporate grants, there are no free government databases listing private foundation grants. Access typically requires a paid subscription, with fees ranging from a few dollars per month to several thousand dollars annually.