Have you ever seen a grant offer that looked good for your project but the terminologies got you confused? Have you ever gotten stuck midway in drafting your proposal as you weren't quite sure what the funders were asking?

You’re not alone!

Grant requests for proposals (RFP) have distinct words and phrases. Having a good understanding of commonly used terms will help strengthen your grant applications and ensure you meet the requirements.

1. Requests for Proposals (RFP)

The formal announcement by funders to support projects within a well-defined area.

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2. Evaluation

An evaluation helps you assess the effectiveness and impact of your project and is based on data collected throughout the design and delivery of your initiative. Most funders require a detailed evaluation plan, this is highly dependent on the amount of potential funding and anticipated outcomes.

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3. Evidence-based

This simply implies you can demonstrate an understanding of the needs of the community or groups your project aim to target. It also means that strategies are in place to prove you respond to these needs and you have evidence that your project will have the intended impact.

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4. EOI

Expression-of-Interest is often (but not always) the first stage of a grant application process. It is a brief outline of your interest in and suitability for a grant. Funders use EOI to screen out ineligible applicants or projects not consistent with their priorities.

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5. Fringe Benefits

These are compensations paid in addition to the salaries of your staff such as life and health insurance, pension or bonuses.

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6. Funding Rounds

The period a grant is open for application. Some grant opportunities have multiple rounds and these will open and close at various times throughout the year.

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7. Indirect Costs

Expenses that are indirectly associated with the proposed project such as administrative expenses, utilities and maintenance costs.

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8. In-Kind Contribution

Non-monetary support: equipment, supplies, staffing, rent, etc that are a direct benefit to the project. In-kind contribution is provided by the applicant or project partners.

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9. Milestones

Key accomplishments to be achieved during the project.

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10. Objectives (or Goals):

These are the specific results expected to be achieved through a project. The SMART acronym can be helpful when setting out objectives. Are your objectives:

• Specific - Are your goals laser-focused?
• Measurable - Can you quantify the outcomes of your project?
• Attainable - Can you envisage the outcomes of your project?
• Relevant - Is the program relevant to your mission? Does it align with the context of the grant opportunity?
• Time-based - Are there realistic timeframes to accomplish these goals?

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11. Sustainability

The ability of the proposed project to continue beyond the grant period without further funding from the grant maker.

We certainly hope you found all 11 terms useful.

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