Entering the world of grant writing can feel like learning a new language, with specialized terminology that initially seems overwhelming. Mastering key grant writing vocabulary is essential for understanding funding opportunities, crafting competitive proposals, and communicating effectively with program officers and institutional partners.
Core Grant Components
Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Applications (RFA) are formal announcements from funders outlining funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, and submission requirements. The Letter of Intent (LOI) or Letter of Inquiry serves as a brief pre-proposal allowing funders to assess project fit before requesting full applications, saving time for both applicants and reviewers.
Financial Terms
Direct costs cover expenses directly attributable to your project like salaries, equipment, and supplies, while indirect costs (or overhead) support organizational infrastructure enabling the work. The budget narrative provides detailed justification for each line item, explaining how costs were calculated and why they’re necessary for project success.
Review and Award Language
Program officers are funder staff members who manage grant programs, answer applicant questions, and often serve as valuable resources throughout the application process. Matching funds or cost-sharing refer to resources your organization contributes toward project costs, demonstrating commitment and often required by funders to leverage their investment.
Post-Award Terminology
Deliverables are specific, measurable outcomes you commit to producing, while reporting periods define when you’ll submit progress updates to funders. Grant closeout encompasses final reporting and financial reconciliation procedures completing the grant lifecycle and positioning you for future funding relationships.
Understanding this terminology transforms grant guidelines from confusing jargon into actionable roadmaps. As you encounter unfamiliar terms, maintain a personal glossary—building this vocabulary foundation accelerates your development as a confident, effective grant writer.
Recommended Reading:
- The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need by Ellen Karsh & Arlen Sue Fox
- Winning Grants Step by Step by Tori O’Neal-McElrath
- Grant Writing For Dummies by Beverly A. Browning
- How to Write a Grant Proposal by Cheryl Clarke & Susan Fox
- Foundation Fundamentals by The Foundation Center
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