Federal grants in the United States

Last updated

In the United States, federal grants are economic aid issued by the United States government out of the general federal revenue. A federal grant is an award of financial assistance from a federal agency to a recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States.

Contents

Grants are federal assistance to individuals, benefits or entitlements. A grant is not used to acquire property or services for the federal government's direct benefit.

Grants may also be issued by private non-profit organizations such as foundations, not-for-profit corporations or charitable trusts which are all collectively referred to as charities.

Outside the United States grants, subventions or subsidies are used to in similar fashion by government or private charities to subsidize programs and projects that fit within the funding criteria of the grant-giving entity or donor. Grants can be unrestricted, to be used by the recipient in any fashion within the perimeter of the recipient organization's activities or they may be restricted to a specific purpose by the benefactor.

American definition

Federal grants are defined and governed by the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 [1] , as incorporated in Title 31 Section 6304 of the U.S. Code. A Federal grant is a:

"...legal instrument reflecting the relationship between the United States Government and a State, a local government, or other entity when 1) the principal purpose of the relationship is to transfer a thing of value to the State or local government or other recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States instead of acquiring (by purchase, lease, or barter) property or services for the direct benefit or use of the United States Government; and 2) substantial involvement is not expected between the executive agency and the State, local government, or other recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated in the agreement."

When an awarding agency expects to be substantially involved in a project (beyond routine monitoring and technical assistance), the law requires use of a cooperative agreement instead. When the government is procuring goods or services for its own direct benefit, and not for a broader public purpose, the law requires use of a federal contract. [2]

The preference for use of goods, products, and materials produced in, and services offered in, the United States which applies to federal procurement policy is also applied to the use of federal grants. [3]

Types of grants

For charitable grants and funds for schools and organizations see: Grant writing and Grants.

There are over 900 grant programs offered by the 26 federal grant-making agencies. These programs fall into 20 categories:

State and Local Government Grants

State and local governments also provide grants to support various projects and initiatives within their jurisdictions. These grants often focus on areas such as economic development, education, public safety, healthcare, and infrastructure.

State Grants

State grants are financial awards provided by individual states to support projects and programs that benefit residents. These grants can be used for purposes such as education, environmental conservation, public health, and community development. Each state has its own agencies and programs that administer these grants.

Local Government Grants

Local government grants are offered by counties, cities, and municipalities to support local initiatives. These grants often target community-specific needs, such as housing, transportation, public safety, and cultural programs. Local governments may also pass through federal and state grant funds to local organizations.

Private Foundation Grants

Private foundations are nonprofit organizations that provide grants to support various causes and initiatives. These foundations are typically funded by individuals, families, or corporations and have specific focus areas, such as education, health, social services, arts, and the environment.

Independent Foundations

Independent foundations, also known as private foundations, are established by individuals or families and operate independently of government control. Examples include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Ford Foundation. These foundations often have substantial endowments and provide grants to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other entities that align with their mission and goals.

Corporate Foundations

Corporate foundations are philanthropic arms of corporations that provide grants to support charitable activities. These foundations are funded by the parent company and focus on areas that align with the corporation’s values and business interests. Examples include the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Walmart Foundation.

Community Foundations

Community foundations are public charities that provide grants to support local community needs. These foundations pool donations from multiple sources, including individuals, families, and businesses, to create endowment funds that support a wide range of community initiatives. Examples include the Cleveland Foundation and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

Corporate Grants

In addition to corporate foundations, many corporations provide grants directly through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. These grants are often used to support community development, environmental sustainability, education, and employee volunteerism.

Direct Corporate Grants

Corporations may offer direct grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, and other entities. These grants are typically aligned with the company’s CSR goals and business priorities. For example, a technology company might provide grants to support STEM education programs.

In-Kind Donations

Some corporations provide in-kind donations instead of or in addition to monetary grants. In-kind donations can include products, services, technology, and expertise that support the recipient organization's operations and programs.

Nonprofit Organization Grants

Many nonprofit organizations provide grants to support specific causes and initiatives. These organizations raise funds from various sources, including private donors, foundations, and government grants, and redistribute them through grant programs.

Nonprofit Grantmakers

Nonprofit grantmakers, such as the United Way and the American Heart Association, provide grants to support programs and services that align with their mission. These grants often focus on areas such as health, education, social services, and disaster relief.

Philanthropic Networks

Philanthropic networks and collaboratives, such as Grantmakers for Education and the Environmental Grantmakers Association, consist of multiple foundations and grantmakers that work together to fund projects and initiatives within specific focus areas.

Educational Institution Grants

Educational institutions, including colleges and universities, often provide grants to support research, scholarships, and educational programs. These grants are funded through a combination of federal and state grants, private donations, and institutional funds.

Research Grants

Many universities and research institutions offer grants to support academic research projects. These grants are often funded by federal agencies, private foundations, and corporate sponsors. Examples include research grants provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Scholarship and Fellowship Grants

Educational institutions provide scholarships and fellowships to support students’ educational pursuits. These grants can be merit-based, [6] need-based, or specific to certain fields of study. They are funded through endowments, private donations, and institutional funds.

Information provided in grant applications

Award information in grants generally includes:

Eligibility information includes:

Criticism

Federal and state grants frequently receive criticism due to what are perceived to be excessive regulations and not include opportunities for small business, as well as for often giving more money per person to smaller states regardless of population or need. These criticisms include problems of overlap, duplication, excessive categorization, insufficient information, varying requirements, arbitrary federal decision-making, and grantsmanship (a funding bias toward entities most familiar with how to exploit the system, rather than to those most in need). Research also suggests that federal grants are often allocated politically, with more money going to areas represented by the political party commanding a majority in Congress or that controls the presidency. [7] [8] [9]

Examples of grants by type

Block

Formulary

Categorical

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economic Development Administration</span> Agency in the US Department of Commerce concerned with poor communities

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is an agency in the United States Department of Commerce that provides grants and technical assistance to economically distressed communities in order to generate new employment, help retain existing jobs and stimulate industrial and commercial growth through a variety of investment programs. EDA works with boards and communities across the country on economic development strategies.

A foundation is a type of nonprofit organization or charitable trust that usually provides funding and support to other charitable organizations through grants, while also potentially participating directly in charitable activities. Foundations encompass public charitable foundations, like community foundations, and private foundations, which are often endowed by an individual or family. Nevertheless, the term "foundation" might also be adopted by organizations not primarily engaged in public grantmaking.

Funding is the act of providing resources to finance a need, program, or project. While this is usually in the form of money, it can also take the form of effort or time from an organization or company. Generally, this word is used when a firm uses its internal reserves to satisfy its necessity for cash, while the term financing is used when the firm acquires capital from external sources.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charitable organization</span> Nonprofit organization with charitable purpose

A charitable organization or charity is an organization whose primary objectives are philanthropy and social well-being.

Matching funds are funds that are set to be paid in proportion to funds available from other sources. Matching fund payments usually arise in situations of charity or public good. The terms cost sharing, in-kind, and matching can be used interchangeably but refer to different types of donations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grant (money)</span> Non-repayable funds disbursed by one party to a recipient

A grant is a financial award given by a government entity, foundation, corporation, or other organization to an individual or organization for a specific purpose. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid, making them an attractive source of funding for various activities, such as research, education, public service projects, and business ventures. Examples include student grants, research grants, the Sovereign Grant paid by the UK Treasury to the monarch, and some European Regional Development Fund payments in the European Union.

Baton Rouge Area Foundation is a community foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Louisiana's capital region, and is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible nonprofit organization. Since inception, the Foundation has granted over $650 million.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fund accounting</span> An accounting system used for special reporting requirements

Fund accounting is an accounting system for recording resources whose use has been limited by the donor, grant authority, governing agency, or other individuals or organisations or by law. It emphasizes accountability rather than profitability, and is used by nonprofit organizations and by governments. In this method, a fund consists of a self-balancing set of accounts and each are reported as either unrestricted, temporarily restricted or permanently restricted based on the provider-imposed restrictions.

Community foundations (CFs) are instruments of civil society designed to pool donations into a coordinated investment and grant making facility dedicated primarily to the social improvement of a given place. Community foundations are a global phenomenon with 1700 existing around the world, of which over 700 are in the United States. Private foundations are typically endowed by an individual or a single family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Psoriasis Foundation</span> Nonprofit organization

The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is one of the world's largest nonprofit organization serving people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The NPF provides information and services to help people manage their condition while supporting research to find a cure. In addition to serving more than 3 million people annually through patient and professional health education and advocacy initiatives, the NPF has funded more than $10 million in psoriatic disease research grants and fellowships.

In the United States, federal assistance, also known as federal aid, federal benefits, or federal funds, is defined as any federal program, project, service, or activity provided by the federal government that directly assists domestic governments, organizations, or individuals in the areas of education, health, public safety, public welfare, and public works, among others.

The Boston Foundation is a community foundation established in 1915. Serving the city of Boston, Massachusetts, it is made up of nearly 1,100 separate charitable funds established by donors over more than 100 years. Funds are set up for the community or for special purposes, such as supporting individual non-profit organizations or particular causes. Since 2001, the Boston Foundation has commissioned and published research, hosted forums and platforms for discussion and public policy development, and joined or formed coalitions addressing issues around individual-, systems- and root-level causes of inequity facing Boston and the region.

The Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation was an office new to the Obama Administration, created within the White House, to catalyze new and innovative ways of encouraging government to do business differently. Its first director was the economist Sonal Shah. The final director was David Wilkinson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Grantsmanship Center</span>

The Grantsmanship Center is a private training, and resource organization for nonprofit academic and government agencies around the globe. The Center was founded in 1972 in Los Angeles, where it is still headquartered. The Center's training programs and publications cover grant management, applying for federal grants, social enterprise for non-profits, and writing proposals for research funding. As of 2019, the Center had trained more than 140,000 people.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) was established in 1984, and is located in Salisbury, Maryland. Its mission is to "To strengthen our community by connecting people who care with causes that matter to improve quality of life in our region" and its vision is for "...a community where all can live, learn, work, create and prosper". It serves the three lower counties of the Eastern Shore of Maryland: Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester.

Grant management software is a program or application that helps non-profits administer the grant process. Some software is designed to help foundations to organize, prioritize, and process the grant applications they receive from charities, as well as simplify oversight of the grants they make. Other software is designed to be used by grantseekers to help them organize and write their grant applications. Both types of software, as well as combined solutions serving both sets of users, are available as self-hosted programs or web-based cloud applications.

El Pomar Foundation is a private, general purpose foundation established in 1937 by Spencer and Julie Penrose. With a mission to "enhance, encourage, and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado," El Pomar Foundation provides more than $22 million annually in grants and programs throughout the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Bohnett Foundation</span>

The David Bohnett Foundation is a private foundation that gives grants to organizations that focus on its core giving areas – primarily Los Angeles area programs and LGBT rights in the United States, as well as leadership initiatives and voter education, gun violence prevention, and animal language research. It was founded by David Bohnett in 1999. As of 2022, the foundation has donated $125 million to nonprofit organizations and initiatives.

The Hispanic Federation (HF) is a U.S based non-governmental organization focused on supporting Hispanic communities through local, state, and national advocacy. The Federation was founded in New York City in 1990 by a small group of Latino leaders, establishing initiatives to advocate for the interests of the Hispanic community and has expanded to establish programs, and policies in 16 states. The organization's objective is to empower and advance the Hispanic community primarily through service pillars, membership services, advocacy, and community programs. The Federation has formed relationships with a network of 100 Latino grassroots nonprofits, as well as collaborating with organizations, government officials, and private sector partners to enact systemic change related to a variety of socioeconomic issues for Hispanic communities. The Federation has gained national recognition for its work in areas of education, health, immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, environment, and organizational development to strengthening Latino institutions to ultimately increase the quality of life within Hispanic communities.

The Foundation for the Carolinas is a donor-advised charity with a non-exclusive focus on North Carolina and South Carolina.

References

  1. U.S. Government Publishing Office. "Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977." Available at: (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-91/pdf/STATUTE-91-Pg319.pdf). Accessed 19 November 2024.
  2. "31 U.S. Code § 6305 - Using cooperative agreements". LII / Legal Information Institute.
  3. Biden, J., Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America's Workers, Executive Order 14005, published 28 January 2021, accessed 3 November 2023
  4. - FederalGrants.com; definition of "block grant"
  5. Jonathan Weisman (March 27, 2006). "Proposals Call For Disclosure of Ties to Lobbyists". Washington Post. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
  6. "Students grants and scholarships".
  7. Dynes, Adam M., and Gregory A. Huber. 2015. “Partisanship and the Allocation of Federal Spending: Do Same-Party Legislators or Voters Benefit from Shared Party Affiliation with the President and House Majority?” American Political Science Review 109 (1). Cambridge University Press: 172–86. doi:10.1017/S000305541400063X.
  8. Kriner, Douglas L., and Andrew Reeves. 2015. The Particularistic President: Executive Branch Politics and Political Inequality. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/CBO9781139839341.
  9. Napolio, Nicholas G. 2021. “Implementing Presidential Particularism: Bureaucracy and the Distribution of Federal Grants.” Political Science Research and Methods. Cambridge University Press, 1–11. doi:10.1017/psrm.2021.29.