What is a project grant?

A project grant is specifically designed to provide funding for particular projects with defined objectives and a set timeframe for completion. This type of grant is characterized by its competitive nature, meaning that applicants must demonstrate how their project aligns with the funding agency’s goals and how they will effectively execute the project within the stipulated period. Project grants are often awarded to support initiatives that have a clear endpoint, such as research efforts, educational programs, or community improvements, rather than perpetual or ongoing operational support.

By focusing on defined purposes and limited durations, project grants help ensure that funding is directed toward specific outcomes and achievements, encouraging innovation and accountability in the use of public or private funds. This contrasts with ongoing governmental activities, which typically require a steady source of funding to maintain continuous operations, rather than the targeted focus of a project grant. Similarly, project grants differ from non-competitive funding sources, which do not require applicants to compete against each other, and from grants that subsidize broad public infrastructure, which may not be limited to specific projects or timelines.