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CSA Manual/CSA Publications

Most Common Terms

Formula Grants - Allocations of money to States or their subdivisions in accordance with a distribution formula prescribed by law or administrative regulation, for activities of a continuing nature not confined to a specific project. Formula grants are usually based on population, unemployment levels, census data or other demographic indicators. Most formula grants go directly to state agencies for on-going services through block grants or categorical programs. OJP formula grant programs provide funding to state agencies, which may, in turn, subgrant funds to support relevant projects of local governments and private agencies. 

Earmarked Funds - Legislative directives in the appropriations laws (as distinct from authorization acts) are "earmarked funds" that dictate how to spend certain portions of funds appropriated within larger funding programs. Earmarks are both "hard" and "soft." Hard earmarks are written into legislation, usually with specific amounts to be spent and the specific recipient of the funding identified. Soft  earmarks are based upon conference reports. Earmarks occur in a specific fiscal year and may not be continued to the next fiscal year.  Project Grants - The funding, for fixed or known periods, of specific projects or the delivery of specific services or products without liability for damages for failure to perform. Project grants include fellowships, scholarships, research grants, training grants, traineeships, experimental and demonstration grants, evaluation grants, planning grants, technical assistance grants, survey grants, construction grants, and unsolicited contractual agreements. 


Initiative - Initiatives are special efforts by federal departments and tend to focus on specific issues. 


Discretionary Grants - Sometimes referred to as "project grants," discretionary grants support research, evaluation, and demonstration projects or service projects. Discretionary funds are awarded for specific periods of time, usually one to five years.

*This glossary was obtained from a federal agency (U.S. Executive Office for Weed and Seed.)

For a more extensive list of grant-related terms, click MORE DEFINITIONS.  You will be transported to a glossary that appears on the U.S. Department of Education’s Website.

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