What is a Grant?
A grant is a form of assistance, usually financial
in nature, the benefit of which is non-repayable. It
is given by one organization to another to encourage
it to undertake or continue activities that it would
not (or could not) otherwise do without that support.
Alternatively, a grant may be used to persuade the organization
to refrain from certain activities.
Grants can be distinguished from other forms of finance
available to individuals or organizations by the fact
that the grantor's decision to support an organization
is made without the need for direct commercial gain.
Over recent years there has also been a trend to see
grants being offered to encourage public - private sector
co-operation rather than offering public support to
encourage companies to undertake projects they might
not otherwise do. Increasingly, central and state government
support is provided to encourage local authorities to
work with the private sector to release properties that
would otherwise remain derelict, empty or under-utilized.
In so doing regeneration in areas of social, economic
and other need will be accomplished.
The not for profit sector in particular has had to
consider funding how to obtain funding, requiring it
to be more businesslike in its approach. Charity funders
are unlikely to support any scheme that has not been
thought through or could not be continued once their
initial support ceases.
Increasingly, the lines of division between the profit
and the not for profit sectors are becoming blurred
- sports, arts, medical care, education are but four
examples where requests for help could be directed to
government, charitable trusts or commercial sponsors.
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