grantees

Grantees are individuals or organizations that receive funding through a grant awarded by a grantmaker, such as a foundation, government agency, or corporation. The grant is intended to support a defined project, program, research, or activity, rather than a loan that must be repaid. Grantees are selected through an application or invitation process and must meet eligibility criteria set by the grantmaker.

Grant agreements specify purpose, amount, duration, approved uses, disbursement schedule, and reporting requirements. Grants may be restricted to certain activities or geographic areas, and may include matching funds or cost-sharing obligations. Funds are typically disbursed in installments contingent on meeting milestones or satisfactory reporting.

Grantees have fiduciary responsibilities to use funds in accordance with the grant terms, maintain appropriate financial records, and comply with applicable laws and ethical standards. Intellectual property, authorship, and dissemination rights are typically defined in the grant agreement, including whether results must be shared openly or published with funder acknowledgment. Grantees may be required to obtain approvals for subgrants or collaborations and to manage conflicts of interest.

Monitoring and evaluation: Grantees provide progress reports, financial statements, and final reports. Grantmakers may conduct site visits or audits and can withhold, suspend, or terminate funding for noncompliance or unsatisfactory performance. Recipients may be required to repay funds or face penalties if conditions are not met.

Common grantees include nonprofit organizations, universities and research institutes, schools, government agencies, and individual researchers or artists supported by fellowships. The term contrasts with grantors, who award funds, and with contractors, who provide services under a different type of agreement.