To make your funding research more efficient and effective, we have developed a glossary that defines the terms we use in both the Areas of Interest and the Types of Support categories within the U.S. Charitable Giving database.
The easiest way to navigate this glossary is via your Internet browser's standard word search or "Find" function (Control+F or Command+F on your keyboard).
If you have any questions about these definitions, or how to use them most effectively, please contact our Research Department.
| Index: |
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Arts/Culture/Humanities: General – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on arts, culture, or humanities without listing a specific area or that focus on areas not listed above.
Architecture – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- conservation programs;
- educational programs; and,
- research projects.
Art Education – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to, arts education programs that target:
- higher education;
- K-12 education; and,
- the community at large.
Art History – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- educational programs; and,
- research projects.
Audience Development – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- programs that provide cultural opportunities for underserved populations; and,
- programs that strive to broaden, or diversify, the audience for the performing arts or other types of art programs.
Crafts – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- exhibitions; and,
- educational programs.
Dance – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- commissioning new work;
- educational programs; and,
- production support.
Ethnic/Cultural Awareness – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- ethnic art programs;
- minority artists; and,
- culture-specific programs.
Humanities – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- educational programs; and,
- research projects.
Literary Arts – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- educational programs;
- research projects;
- language arts; and,
- literature and poetry programs.
Museums – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- art museums;
- community museums;
- history museums; and,
- science and technology museums.
Music – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- commissioning new work;
- educational programs; and,
- production support.
Opera – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- commissioning new work;
- educational programs; and,
- production support.
Photography – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- educational programs; and,
- exhibitions.
Theater – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- commissioning new work;
- educational programs; and,
- production support.
Visual Arts – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- educational programs; and,
- exhibitions.
Civic Affairs
Civic Affairs: General – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on civic affairs without listing a specific area or that focus on areas not listed within this category.
Democracy/Citizenship – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- civic participation;
- civil liberties;
- civil society;
- defending freedom;
- election reform/voter rights;
- free enterprise/free market;
- limited government;
- responsible citizenship;
- strengthening democracy; and,
- voter registration/education.
Government Accountability – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- campaign finance reform;
- good governance; and,
- government transparency.
International Affairs – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on international affairs, typically at the governmental or academic level.
Justice/Law – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- civil justice;
- criminal justice;
- juvenile justice;
- law enforcement;
- legal reform;
- legal rights;
- legal aid;
- rule of law;
- legislative affairs;
- police reform programs; and,
- public interest law.
Leadership Development – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- grassroots leadership programs;
- leadership awards;
- programs for business/education leaders;
- programs for community/civic leaders;
- programs for minorities;
- programs for women and girls; and,
- programs for youth.
Local Government – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on issues affecting local/municipal government.
Peace/Security – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- arms control programs;
- combating terrorism;
- global security issues;
- international conflict resolution;
- international peace; and,
- nonviolence movements.
Philanthropy – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- encouraging philanthropy/charitable giving;
- philanthropic awards;
- philanthropic research; and,
- strengthening the philanthropic sector.
Public Policy – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- public policy addressing specific areas such as the environment, health, children and youth, peace, social justice, etc.;
- public policy awards;
- public policy development;
- public policy internships/fellowships;
- public policy reform; and,
- public policy research.
Public Service/Volunteerism – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- civic engagement;
- community service programs;
- encouraging volunteerism;
- public service awards
- public service research; and,
- service-learning programs in K-12 schools and higher education institutions.
Community & Economic Development
Community Development: General – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on community development without listing a specific area or that focus on areas not listed within this category.
Economic Development: General – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on economic development without listing a specific area or that focus on areas not listed within this category.
Disaster Relief/Humanitarian Aid – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- disaster preparedness programs; and,
- disaster relief and humanitarian aid (local, national, and/or international).
Employment/Job Training/Workforce Development – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- career development;
- employment awards;
- employment research;
- job creation;
- job skills/employment training;
- welfare-to-work initiatives; and,
- workforce development.
Financial Literacy/Financial Services– Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- consumer education;
- financial education;
- financial/economic literacy; and,
- financial services/planning.
Historic Preservation – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- conservation of cultural heritage resources/traditions;
- historic preservation awards;
- historic preservation study/research;
- preservation of historic buildings/objects/sites;
- preservation technology training; and,
- restoration projects.
Housing – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- affordable housing;
- fair housing;
- homeownership;
- housing awards;
- housing for seniors;
- housing for the disabled;
- housing research; and,
- low- to moderate-income housing.
Labor Issues – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- fair labor laws;
- labor/workplace organizing;
- labor relations;
- labor research;
- migrant/farm workers; and,
- worker's rights.
Microfinance – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that give low-income people an opportunity to become self-sufficient by providing banking or financial services to those with limited access.
Neighborhood Revitalization/Beautification – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- community clean-up;
- community improvement awards;
- community planning;
- litter prevention;
- neighborhood beautification/enhancement;
- neighborhood business creation;
- neighborhood organizing; and,
- neighborhood revitalization/betterment.
Parks & Recreation – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- outdoor recreation programs;
- playgrounds and play activities;
- public parks and spaces;
- recreation programs for specific populations, e.g. children, the disabled, etc.; and,
- summer and/or youth camps.
Public Safety Issues – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- boating safety;
- driving/traffic safety;
- farm safety;
- homeland security/terrorism threat reduction; and,
- safe neighborhoods.
Rural Affairs – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- 4-H programs;
- agricultural cooperatives;
- family farm programs;
- rural development;
- rural education; and,
- programs targeting rural areas.
Small Business/Entrepreneurship – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- business incubators;
- business training/education;
- cooperatives;
- entrepreneurial education; and,
- small business development.
Social Entrepreneurship – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- seed money for social entrepreneurs;
- social business ventures; and,
- social innovation.
Sports – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- specific sports, such as baseball, football, basketball, soccer, biking, boating, sport fishing, golf, climbing, running, etc.;
- sports medicine;
- sports/athletic programs for the disabled;
- sports/athletic programs for the underserved; and,
- youth sports programs/camps.
Sustainable Development – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- sustainable communities;
- sustainable economic development;
- sustainable energy development;
- sustainable environment;
- sustainable forestry; and,
- sustainable resource development.
Transportation – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- alternative transportation;
- aviation;
- marine transportation;
- public transportation/mass transit;
- railways;
- transportation policy and planning; and,
- transportation safety.
Urban Development – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on community and economic development in urban areas.
Education
Education: General – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on education without listing a specific area or that focus on areas not listed within this category.
Adult/Continuing – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- adult education programs;
- adult literacy programs;
- continuing education programs; and,
- GED preparation.
After-School/Out-of School Programs – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- after-school programs;
- out-of-school programs;
- summer enrichment programs; and,
- tutoring programs.
Bicultural/Bilingual – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- bilingual programs;
- cultural exchanges;
- English as a Second Language (ESL);
- foreign language programs;
- language preservation; and,
- culture-specific educational programs.
Charter Schools – Grantmaker supports K-12 charter schools and/or magnet schools and their programs and projects.
Curriculum Development – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- advancement of basic curriculum;
- awards for curriculum development;
- curriculum development projects; and,
- curriculum enrichment/innovation efforts.
Early Childhood/Childcare – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- childcare/daycare;
- early childhood development;
- early childhood education policy/research;
- preschool programs; and,
- school-readiness.
Education Reform/Innovation – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- education innovation;
- education policy development;
- higher education reform;
- K-12 education reform; and,
- systemic education reform.
Health/Physical Education – Grantmaker supports the programs of nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, including elementary/secondary schools and higher education institutions, that focus on physical education and/or health education.
Higher Education – Grantmaker supports public and/or private higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations that focus on higher education issues. Higher education awards, fellowships, and scholarships for individuals are included in this category.
K-12 Education – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- anti-bullying programs;
- college preparation and access;
- dropout prevention; and,
- K-12 educator and classroom support.
Libraries – Grantmaker supports libraries and programs and projects administered by libraries. Awards, fellowships, and scholarships for librarians are also included in this category.
Literacy – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- early literacy development;
- family literacy programs;
- literacy programs for adults;
- literacy programs for children;
- programs encouraging reading;
- reading skills programs; and,
- reading material donations.
Private Education – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- private K-12 schools and/or higher education institutions;
- religious/parochial K-12 schools and/or higher education institutions; and,
- voucher/parental choice programs.
School-to-Work – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- career exploration/development programs;
- school-to-work programs; and,
- secondary school workforce preparation programs.
Special Education – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- programs for autistic children;
- programs for developmentally or physically challenged students;
- programs for gifted students;
- programs for students with learning disabilities; and,
- programs for students with special needs.
STEM Education – Grantmaker supports science/technology/engineering/math programs at the K-12, higher education, or general public level.
Teacher/Faculty Development – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- higher education faculty development programs, workshops, seminars, etc.;
- K-12 teacher development programs, workshops, seminars, etc.; and,
- teacher training programs at colleges and universities;
Vocational – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- vocational programs at K-12 schools;
- vocational/trade schools; and,
- vocational training programs.
Environment & Animals
Environment & Animals: General – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on the environment or animals without listing a specific area, or that focus on areas not listed within this category.
Air/Water Quality – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- air quality;
- greenhouse gas reduction;
- water conservation;
- water quality;
- water resource management/conservation; and,
- safe water.
Animal Welfare – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- alternatives to animal testing/humane care of laboratory animals;
- animal abuse and cruelty prevention;
- animal shelter programs;
- animal protection/welfare;
- companion animal programs;
- humane societies;
- humane treatment of farm/food animals;
- no-kill philosophy programs;
- pet adoption programs;
- spay/neuter programs; and,
- veterinary programs.
Biodiversity – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- biodiversity conservation;
- ecological studies/research; and,
- ecosystem management/preservation.
Endangered Species – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on endangered species, including any plant or animal species whose ability to survive and reproduce has been jeopardized.
Energy – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- alternative energy sources, including wind, solar, and biofuels;
- carbon credits;
- energy conservation/efficiency;
- energy policy reform; and,
- sustainable/renewable energy development.
Environmental Education – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- children/youth environmental education;
- college/university environmental education;
- community/public environmental education;
- environmental conservation training;
- environmental literacy;
- environmental sciences/research;
- K-12 environmental education; and,
- outdoor education.
Environmental Health – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- the relationship between human health and the environment;
- the prevention of environmental hazards that affect health;
- occupational health/industrial hygiene; and,
- environmental health policy.
Environmental Justice – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- environmental contamination/brownfields cleanup;
- environmental laws/policy reform; and,
- environmental risks in low-income communities.
Forest Issues – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- community/urban forestry;
- forest protection/reforestation;
- forestry sciences/research;
- old growth forest protection;
- rainforest preservation;
- sustainable forestry;
- timber industry/forest product issues; and,
- tree planting programs.
Global Warming/Climate Change – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- climate adaptation/mitigation;
- climate literacy; and,
- greenhouse gas reduction.
Green Economy/Building – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- environmentally responsible/sustainable building;
- green job creation;
- environmentally-friendly products;
- interdependence of the economy and the environment;
- resource/energy efficient building; and,
- sustainable economic development.
Land/Habitat Protection – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- ecosystem/habitat protection;
- land conservation; and,
- land acquisition.
Land Use Planning – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on land use planning and/or land management in both rural and urban areas.
Marine Issues – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- aquatic/underwater education;
- coral reef protection;
- fisheries issues;
- marine life conservation;
- marine sciences/research; and,
- ocean/coastal habitat preservation.
Natural Resources – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- mining/extractive industries reform;
- natural resource conservation (water, land, plants, energy, etc.); and,
- sustainable natural resource use.
Organic Farming/Local Food – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- farmers’ markets;
- local food issues;
- organic farming movement; and,
- sustainable agriculture.
Population Issues – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on population control issues.
Recycling – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on recycling, including electronics, industrial materials, household products (bottles/cans), etc.
Rivers/Lakes/Wetlands – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- fresh water conservation/protection;
- lake conservation/protection;
- river conservation/protection; and,
- wetlands conservation/protection.
Toxics/Wastes – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- nuclear waste reduction;
- pollution prevention (smog, pesticides, lead, etc.);
- toxics/chemical contamination reduction; and,
- waste management/sanitation issues.
Trails – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- bicycle/walking trails;
- greenway development;
- trails in local communities; and,
- trails in wilderness areas.
Watershed Protection – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on watershed protection.
Wilderness – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on wilderness/wild lands protection.
Wildlife Conservation – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- wildlife management;
- wildlife habitat protection; and,
- wildlife sciences/research.
Zoos – Grantmaker supports zoos and/or aquariums, and related programs.
Health/Wellness
Health/Wellness: General – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on health and/or wellness without listing a specific area or that focus on areas not listed within this category.
Alternative Health/Wellness – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- alternative medicine;
- integrative healthcare;
- massage therapy;
- meditation programs;
- mind/body connection;
- wellness centers/retreats; and,
- yoga practice.
Animal-assisted Therapy/Service Dogs – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- canine-assisted therapy;
- equine-assisted therapy;
- guide dogs; and,
- search and rescue dogs.
Emergency Services – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- ambulance services;
- emergency medical services;
- emergency medicine research; and,
- trauma healthcare issues.
Healthcare Delivery/Access – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- access to healthcare;
- disparities in healthcare;
- healthcare delivery for specific populations, e.g. children, the elderly, the disabled, gays and lesbians, migrant workers, etc.
- healthcare quality/improvement;
- healthcare research;
- healthcare worker issues;
- healthcare for the uninsured/underinsured;
- Medicare/Medicaid issues; and,
- patient services/treatment.
Healthcare Reform – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- bioethics/biomedical advancements;
- healthcare policy; and,
- healthcare reform initiatives.
Healthy Eating/Nutrition – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- nutrition research;
- healthy diets/eating;
- malnutrition; and,
- nutrition education.
Healthy Lifestyles/Obesity Prevention – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- active lifestyle programs;
- obesity prevention programs; and,
- physical fitness and exercise programs.
Hospice – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- end-of-life care;
- hospice organizations; and,
- palliative care.
Hospitals/Clinics – Grantmaker supports hospitals, clinics, and/or other health facilities.
Medical Research – Grantmaker supports medical research, including awards, grants, fellowships, and scholarships for individuals.
Mental Health – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- counseling services;
- mental health training;
- mental health treatment/therapy;
- mental illness prevention;
- mental health research;
- psychiatric/psychological issues; and,
- specific mental disorders, e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, depression, dementia, etc.
Prenatal/Child/Maternal Health – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- childbirth issues;
- maternal healthcare;
- fetal/newborn healthcare; and,
- pediatric care.
Professional Education – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- health professional training;
- medical education; and,
- physician/nurse education.
Public Health – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- global health issues;
- immunization programs; and,
- public health issues.
Reproductive Health/Family Planning – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- family planning programs;
- reproductive health services;
- reproductive rights/freedom;
- sex education; and,
- teen pregnancy prevention.
Rural Health Issues – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on health issues in rural areas.
Substance Abuse – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- alcohol and drug abuse prevention/treatment;
- drug policy reform;
- tobacco cessation/anti-smoking programs;
- second-hand smoke issues; and,
- substance abuse research.
Telemedicine – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on healthcare delivery through the use of telecommunications technologies.
Health: Diseases
Health: Diseases: General – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on the research, prevention, and/or treatment of diseases without listing a specific disease or that focus on diseases not listed within this category.
Alzheimer’s – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on Alzheimer’s disease research, prevention, and/or treatment.
Cancer – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on cancer research, prevention, and/or treatment.
Diabetes – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on diabetes research, prevention, and/or treatment.
Heart Disease – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on heart disease/cardiac research, prevention, and/or treatment.
HIV/AIDS – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on HIV/AIDS research, prevention, and/or treatment.
Media/Communications
Media/Communications: General – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on media or communication issues without listing a specific area or that focus on areas not listed within this category.
Film/Video – Grantmaker supports organizations/individuals that focus on film/video issues or organizations/individuals that request funding for film/video projects.
Internet – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on Internet programs, services, and/or access.
Journalism/Publishing – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- book/periodical publication;
- freedom of the press; and,
- journalism/newspaper issues.
Radio – Grantmaker supports public broadcasting/nonprofit radio stations, radio programming, or other radio issues.
Television – Grantmaker supports public broadcasting/nonprofit television stations, television programming, or other television issues.
Religion & Ethics
Religion & Ethics: General – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on religion or ethics without listing a specific area or that focus on areas not listed within this category.
Christian – Grantmaker supports Christian churches or programs/organizations or programs that focus on issues of importance to the Christian community.
Eastern Religions – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on a specific Eastern religion or Eastern religious philosophy in general.
Interfaith – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that address issues of importance to the religious community in general and/or that strive to create harmony among different religions.
Islamic/Muslim – Grantmaker supports Islamic/Muslim mosques or programs/organizations or programs that focus on issues of importance to the Islamic/Muslim community.
Jewish – Grantmaker supports Jewish synagogues and programs/organizations or programs that focus on issues of importance to the Jewish community.
Philosophy/Ethics – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on some aspect of philosophy or ethics, including educational programs.
Sciences & Social Sciences
Sciences/Social Sciences: General – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on sciences or social sciences without listing a specific area or that focus on areas not listed within this category.
Agriculture/Horticulture – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- 4-H programs;
- agricultural cooperatives;
- agricultural education;
- botanical gardens;
- family farm programs;
- food production and distribution; and,
- horticultural education.
.
Economics/Business – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- accounting issues/education;
- business issues/education;
- economic issues/education;
- financial/market research;
- international trade issues; and,
- private enterprise issues/education.
History – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- cultural heritage;
- historical research/studies;
- historical societies; and,
- history issues/education.
Life/Environmental/Earth Sciences – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- biology;
- ecology;
- evolution; and,
- geosciences.
Physical Sciences – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- astronomy;
- chemistry;
- engineering;
- material science; and,
- physics.
Social/Behavioral Sciences – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- anthropology;
- political science;
- psychology; and,
- sociology.
Technology – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on technology-related issues.
Social Services & Issues
Social Services: General – Funder supports programs/organizations that focus on social services/human services without listing a specific area or that focus on areas not listed within this category.
Social Issues: General – Funder supports programs/organizations that focus on social issues without listing a specific area or that focus on areas not listed within this category.
Civil Rights – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- civil liberties;
- first amendment rights/freedom of speech; and,
- rights for specific groups (minorities, LGBTQ, workers, immigrants, etc.).
Community Organizing – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- advocacy groups;
- community building/empowerment;
- grassroots activism; and,
- organizing efforts targeting specific issues/groups (youth, women, minorities, poverty, labor, etc.).
Conflict Resolution – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on conflict resolution, mediation programs, or reconciliation efforts.
Crime/Violence Prevention – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- anti-crime programs;
- gang prevention;
- gun control issues;
- human trafficking;
- nonviolence efforts;
- victim/survivor issues; and,
- youth crime/juvenile delinquency prevention.
Note: Domestic violence is a separate category under Social Services & Issues.
Crisis Intervention – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- children and families in crisis;
- emergency assistance;
- intervention programs; and,
- rape crisis centers.
.
Death/Bereavement – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- bereavement programs; and,
- end-of-life issues.
Domestic Violence/Child Abuse – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- child abuse treatment and prevention;
- elder abuse treatment and prevention;
- domestic/family violence treatment and prevention;
- shelters for battered women/children; and,
- violence against women issues.
Economic Justice – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- economic equality for women, minorities, or other disadvantaged groups;
- inclusive economic growth; and,
- trade equity.
Families/Parenting – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- adoption programs;
- family services;
- parenting programs; and,
- strengthening families.
Human Rights – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- equal rights;
- right to a fair trial;
- freedom of thought, religion, and expression;
- human/sex trafficking;
- right to a nationality;
- freedom from discrimination; and,
- freedom from slavery, torture, and cruelty.
Hunger/Homeless – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- food banks/food distribution;
- homeless shelters;
- hunger relief;
- programs for the homeless;
- solutions to hunger;
- preventing homelessness; and,
- transitional housing.
Poverty – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- low-income issues;
- poverty alleviation;
- poverty policy/research; and,
- programs for the poor.
Prison Reform/Ex-Offenders Programs– Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- alternatives to incarceration;
- death penalty reform;
- ex-offender programs;
- prison inmate programs;
- prison system reform;
- recidivism reduction; and,
- sentencing reform.
Race Relations/Diversity/Equity – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- diversity programs (workplace, educational institutions, etc.);
- eliminating discrimination/racism;
- multicultural programs;
- racial equality/justice;
- relationships between ethnic, cultural, racial, religious, and/or other groups; and,
- tolerance programs.
Social Change – Funder supports programs/organizations that focus on social change, including programs that focus on the root causes of social problems and that advocate for systemic reform.
Social Justice/Equality – Topics under this category include, but are not limited to:
- equal access to goods and services;
- grassroots social movements;
- programs addressing inequality; and,
- programs addressing oppression.
Target Populations
Target Populations: General Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that focus on targeted populations without listing a specific area or that focus on areas not listed within this category.
African Americans – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, African Americans.
Alaska Natives – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, Alaska Natives.
Asian/Pacific Islanders – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, Asians or Pacific Islanders, including Native Hawaiians.
Children/Youth – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, children and youth.
Hispanics – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, Hispanics/Latinos.
Immigrants/Refugees – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, immigrants and/or refugees.
LGBTQ – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning community.
Minorities – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, minorities.
Native Americans/First Nations/Indigenous Groups – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, Native Americans.
People with Disabilities – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, people with physical, mental, and/or learning disabilities. (Programs for people with mental health issues are included in the Mental Health category under Health/Wellness.)
Seniors/Aging – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, the elderly/seniors. Programs that address other aging issues are also included in this category.
Veterans/Military Affairs – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, veterans, military personnel, and/or military families. Programs that address military policy/affairs are also included in this category.
Women/Girls – Grantmaker supports programs/organizations that provide services to, or focus on issues of importance to, women and/or girls.
Types of Support
Advocacy – Grantmaker provides support for organizations that advocate for specific issues, such as children, social change, civil rights, etc.
Awards/Prizes – Grantmaker provides awards and/or prizes to encourage efforts or reward achievement.
Capacity Building – Grantmaker provides support for the development of an organization’s core skills and capabilities, such as leadership, management, and fundraising, in order to build the organization’s effectiveness and sustainability.
Capital/Building Funds – Grantmaker provides support for building/construction projects (bricks and mortar), renovation projects, and/or capital campaigns.
Challenge Grants – Grantmaker provides support dependent on grantees raising additional funds from other sources.
Collaborations/Coalitions – Grantmaker provides support to coalitions of organizations that address issues collaboratively.
Conferences/Seminars/Workshops – Grantmaker provide support for participation in and/or the development of conferences/seminars/workshops.
Emergency Funds – Grantmaker provides support for the emergency and/or unanticipated needs of organizations outside the general funding cycle.
Endowment – Grantmaker provides contributions to endowment funds that are invested in order to provide ongoing support for an organization.
Equipment – Grantmaker provides funds for the purchase of equipment, office furnishings, etc., and/or provides equipment/office furnishing donations.
Events/Sponsorships – Grantmaker provides sponsorships for special events, such as fundraisers, benefits, walk-athons, raffles, auctions, charity tournaments, etc.
Fellowships – Grantmaker administers fellowship programs, and/or provides support for the development of fellowship programs.
Film/Video Projects – Grantmaker provides funds for the development, production, and/or distribution of film/video projects.
For-profit Organizations – Grantmaker provides support to for-profit organizations.
General Operating Support – Grantmaker provides support for organizations without stipulating a specific use of the funds. This support type is also known as operating support or unrestricted grants.
Grassroots – Grantmaker provides support for efforts and/or organizations that work at the local/community level.
Individuals – Grantmaker provides support to individuals, including scholarships, fellowships, awards, etc.
Infrastructure – Grantmaker provides support for community infrastructure improvement, including road construction, development of utility services, etc.
In-kind – Grantmaker provides donations of goods (i.e. office equipment and furnishing) and/or services (i.e. the loan of staff and office space) rather than monetary grants.
Internships – Grantmaker administers internship programs, and/or provides support for the development of internship programs.
Land/Property Acquisition – Grantmaker provides support for the purchase of land, real estate, and/or other major items, such as vehicles.
Loans/PRIs – Grantmaker provides loans or PRIs (program-related investments) to organizations, typically with very low interest rates, or interest-free.
Matching – Grantmaker provides support that requires matching funds from the grantee organization or another funder.
Product Donation – Grantmaker donates products, typically provided by corporate giving programs or corporate foundations.
Project Planning – Grantmaker provides support for the planning phase of special projects or programs.
Project/Program Support – Grantmaker provides support for special projects and programs rather than for the general operations of organizations.
Research – Grantmaker provides support for research projects, including support to research institutions/higher education institutions and/or direct support to individuals.
Residencies – Grantmaker administers residency programs, and/or provides support for the development of residency programs.
Scholarships – Grantmaker administers scholarship programs, and/or provides support for the development of scholarship programs.
Startup Funding – Grantmaker provides support for the start-up phase of special projects and programs, including support for pilot programs.
Technical Assistance – Grantmaker provides services including consulting on staff development, fundraising, grant writing, etc., intended to help organizations improve their operations and programs.
Technology/Computers/Software – Grantmaker provides funds for the purchase of technology/computers/software and/or provides technology/computer/software donations.
Training Programs – Grantmaker provides funds for the development of training programs, and/or offers training programs directly.
Travel Expenses – Grantmaker provides funds for travel expenses, or provides in-kind travel donations, i.e. airline ticket donations.