Grantmakers are generally categorized by the source of their funds - federal, state, local government, private foundations, corporate, or community foundations - each with distinct expectations for applications, documentation, and reporting.  Federal and state/local grants tend to be the most regulated and documentation-intensive, requiring standardized forms, strict compliance with regulations, detailed budgets, and rigorous financial and programmatic reporting. In contrast, private and corporate grants often offer more flexibility but still expect clear organizational financials, outcomes data, and alignment with their priorities.

​

Typical grant sources include federal agencies offering project and formula grants, state agencies that may pass through federal funds or use state appropriations, local governments with policy-driven funding goals, and private or corporate foundations funded by individual wealth or business interests. Documentation requirements vary accordingly: federal grants demand extensive policies and audits, state/local grants require clear scopes and certifications, while private and corporate grants usually ask for organizational summaries, narratives, and basic financial documents. 

​

Reporting (or grant evaluations once awarded) also differs, with federal grants requiring performance-linked financial reports and possible single audits, state/local  grants needing periodic financial and outcome updates, and private funders often requesting narrative progress reports and budget comparisons. Across all types, funders expect detailed financial tracking, outcome measurement, and record retention to ensure accountability and transparency.