The Grant Project Library

Working at the intersection of
grant strategy and federal compliance.

The Grant Project helps local governments and nonprofits build the organizational foundation for sustainable grant funding. Every resource here connects to the systems, strategy, and compliance work that actually moves organizations forward.

$1.25B
In competitive grants secured
20+
Years of federal grant expertise
175+
Clients served across the U.S. and territories
2 CFR 200
Federal compliance and NICRA specialists
Grant Readiness Hub

Not sure where your organization actually stands?

Get free access to the tools The Grant Project uses to assess and build grant readiness for local governments and nonprofits across the country.

  • 10 interactive worksheets Real-world examples built for local governments and nonprofits. Save your work, print as a PDF, and reuse as your organization grows.
  • 4 Financial Fundamentals guides Understand what accounting systems are, why they matter, and how they affect your grant competitiveness.
  • The proven pathway The same framework behind $1.25 billion in competitive grants secured for clients across the US.

Join the organizations doing this work.

Local governments and nonprofits building real grant readiness, one step at a time.

Grant ReadinessGrant StrategyGrant ComplianceFunding StrategyCapacity BuildingNICRA
ICAP vs NICRA: What Each One Is and Why It Matters

ICAP vs NICRA: What Each One Is and Why It Matters

Published on: 07/22/2026

An ICAP is the indirect cost proposal you submit. A NICRA is the signed agreement you receive. Here is the difference and why it matters for federal awards.

Grant ComplianceNICRA
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The NICRA Vocabulary Every Local Government and Nonprofit Should Know

The NICRA Vocabulary Every Local Government and Nonprofit Should Know

Published on: 07/14/2026

Clarity on indirect costs saves time, reduces audit risk, and strengthens your funding strategy. This guide defines the core NICRA terms your team needs to communicate clearly across finance, grants, and program teams—and to negotiate and apply your rate with confidence. Whether you manage a single federal award or a portfolio with multiple pass-through subawards, a shared vocabulary ensures consistent budgeting, reporting, and compliance. Use this glossary to align your internal processes and to set expectations with funders and partners.

NICRA
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The USDA NIFA 30 Percent Indirect Cost Cap, Explained

The USDA NIFA 30 Percent Indirect Cost Cap, Explained

Published on: 07/09/2026

Many USDA NIFA grants cap indirect costs at 30 percent of total federal funds awarded. Learn how the cap works with your NICRA or de minimis rate and how to budget it correctly.

NICRA
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The Civic Infrastructure Reading List

The Civic Infrastructure Reading List

Published on: 06/30/2026

A reading list for the people who keep American civic life running: 26 books on local government, nonprofits, and public service to celebrate your contributions to the nation’s 250th year.

Grant ReadinessCapacity BuildingNICRA
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