Allocate – To designate funds for a special purpose; the City must still apply for and be awarded allocated funds.

Appropriate – To set aside public funds for a specific purpose; the City must still apply for and be awarded appropriated funds.

Allocation – Funds designated for a special purpose that the City must apply for in order to receive the funds via award.

Award – The release of funds to the City for a project as a result of an application.

Certifications and Assurances – Annual agreements successful applicants are required to sign, stating their ability and willingness to comply with various federal regulations. New grantees must sign them soon after receiving a grant award letter.

Formula Grant - Formula grant programs are non-competitive awards based on a pre-determined formula. These programs are sometimes referred to as state-administered programs, entitlement funding or non-competitive grants.

Competitive Grant - Competitive grants require applicants to submit applications or proposals to obtain funding. Grant awards of funds are based on the quality of the grant proposal and the compliance of the proposal with the grant requirements.

Economic Stimulus - The use of fiscal policy, government spending or tax measures, to support or revive an economy in recession.