What each is and how they differ.
WHAT A TENDER IS
A competitive process to award a contract for goods, works or services.
WHAT A GRANT IS
Funding provided for a purpose, without the funder receiving goods or services in return.
WHY THE DISTINCTION MATTERS
A tender produces a commercial contract; a grant produces an obligation to deliver a stated purpose and account for the money.
WHO ISSUES TENDERS
Government at every level Public agencies and parastatals Development organisations Large private companies Institutions and foundations
WHO PROVIDES GRANTS
Government programmes Development agencies and donors Foundations Corporate programmes Industry bodies
WHY BUSINESSES PURSUE THEM
Large contract values Predictable work Credibility from having delivered Funding for things that would otherwise not be financed
WHAT THEY COST
Substantial effort to bid Long decision periods Compliance and reporting obligations Slow payment, frequently
WHY THAT MATTERS
Pursuing them without understanding the cost produces effort with no return.
WHAT DETERMINES SUCCESS
Eligibility Meeting the stated requirements exactly Demonstrable capability A credible price Compliance with the process
WHY COMPLIANCE DESERVES EMPHASIS
Most unsuccessful bids fail on process rather than on substance.
WHAT TO TREAT THIS CATEGORY AS
Practical guidance, with specific requirements taken from each opportunity's documents.
