Teaching Paper: Glossary of Key Terms in Grant Reporting and Evaluation – Building a Shared Language for Non-Profit Practice
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global | NEYA Global Publishing
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-gr-tp-02
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About the Teaching Paper
This Teaching Paper presents a glossary of more than 30 essential terms used in non-profit grant reporting and program evaluation. It provides clear definitions and practical notes, ensuring consistent understanding across organizations, funders, and stakeholders. By standardizing language, the glossary strengthens accountability, prevents misinterpretation, and enhances transparency in reporting.
Drawing on the work of Bryson, Drucker, and Patton, the glossary situates key concepts within academic discourse while adapting them for practice. A case study demonstrates how adopting shared terminology improved donor–NGO collaboration, while reflection questions encourage readers to evaluate their own organizational language use. This resource serves as both a teaching tool and a practical framework for building credibility and supporting high-quality reporting.
Key Topics
- Standardized definitions for accountability, reporting, and evaluation
- Clarification of terms such as outputs, outcomes, impact, KPIs, and sustainability
- Practical applications of terminology in grant reporting
- Case study on improving funder–NGO collaboration through shared vocabulary
- Challenges such as translation, jargon, and overlapping definitions
- Reflection prompts for organizational training and practice
Academic Value
The paper contributes to non-profit research and practice by establishing a shared vocabulary that bridges theory and application. For academics, it supports teaching and comparative research in evaluation. For practitioners, it provides an adaptable tool that improves reporting quality, reduces misunderstandings, and strengthens funder relationships.
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Glossary of Key Terms in Grant Reporting and Evaluation – Building a Shared Language for Non-Profit Practice. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-gr-tp-02
References
Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations. Jossey-Bass.
Drucker, P. F. (1990). Managing the Non-Profit Organization: Practices and Principles. HarperCollins.
Patton, M. Q. (2008). Utilization-Focused Evaluation. Sage.
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Grant Reporting and Data Analysis in Non-Profit Organizations: Foundations and Practices. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grant-data-01
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Grant reporting templates - A practical framework for non-profit accountability and impact. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-gr-tp-01
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Developing a reporting framework for non-profit organizations: Goals, indicators, and data systems. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grant-data-03
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Ethical considerations in grant reporting: Integrity, consent, and accountability. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grant-data-09
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Monitoring & Evaluation in International Development. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/monitoring-evaluation-international-development-2025
Ebrahim, A. (2003). Accountability in practice: Mechanisms for NGOs. World Development, 31(5), 813-829.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(03)00014-7
