I thought the wording was a little bit strange. You could be right. What would be the implications for me as a developer to receive a grant?

It depends on if it's you or your company.

For academics, when you get a fellowship or grant that must be recorded on the 1099-misc in the united states. And you pay full taxes as an independent contractor.

I am not a lawyer nor am I an accountant. This is not legal or tax advice :)