Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the Grids for Good puzzles like?

The 42 puzzles range anywhere from easy to difficult and include:

We will also include a separate PDF document containing the solutions to 39 of the puzzles (excluding solutions to the metapuzzles until after the contest deadline).

2. Who wrote the puzzles?

Grids for Good includes both veteran puzzle makers whose bylines you may have seen in many newspaper and independent venues as well as promising newcomers that maybe you haven't. You can view the complete list of Grids for Good puzzle writers on the Constructors page.

3. Are these puzzles available in both print and electronic format?

For the vast majority of the puzzles, yes. Six of the seven variety puzzles are print-only, however.

4. Which organizations can I donate to?

It's your choice, though our goal is for solvers to contribute to organizations dedicated to providing COVID-19 relief and fighting against systemic racial injustice. We've posted links to several of them on the Donation Suggestions page for you to consider, but you may also wish to consider local organizations in your community that aren't listed there. Just make sure the information about your donation is on your receipt.

5. I've made a donation and emailed my receipt. When will I receive the puzzles?

We will do our best to email you the puzzles within 24 hours of submission. Please be patient as we have a small group of people checking and reviewing emails from everyone who submits a receipt.

6. I support the efforts to raise money for coronavirus relief and racial justice but I am financially unable to make a donation at this time. Can I still receive the puzzles?

Yes. Although we strongly encourage everyone who is able to make a donation to do so, we don't want to exclude anyone who doesn't have the financial means from solving and enjoying the puzzles. Please send us an email at gridsforgood@gmail.com and we will make accommodations for you.

7. I like to solve puzzles to escape from the news of the day. Are these puzzles going to have unpleasant themes about the coronavirus or police brutality?

No. Our project's mission is to support groups that provide COVID-19 relief and fight for social and racial equality. However, we understand that this is a difficult period for everyone and that puzzles can be a great way of relieving stress. Some of the puzzles may be tough to solve, but we don't wish to make your experience more stressful by constantly reminding you of the most unpleasant news and information of 2020 while you solve. Above all we want these puzzles to be uplifting and enjoyable.

8. What's a metapuzzle?

A metapuzzle (or meta for short) is a special type of puzzle where you must find a unique word or phrase suggested by the puzzle's theme. This Observer article from 2015 explains a little more about it. You'll also find some popular metas in the Wall Street Journal's crossword contest on Fridays, Matt Gaffney's Weekly Crossword Contest, and Pete Muller's Monthly Music Meta.

9. The meta contest is over. Are the Grids for Good puzzles still available?

Yes! If you make a new donation to the COVID-19 charity or social justice organization of your choice and email us the receipt, we will still email you the complete puzzle collection, along with an unlocked set of electronic puzzles.

10. What were the answers to the metas?

You can find the answers to the metas (puzzles #9, #21, and #33) in this updated Solutions PDF, but please note that it contains the solutions to all other Grids for Good puzzles as well, so if you haven't solved those yet, use caution if you wish to avoid spoilers. If you still want to work on the metas but need some help, check out this link for some hints.