Grant Information

Key Federal Funding Sources

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

The Catalog (CFDA) , published twice a year by the General Services Administration (GSA), describes some 1,400 federal grants and non-financial assistance programs administered by the departments and agencies of the federal government.  It helps users identify programs that meet specific objectives of applicant projects and is intended to improve coordination and communication between the federal government and state and local applicants for federal assistance.

Although keyword searching is often a good place to start, also browse by broad subject, by federal department or agency, or by recipient category to identify more federal funding programs.  The Health and Human Services (HHS) indexes to the CFDA program descriptions provide direct links to program sections, to local and regional federal office addresses where applicable, to related programs, and to Office of Management and Budget circulars.

Developing and Writing Grant Proposals  (CFDA)

Guidance in formulating federal grant applications, including initial proposal development, basic components of a proposal, review recommendations, and referral to federal guidelines and literature.

Federal Agency Contacts in Region/State  (CFDA)

Much of the federal grant budget moves to the states through formula and block grants -- state, regional, and local federal offices often handle grants applications and funds disbursement.  Each federal agency has its own procedures -- applicants should call the department or agency in question before applying for funding to obtain the most up-to-date information.

Related Federal Sources 

Other Federal Government Web Sites

To better develop a grant proposal, search a department or agency's Home Page to learn more about its programs and objectives.  Some government departments or agencies have Web pages specifically designed for grantseekers (see below).

NonProfit Gateway

A network of links to federal government information and services to assist non-profit organizations.  Examples:

Federal Register   (National Archives)

Search for updates and notices affecting federal assistance programs.  Scroll down to check current year; scroll down further to enter Catalog program number, or subject/keyword "AND CFDA" in Search Terms box.

Today's Federal Register & Archives   (Grantsmanship Center)

Under section Today's Federal Register, gives current day's grants announcements, department and agency announcements of grant application review meetings, grant awards, deadlines, requests for comments on agency procedures, new rule reminders, and special events.  The Federal Register  Archives  section includes grant announcements going back one year: search by keyword/subject "AND 2000" for notices updating the latest Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.

Grants Management Web Site   (Office of Management & Budget)

OMB establishes government-wide grants management policies and guidelines through circulars and common rules.  OMB Circulars  are cited in Catalog program descriptions: some program descriptions on the Internet version of the Catalog link directly to OMB Circulars required for program management, others just give OMB Circular numbers which may then be printed from this Web site.

Corporate Funding Sources

The Foundation Center

Gateway to information about the grantseeking process, private funding sources (including national, state, community, and corporate foundations), guidelines on writing a grants proposal, addresses of state libraries with grants reference collections, and links to other useful Internet websites. The Center maintains a comprehensive database on foundation grantsmanship, publishes print and CD-ROM directories and guides, conducts research and publishes studies in the field, and offers a variety of training and educational seminars.