Federal Money Resources

Federal Funds Expre$$ is a great place to start. This Internet site lists dozens of links for people researching grants, procurement or other types of federal funding. 

Another great Web site is Grants.gov, which serves as the single location for grant program information for 26 federal agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services and Labor.

If you are searching for a grant, let me offer this advice.

Grants are offered by thousands of private, state and federal entities each year. Each grant has varying requirements and deadlines, so it takes some time to put these grant packages together. But I can assure you that your time won't be wasted because often there are more grants available than there are grant applicants.

Millions of dollars are available annually via grants, but first you have to know where to look. That is where I can help. This Web site is designed to provide you with information and help in obtaining funds for local projects.

In the meantime, you should develop a clear and concise description of the proposed project. When preparing this description, it is helpful to consider the project from the viewpoint of the program officer at a potential funding source.

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

• How will your project benefit the community?
• Are you exploring other sources of funding?
• What are the needs this project will address?
• Whom will it benefit and how? What are the immediate and how? What are the immediate and long-term goals?
• How will those goals be achieved?
• Are there other projects currently in place or in the planning that are designed to meet the same needs? How is this project different or unique?
• How long will the project last? Is the timetable realistic?
• Can the proposed results be measured? Who will do the evaluation?
• Are those proposing the project qualified? What are their credentials?
• Do other organizations/beneficiaries support this project? Would there be community support?
• Is funding being sought from other organizations?
• What are the plans for the project at the end of the grant?
• How much money is being requested? What will the funding pay for; i.e. construction, salaries, equipment? Is the figure realistic?
• Is the proposal consistent with the funding source's aims, resources and geographic limitations?

HELPFUL LINKS

• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: A database of federal programs available to state and local governments.
• Federal Funding Report: A weekly compilation of grant-related items published in the Federal Register.
• Federal Funds Expre$$:The listed sites are recommended sources of information for researching grants, procurement, and other resources on the Internet.
• Federal Register: Online access to the federal government's daily publication of rules and notices, including grants.
• National and Community Service Grants
• Notices of Funding Availability: Search tool for daily announcements of new funding availability.
• Non-profit Gateway
• HHS GrantsNet
• Grants.gov: One-stop shopping for grants offered by 26 federal agencies.