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Grants

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Grant FAQ's: What to Know Before Getting Started!

Q. Is everyone eligible to receive federal grants?

A. Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for federal grants. Most federal grants are awarded to:

• non-profits like charities, schools and community organizations;
• state & local government agencies;
• public safety agencies like hospitals, police and fire departments;
• federally-recognized tribes.

Q. Does Congressman Israel decide who gets awarded a grant?

A. No, Congressman Israel does not decide who gets a grant and who does not. The federal cabinet department peer reviewer committees make those decisions based on objective criteria.

Q. Can Congressman Israel’s office write and/or review my grant proposal?

A. Unfortunately, Congressman Israel’s office cannot write or review grant proposals. We can help you identify federal grants for which you may be eligible, and we've put these tools here on this web page. We also may be able to write a letter of support for your proposal to the federal agency. We have also provided you with a few useful reports from the Congressional Research Service (CRS), including Developing and Writing a Grant Proposal PDF and Grants Information for Constituents PDF.

Q. If we do obtain a federal grant, will it fully cover my funding needs?

A. Federal grants rarely cover all the costs of a project. Many grants are designed to leverage other funding streams. Grants often provide a portion of the funds needed for a given project; many grants even require non-federal matching funds of 10-25 percent, some require more. Granters want to know you'll become self-sufficient once your project gets off the ground and it will be sustainable when your grant period ends.

Q. Is obtaining a grant an easy process?

A. Applying for a grant can be a full time job. Grant writing is a lot of work and granted funds have many requirements. You will need time to research and develop your project and then to write the application. After applying, it often takes the granting agency several months to choose a winner. It's not quick or easy, but it is possible and I highly encourage you to utilize my website to begin your search.

How to Request Rep. Israel's Help [top]

There are several resources on this webpage to help you get started. But if you have any questions regarding federal grants or need assistance, it is recommended that you fill out the Grants Help webform. You may also contact our Grants Coordinator, Ari Lucas, in our Long Island Office at (631) 951-2210 or (516) 505-1448.

Research and Apply for Online via Grants.gov [top]

Visit Grants.gov to begin your search and application today. Grants.gov is a NEW website that encompasses over 900 grant programs offered by the 26 federal grant-making agencies. It streamlines the process of awarding over $350 billion annually to state and local governments, academia, not-for-profits and other organizations. We strongly encourage you to utilize this resource.

Useful CRS Reports on Grants [top]

Grants Information for Constituents PDF: This report by the Congressional Research Services describes key sources of information on government and private grants for state and community projects. The report teaches you how to search for grant information on the internet and in printed reference sources. The report also offers guides to writing grants proposals.

How to Develop a Grant Writing Proposal PDF: This CRS report focuses on federal grant proposals and has been expanded to include both government and private foundations grants. In preparation for writing a proposal, the report discusses preliminary information gathering and preparation, developing ideas for a proposal, gathering community support, identifying funding resources, and seeking preliminary review of the proposal and support of relevant administrative officials. The second part of the report covers the actual writing of the proposal.

Homeland Security--Federal Assistance and Business Opportunities PDF: This report provides information on gateways for businesses, state and local governments, research organizations, and others that wish to pursue homeland security related business opportunities with the federal government. The information will assist interested persons in locating information on available grants, contracts or research and development opportunities with a homeland security focus.

Quick Links to Useful Online Resources [top]

Grants.gov: This website contains information and application forms for every grant offered by the federal government.

FedBizOpps.gov: This is the single government point-of-entry for Federal government procurement opportunities over $25,000. Government buyers are able to publicize their business opportunities by posting information directly to FedBizOpps via the Internet. Through one portal - FedBizOpps (FBO) - commercial vendors seeking Federal markets for their products and services can search, monitor and retrieve opportunities solicited by the entire Federal contracting community.

Catalog of Domestic Assistance: This resource, now available on-line,is the definitive resource for information on federal funding.

Commerce Business Daily: This website provides notices of proposed government procurement actions, contract awards, sales of government property, and other procurement information.

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