Grants and Federal Domestic Assistance

This page will provide you with a central location to search the wealth of information available from both government and private entities who offer financing to individuals, businesses and state and local governments. The links on this page offer helpful information that will enable you to research information efficiently and will guide you on writing grant proposals. Please feel free to contact my Boone office if you have any questions or need additional information.

Boone District Office
240 Hwy 105 Ext,Suite 200
Boone, N.C. 28607
Phone: (828) 265-0240
Fax: (828) 265-0390

Steps to Best to Find Information

  1. Search Key Federal Funding Sources
  2. Contact Federal office given in program description
  3. Search Federal Web sites for special grantseekers
  4. Check current Federal grants postings
  5. Search foundations for project funding
  6. Learn how to write grant proposals

1. Key Federal Funding Sources

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (General Services Administration)
The Catalog (CFDA), issued annually and updated continuously on the Web, describes some 1500 Federal grants and non financial assistance programs. Grantseekers can identify programs that might support their projects and can learn the program's objectives, requirements, application procedures and contacts. For current notices of funding availability, see Grants.gov.

CFDA in Print (Government Printing Office)
Although the Catalog is available full-text on the Internet, some may prefer a print edition. However, only the Web Catalog is continuously updated-- the published volume is annual with no supplements.

Federal Commons
Part of a Federal website with one-stop access to all online U.S. government resources for grants.  This section groups programs by broad subject categories.

Federal Agency Contacts by State (Office of Management and Budget)
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 - if the CFDA program description refers to a state or regional information contact as listed in Appendix IV, constituents/applicants should contact the federal department or agency office listed here before applying for funding to obtain the most up-to-date information.

2. Contact Federal or Local Office

Federal Regional or Local Office Addresses (CFDA Appendix IV; by Agency or by State)
Much of the Federal grants budget moves to the States through formula and block grants -- State, regional, and local Federal offices often handle grants applications and funds disbursement. If the CFDA program description refers to a State or regional Information Contact as listed in Appendix IV, grantseekers should contact them before applying for funding to obtain the most up-to-date information.

3. & 4. Federal Related Resources

Official Federal Government Web Sites (via Library of Congress)
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 specific types of grantseekers (see below).

Homeland Security Grants (Dept. of Homeland Security)
Information on Federal homeland security and public safety grant opportunities, whether administered by DHS or other departments and agencies. Critical State and local missions supported through these grants include the preparedness of first responders and citizens, public health, infrastructure security, and other public safety activities.

FirstGov Government-to-Government (General Services Administration)
Thousands of grants and loans are made by the Federal government to State and local governments and other public entities. This site provides one-stop access to grants management and Federal assistance programs, in addition to resources about acquisition and procurement, financial management, and taxes.

FirstGov for Nonprofits (General Services Administration)
Links to Federal department and agency information and service for nonprofit organizations, including fundraising and outreach, grants, loans and other assistance, laws and regulations, management and operations, online services, registration and licensing, and tax information.

Centers for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives)
The Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, and Labor operate a number of programs to serve Americans in need for which faith-based and community organizations may apply. Consult Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government and Federal Funds for Organizations That Help Those in Need. Many are "formula grants" made available to States and local governments, which in turn award grants to grassroots and local organizations. To learn about them, contact local and State agencies responsible for managing these programs.

Business.gov (Small Business Administration)
Small Business Administration Web page covers business development, laws and regulations, international trade, work place issues, and buying and selling.

The Federal Register
The Federal Register, printed each business day, publishes 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.

OMB Grants Management Web Site (Office of Management and Budget)
OMB establishes government-wide grants management policies and guidelines through circulars and common rules. OMB Circulars are cited in Catalog program descriptions and may be printed out full text.

5. Foundation Related Sources

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

The Grantsmanship Center (TGCI)
In addition to useful links to government resources, this site includes information on community foundations and international funding. Community Foundations (by State) are often particularly interested in local projects and maintain diverse grants programs. TGCI also offers publications, training, and workshops in proposal writing, grantsmanship, and fund raising for nonprofit organizations and government.

6. Writing Grant Proposals

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.

Additional Sources

Geographic Tracking of Federal Funds
Two U.S. Census Bureau publications are the Federal government's primary printed documents detailing the geographic distribution of Federal monies to States and Counties:

  • Federal Aid to States
    FAS details actual expenditures of Federal grant funds to State and local governments. Figures are presented to the State level by program area and agency.
  • Consolidated Federal Funds Report (U.S. Census Bureau)
    In CFFR, grants generally represent obligations and include payments both to State and local governments and to nongovernmental recipients. Data are provided for State and county levels.
  • Federal Funding Report (House Information Resources)
    Weekly compilation of items published in the Federal Register which affects Federal domestic assistance programs. The summary consists of three parts: (1) Federal Register Summary, (2) Early Warning Grants Report, and (3) Disaster Loan Applications.