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 research information efficiently and will guide you on writing grant proposals.

NOTE (from the Congressional Research Service):

"Congressional offices are often approached by constituents seeking grants for projects, including local governments, nonprofit groups, community organizations, small businesses, and individuals. Though many hope for federal funding, such assistance is often limited and other funding sources such as private foundations should be considered.

Federal grants are not benefits or entitlements to individuals. Grants are intended for projects serving state, community, and local needs. Most federal funding goes to state and local governments, which in turn may make sub-awards to local entities such as eligible nonprofit organizations. Local governments seeking funds for community services, infrastructure, and economic revitalization may be eligible to tap into state or federal funds. Government assistance may also be available for nonprofit organizations, including faith-based groups, for initiatives such as establishing soup kitchens or after-school tutoring programs benefitting entire communities.

For others, such as for individuals seeking financial help, starting or expanding a small business, or needing funds for education, benefits or loans may be available.

• Individuals looking for government benefits (such as for child or health care, housing or energy costs, disability or veterans needs, or "living assistance") may find useful the website GovBenefits.gov at http://www.govbenefits.gov.

• Students seeking financial aid can search Student Aid on the Web at http://www.Studentaid.ed.gov.

• To start or expand a small business, the federal government provides help in the form of loans, advisory, and technical assistance. See the Small Business Administration (SBA) website at http://www.sba.gov to find programs and state or local SBA offices.

Groups seeking funding for projects need first to determine the most appropriate sources of funds. Because government funds may be limited, sources of private funding should also be considered. State and community foundations may be particularly interested in funding local projects; many projects may require a combination of government and private funding. Local business or foundation funding might be appropriate for supporting local memorials or programs. Community fund-raising may be more suitable for school enrichment activities such as band or sports uniforms or field trips.

For eligible state and local governments and nonprofit organizations, identifying appropriate programs, and then contacting federal and state agencies early in the process, before submitting formal applications, is recommended. State-located federal offices often handle federal grant applications and disbursement of funds. State government departments and agencies also fund projects and administer federal block grants.

Some constituents may have seen or heard media advertisements claiming federal grants are available to help them. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, cautions grantseekers:²

Sometimes, it's an ad that claims you will qualify to receive a "free grant" to pay for education costs, home repairs, home business expenses, or unpaid bills. Other times, it's a phone call supposedly from a "government" agency or some other organization with an official sounding name. In either case, the claim is the same: your application for a grant is guaranteed to be accepted, and you'll never have to pay the money back.

But, warns the FTC, these "money for nothing" grant offers usually are misleading, whether you see them in your local paper or a national magazine, or hear about them on the phone. Consumers should beware of paying "processing fees" for information that is available free to the public. Ads claiming federal grants are available for home repairs, home business, unpaid bills, or other personal expenses are often a scam."

Please feel free to contact Kim Bennett in my Muncie office if you have any questions or need additional information. Kim can be reached at (765) 747-5566.

Developing and Writing Grant Proposals (CFDA)
Provides information on writing Federal grant proposal, including basic components of a proposal, initial proposal development and information on guidelines and literature.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
A government-wide compendium of Federal programs, projects, services, and activities which provide assistance or benefits to the American public. It contains financial and non-financial assistance programs administered by departments and establishments of the Federal government.

Weekly Federal Funding Report
The online Federal Funding Report is a weekly compilation of items published in the Federal Register which affect Federal Domestic Assistance Programs.

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.

The Federal Register
The Federal Register is the official daily publication for Rules, Proposed Rules, and Notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as Executive Orders and other Presidential Documents.

Today's Federal Register and Archives
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.

Federal Funds Expre$$
A listing of sites that are recommended sources of information for researching grants, procurement, and other resources on the Internet.

Federal Agency Contacts by State
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.

Non-Profit Gateway
A network of links to Federal government information services.

U.S. State and Local Gateway
Web site developed to give state and local governments easy access to Federal government information. Includes Federal partnership programs links for states, city management, counties, legislatures, governors, cities, and mayors.

Resources For Nonprofits
Internet-related tools and resources for your nonprofit organization.

Foundation Finder
Search by name for address and basic information (including links to IRS filings and foundation websites) about for than 61,000 private and community foundations in the U.S.