The ABC's of the ARRA

A. What is the ARRA?

Congress passed and President Obama signed into law, H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This law is often referred to as the “Stimulus Act” or the “Recovery Act.” The Act provides $787 billion dollars in federal spending and tax cuts to create or save millions of jobs, create new energy solutions, meet the challenge of global warming, and to provide assistance to unemployed Americans. The goal of ARRA and how the money is being spent can be tracked on-line.

B. How do I apply for ARRA funds?

Generally speaking, ARRA funds, or “stimulus funds” are distributed either through federal departments or through state agencies. All applicants must comply with the registration and application process set forth by the agency responsible for distribution of the funds. The starting point for all applications is found on the respective websites for both Washington State funds and for federal funds.

C. How do I find out what federal grants are available?

Federal grant opportunities may be found on either the comprehensive site for all federal grants, or through the sites of the individual federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Energy. Daily updates on federal grant opportunities are available through RSS feeds.

D. How do I find out what Washington State grants are available?

The process for application for funding by the State of Washington begins at the website put together by the Governor’s Office. This site has information concerning the federal economic recovery package and how that funding will be distributed by state agencies. It also lists contact names and e-mail addresses for each program. Other sources for Washington State funding opportunities from “A to Z” are found at the Grants Index, or by subscription.

E. If I need government assistance or information on grants, loans, financial aid or other benefits, where can I find it?

Information on personal financial assistance available from more than 1,000 U.S. benefit programs may be found at: www.GovBenefits.gov. Information “from A to Z” on grants, loans, financial aid and other benefits such as Social Security/Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid or other services is located on the Omnibus site.

For Student Loan information, please visit: www.Studentaid.ed.gov

For Small Business Start-up Loans, please visit: www.sba.gov

Note that individual assistance is NOT available on www.grants.gov

F. Are there regional websites that may help me find ARRA information?

Yes! The Puget Sound Regional Conference (PSRC) maintains a Regional Website that includes a clearinghouse that lists grants, deadlines, and a message board for: 1) posting and commenting on ARRA related matters that affect the Pacific Northwest.

G. Who Is Responsible For Filing Grant Applications?

The responsibility for determining which grant should be applied for, the registration requirements and the time period(s) for filing the applications rests solely with the applicant(s) and not with the website host or the person(s) or offices that may be linked to a particular website.

H. How can I get help?

The application process is open, transparent, and in many cases, competitive. Further, the process is designed to assure public accountability for all distributed funds. Business Applicants are encouraged to seek assistance from the Small Business Administration for more information, and to find out about upcoming events, workshops, public resources, and training sessions.

I. Do Congressmen or Senators award grants?

No. All grants are reviewed and awarded by the federal or state agencies.

J. Are There Links to Daily Grant Announcements?

Yes! A link to daily federal grants is found at: Grants New Opportunity List by Agency or it can be sent via a link to an RSS feed:

New Opportunities by Agency

New Opportunities by Category.

Modified Opportunities by Agency

Modified Opportunities by Category

K. If I See Fraud or Abuse, What Should I Do?

Report it! The Government Accountability Office (GAO) offers FraudNet which is a website where anyone may report allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement of federal funds.

M. I Want to ‘Follow The Money’ Coming Into Washington State. Can I do that?

Yes! ARRA funds coming into the State of Washington can be tracked by grant and county-by-county by program.

N. How do I Contact the Office of Congressman Inslee if I Have Questions?

You can either contract Congressman Inslee’s office via email or by phone 206-361-0233.