Federal Grants Process, Foundation Grant Resources, and Non-profit Coalition Resources

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National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grant Funding Opportunity

The Big Read is accepting applications for grants between $2,500 and $20,000. Guidelines for applying for a 2015-16 Big Read grant are now available. The deadline is Wednesday, January 28, 2015, 4:00p.m. CST. For more information, visit neabigread.org.

We encourage your office to let your constituents know about this grant opportunity by sharing on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.

The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and ArtsMidwest designed to restore reading to American culture. A report by the National Endowment for the Arts, found that not only is literary reading in America declining rapidly among all groups, but that the rate of decline has accelerated, especially among our youth.

The Big Read provides organizations with grants and comprehensive resources that support their efforts to inspire their community to read. Eligible applicants include organizations such as literary centers, libraries, museums, colleges and universities, art centers, historical societies, arts councils, tribal governments, humanities councils, literary festivals, and arts organizations.

VA Congressional Notification:

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Notice of Funding Availability for 3-Year Non-Renewable Grants

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for funding for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program for fiscal year (FY) 2015 through FY 2018.  The NOFA will make up to approximately $93 million available over a 3-year period for non-renewable grants to eligible entities proposing services for one of the 28 high-need Continuums of Care (CoCs) listed below and in the attached information sheet.

Only proposals from initial supportive service grant programs will be considered.  Currently funded SSVF grantees are not eligible to apply for funding under this NOFA.   VA has designed this 3-year effort to provide a surge of resources in communities with the highest need.  Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 5, 2014.  VA will award the grants in March 2015.  Awards made for supportive services grants will fund operations beginning approximately March 1, 2015 through February 28, 2017.  

For more information, please visit www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.

The 28 locations below were selected based on factors that include levels of Veteran homelessness and current unmet service needs.

Should you have any questions, please contact Ms. Mandy Hartman of VA’s Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs – Health Team at (202) 461-6416 or Mandy.Hartman@va.gov. She will be happy to assist you.

Grant Opportunities and Awards

October is National Arts and Humanities month!  The National Endowment for the Humanities support the humanities by funding top-rated grant applications.

The goal of this newsletter is to give Congressional staff advanced notice on NEH grant opportunities so that staff in outreach positions can share this information with potential grantees well in advance of the deadlines.  NEH hosts monthly webinars so you can learn more about the grants offered. Museums, libraries, 2 and 4-year colleges, archives, cultural centers, public television and radio stations, and education nonprofits are eligible for NEH grants.

We encourage you to learn more about state-level grants offered by NEH’s state humanities councils. NEH’s state humanities councils offer small and mid-sized grants, host public events, and preserve local history.  Find your state humanities council here.

January, February and March Grant Deadlines

Below are details about upcoming NEH grant deadlines. It takes time to put together a strong grant application, so the sooner you review this information, the better.  NEH is hosting two webinars to give more information about NEH’s grant programs with upcoming deadlines.  You are encouraged to register for the free webinars (both will cover the same material).  If you are interested in joining the webinars, please select below:

Register for Webinar on Wednesday, October 22nd at 2:00pm Eastern Time.

Museums, Libraries, Cultural Institutions, Historic Sites, and Colleges

College Professors and Researchers

Filmmakers, Radio Producers, Digital Humanities

Find Your State Humanities Council

The NEH funds state humanities councils in each state and U.S. territory. The councils offer grants, community programs, educational resources, and local events.  Find your state humanities council here. Reach out to your council, follow them on social media, and visit their website to learn more.

NEH Circular of Upcoming Events

Visit this page to see a catalogue of upcoming NEH-funded exhibition openings, broadcasts, and library programs across the country.

Webinar Tomorrow

In addition to the grant opportunities webinars, we will host a webinar on October 7th at 3pm ET for anyone interested in learning more about Chronicling America, a freely accessible website providing access to historic United States newspapers published between 1836 and 1922.  Register for the free webinar here.

December-February Grant Deadlines

Museums, Libraries, Cultural Institutions, Historic Sites, and Colleges

College Professors and Researchers

Digital Projects

Additional Webinar for Teachers

In addition to the grant opportunities webinars, we will host a webinar on October 7th at 3pm ET for teachers interested in using Chronicling America, a freely accessible website providing access to historic United States newspapers published between 1836 and 1922. Educators can register for the free webinar here.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Grants Forecast is a database of planned grant opportunities proposed by its agencies. Each Forecast record contains actual or estimated dates and funding levels for grants that the agency intends to award during the fiscal year. Forecast opportunities are subject to change based on enactment of congressional appropriations.

When funding is available and an agency is ready to accept applications, the agency will issue an official notice, known as a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), which will include instructions on how to apply.

As always, the final section of our newsletter includes an updated grants listing that faith-based and community non-profits can pursue. All of these grant programs are competitive. It is important to review the funding announcement thoroughly to ensure that the grant opportunity is one that is appropriate to your organization’s mission, size, and scope.

Title: Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program (HTPCP)

Description: This announcement solicits applications for the Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program (HTPCP).  The goal of this program is to promote access to health care for children, youth and their families nationwide, and employ preventive health strategies through innovative community driven programs.

Link to Full Announcement: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=263409

Last Day to Apply: October 14, 2014

Title: Comprehensive High-Impact HIV Prevention Projects for Community-Based Organizations

Description: The purpose of this program is to implement comprehensive HIV prevention programs to reduce morbidity, mortality, and related health disparities. These goals will be achieved by enhancing community-based organizations’ capacities to increase HIV testing, link HIV-positive persons to HIV medical care, increase referrals to Partner Services (PS), provide prevention and essential support services for HIV-positive persons and high-risk persons with unknown/negative serostatus, and increase program monitoring and accountability.  

Link to Full Announcement: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/funding/announcements/ps15-1502/index.html

Last Day to Apply: November 14, 2014

Title: AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Emergency Relief Funds (ERF)

Description: This announcement solicits applications for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Part B AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Emergency Relief Funding (ERF). ADAP is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administrations (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB), Division of State HIV/AIDS Programs (DSHAP). Limited New Competing ADAP ERF grant awards are intended for States/Territories that can demonstrate the need for additional resources to prevent, reduce, or eliminate waiting lists and to address cost-containment measures (including cost-cutting and/or cost-saving). Limited new competing ADAP ERF awards will be based on the applicants ability to successfully demonstrate need for the additional funding. This determination will be made by an external Objective Review Committee (ORC) based on their review and scoring of the applicant responses to criteria published in this funding opportunity announcement (FOA), with priority given to addressing waiting lists. States with a current ADAP waiting list reported to HRSA must use all funding awarded under this announcement to remove clients from the waiting list. States that did not report a current waiting list to HRSA, must use funding awarded under this announcement to continue to support current ADAP ERF clients to prevent a future waiting list and/or to address cost-cutting measures and/or support the implementation of cost-saving measures during the project period to prevent a waiting list.

Contact Information: If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA Grants Application Center, 910 Clopper Road, Suite 155 South, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878 hhauck@hrsa.gov
Contact Heather Hauck at ((30)1) -443- Ext. 6745 or email hhauck@hrsa.gov

Last Day to Apply: October 24, 2014

Grant Administered by: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Also, we want to make sure you know about grant awards made by HHS that may have provided funds to serve those in your community.  Here are some links to recent announcements about funding awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services

HHS awards $65 million in Healthy Start grants to reduce infant mortality - HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell today released $65 million in grants to help 87 organizations in 33 states reduce high infant mortality rates and other health problems related to pregnancy and mothers’ health.

HHS awards more than $106 million to support state home visiting programs - Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced today  $106.7 million in FY 2014 grant awards to 46 states, the District of Columbia, and five jurisdictions as part of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (Home Visiting Program) established by the Affordable Care Act.  These funds will allow states to continue and expand voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services to women during pregnancy and to parents with young children up to age five.

FEMA Grants

DHS Announces Grant Allocations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Preparedness Grants

On July 25, DHS announced final allocations for seven FY 2014 DHS preparedness grant programs, including the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), Port Security Grant Program (PSGP), Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) and the Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP). These allocations total more than $1.6 billion to assist states, urban areas, tribal and territorial governments, non-profit agencies, and the private sector.

The FY 2014 preparedness grant allocations demonstrate the Department’s ongoing commitment to securing our borders and ports of entry, and continue to focus on the nation’s highest risk areas, including urban areas that face the most significant threats. More information is available at www.fema.gov/grants.

Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) provides more than $1 billion for states and urban areas to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other threats.

• State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) provides more than $401 million to support the implementation of the National Preparedness System to build and strengthen preparedness capabilities at all levels.
• Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) provides $587 million to enhance regional preparedness capabilities in 39 high-threat, high-density areas.
• Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) provides $55 million to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, tribal, territorial, state, and Federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders where there are ongoing U.S. Customs and Border Protection missions.
• Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) Program—provides over $350 million to assist local, tribal, territorial, and state governments in enhancing and sustaining all-hazards emergency management capabilities.
• Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP) provides $10 million to eligible tribal nations to implement preparedness initiatives that strengthen the nation against risk associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.
• Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides $13 million to support target hardening and other physical security enhancements for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack and located within one of the 39 FY 2014 UASI-eligible urban areas.
• Intercity Passenger Rail - Amtrak (IPR) Program provides $10 million to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and increase the resilience of the Amtrak rail system.
• Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) provides $100 million to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management, and maintain or re-establish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.
• Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) provides more than $90 million to owners and operators of transit systems to protect critical surface transportation and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.

National Science Foundation

Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program which seeks to advance new approaches to and evidence-based understanding of the design and development of STEM learning in informal environments; provide multiple pathways for broadening access to and engagement in STEM learning experiences; advance innovative research on and assessment of STEM learning in informal environments; and develop understandings of deeper learning by participants. The AISL program supports six types of projects: (1) Pathways, (2) Research in Service to Practice, (3) Innovations in Development, (4) Broad Implementation, (5) Conferences, Symposia, and Workshops, and (6) Science Learning+ Proposals.  Deadlines for applications are Jul 10, 2014   Full Proposal Deadline(s): July 10, 2014 Science Learning+ Planning Proposals November 14, 2014 AISL Proposals.  The complete announcement can be reviewed at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html; search 14-555 Advancing Informal STEM Learning National Science Foundation.

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Minority AIDS Initiative Continuum of Care Pilot - Integration of HIV Prevention and Medical Care into Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Programs for Racial/Ethnic Minority Populations at High Risk for Behavioral Health Disorders and HIV Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently announced a funding opportunity for organizations that integrate care (behavioral health treatment, prevention, and HIV medical care services) for racial/ethnic minority populations at high risk for behavioral health disorders and high risk for or living with HIV. The grant will fund programs that provide coordinated and integrated services through the co-location of behavioral health treatment and HIV medical care. This program is primarily intended for substance abuse treatment programs and community mental health programs that can co-locate and fully integrate HIV prevention and medical care services within them. However, if it is demonstrated that co-location is not possible and full integration can still be achieved through other means, this will be acceptable.  The full announcement can be viewed at http://www.grants.gov/view-opportunity.html?oppId=254272

Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to States

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently announced a funding opportunity for states to expand the availability of support services for persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), their families and their caregivers. This goal will be accomplished by 1)enhancing the ability of state systems and programs to embed dementia -capability in their service networks; and 2) by delivering supportive services using proven evidence-based, innovative or evidence informed models developed in the aging network.  The full announcement can be found at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html; the opportunity number is HHS-2014-ACL-AOA-DS-0079.

U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Counseling Training Grant

The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced a funding opportunity for eligible organizations who continue to invest in the creation and maintenance of a professional and effective housing counseling industry that is able to meaningfully assist consumers by arming them with the information they need to make smart housing choices, and maximizes the impact of Federal funding appropriated for HUD’s Housing Counseling Program.  Additional information and full announcement can be found at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html, funding opportunity number FR-5800-N-25 Housing Counseling Training Grant

VA Offers $600 Million in Funding to Support Services for Homeless Veteran Families

Grant Program One of Many VA Initiatives to End Veterans’ Homelessness

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the availability of up to approximately $600 million in grants for non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that serve very low-income Veteran families occupying permanent housing through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. 

The SSVF program is designed to assist very low-income Veteran families who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. The program employs a housing first model, an approach which centers on providing homeless Veterans with permanent housing quickly and then providing VA health care, benefits and services as needed. 

Required services include outreach, case management, assistance in obtaining VA benefits, and providing or coordinating efforts to obtain needed entitlements and other community services.  Grantees secure a broad range of other services for participants, including legal assistance; credit counseling; housing counseling; assisting participants in understanding leases, securing utilities, and coordinating moving arrangements; providing representative payee services concerning rent and utilities when needed; and serving as an advocate for the Veteran when mediating with property owners on issues related to locating or retaining housing.  Grantees also offer temporary financial assistance that provides short-term assistance with rent, moving expenses, security and utility deposits, child care, transportation, utility costs, and emergency expenses. 

VA announced the availability of funds today through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) via the Federal Register.  VA is offering $300 million in FY 2014 funds and $300 million in FY 2015 funds, subject to available appropriations.   VA will make award decisions based on a national competition.

The SSVF program is authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2044.  VA implements the program by regulations in 38 CFR part 62.  More information about the program can be found at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.

Grants and Benefits Resources

• www.grantsgopher.com
• www.gacenterforyouth.org
• www.norrisconsultinggroup.com
• http://www.benefits.gov
• www.efficientgov.com

Guidance and key resources to help eligible grantseekers find information on federal grants, loans, and nonfinancial assistance, as well as on private funding.	How Best to Find Information Key Federal Funding Sources Related Federal Sources Private and Corporate Funding

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How Best to Find Information

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1. Find out Who is Eligible for a Grant? Other government websites may be more suitable forpersonal needs, student loans, small business assistance, or other business opportunities such as government contracting. The website Government Benefits, Grants, and Financial Aid may also be of help.
2. If eligible, search for programs in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). Includes grants, loans, business and nonfinancial help.
3. Contact federal office given in CFDA program description: if state or local office is indicated, check Regional Agency Offices at top of CFDA website for addresses.
4. Go to federal websites given in each CFDA program description for more information and for state administering agencies responsible for managing funding.
5. Check current federal grants opportunities at Grants.gov, obtain a Dun and Bradstreet(DUNS) number, register with System for Award Management (SAM), and apply online (links and instructions given at the website). Additional notices appear at FedConnect.
6. Search foundations for project funding: use the Foundation Center website or Foundation Center Cooperating Collections in libraries to identify national, state, and community foundations.
7. Learn how to write grant proposals: follow CFDA's Developing and Writing Grant Proposals, or take the free online Foundation Center Proposal Writing Short Course.

Key Federal Funding Sources

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• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
• Grants.gov
• State Single Points of Contact
• CFDA in Local Libraries

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (General Services Administration)
The CFDA, issued annually and updated continuously on the Web, describes some 1600 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. Includes a detailed subject index; browsable listing of programs by applicant eligibility; and Appendix VI, Developing and Writing Grant Proposals. Appendix IV gives state, local and regional offices of federal agencies: if the CFDA program description refers to a state or regional Information contact, grantseekers should contact them before applying for funding to obtain the most up-to-date information. For current notices of funding availability, see Grants.gov or FedConnect.

Grants.gov (managed by Dept. of Health and Human Services)
Federal website that allows eligible grantseekers (see Who is Eligible for a Grant?) to find and apply for current competitive grant opportunities from ALL federal agencies. Grantseekers can check on notices of funding availability (NOFAs) posted in the last 7 days; access an RSS feed of grant opportunities; and apply for federal grants through a unified process by downloading the application and submitting online. The website guides grantseekers in obtaining a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number, registering withSystem for Award Management (SAM), and registering with Grants.gov to apply and to track applications. For full federal program descriptions, see CFDA below. See also website FedConnect for additional grants and contracts opportunities.

State Single Points of Contact (Office of Management and Budget)
Under Executive Order 12372, some states require federal grants applicants to submit a copy of their application for state government level review and comment. The state offices listed here coordinate federal financial assistance and may direct federal development.  For help in identifying state-level grants, other state government agencies websites may be found at State and Local Agencies by Topic. 

CFDA in Local Libraries (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. TheCatalog is available in all states in Federal Depository Libraries.

Related Federal Resources

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• A-Z Index Departments & Agencies
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
• Homeland Security Grants
• USA.gov for Business
• USA.gov for Nonprofits
• Student Aid on the Web
• Benefits.gov
• FTC Consumer Alert
• OMB Circulars

A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies  (General Services Administration)
To better develop a grant proposal, search a department or agency's Home Page to learn more about its programs and objectives. The site USA.gov also links to Government Benefits, Grants and Financial Aid.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (Department of Energy)
Grants are EERE's primary funding vehicle for businesses, industries, universities and others. Most EERE grants are awarded on merit on a competitive basis. EERE financial assistance opportunities are listed in the Financial Opportunities by Audience database and on Grants.gov or FedConnect. For state-by-state information on state, local. utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, search DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency). 

Grants Funding State, Local and Tribal Governments (Dept. of Homeland Security)
Most Homeland Security non-disaster grant programs are designated for state and local governments and specific entities such as colleges, etc. Unsolicited applications from individuals are generally not accepted. Includes Urban Area Security Initiative, Citizens Corps, Medical Response System, Operation Stonegarden (border security), Infrastructure Protection. Contact homeland security State Offices. Programs for firefighters may be found at Assistance to Firefighters.

USA.gov for Business  (GSA)
Includes contracting with the federal government, international trade and exporting, and small business. See also financial assistance links at the Small Business Administration website.

USA.gov for Nonprofits  (GSA)
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. The White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships includes information on Grants and Resources.

Student Aid on the Web (Department of Education)
Financial assistance for education beyond high school is generally "needs-based" and often includes loans and work-study, in addition to some grants. College and university applications, websites, and brochures usually include financial aid information for prospective and incoming students.

Benefits.gov (via Department of Labor)
Government grants are not direct assistance to individuals, but fund state and local programs providing help to those in need. This online screening site can be used to identify state and local government benefits and how to apply. Covers direct payments, loans, insurance, training, or other services.  

FTC Consumer Alert (Federal Trade Commission)
The FTC warns consumers to 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.

OMB Grants Management  (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 fulltext.

Private and Corporate Funding Sources

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The Foundation Center
Gateway to information about private funding sources, the grantseeking process, guidelines on writing a grant proposal, addresses of state libraries with grants reference collections, and links to other useful Internet websites. The Center maintains a comprehensive database on foundations; produces print and electronic directories and guides; conducts research and publishes studies in the field; and offers a variety of training and educational seminars.

• Welcome Legislators and Policy Makers Covers policy development, constituent services, and other helpful nonprofit resources.
• Guide to Funding Research  An overview of the funding research process for those seeking grants from foundations, corporations, and grantmaking public charities.
• Proposal Writing Short Course  (also in Spanish, French and other languages)
• Foundation Finder  Search for information about more than 70,000 private and community foundations.
• Requests for Proposals  Daily postings of requests for proposals (RFPs) from private funding sources by broad subject category.
• Foundation Center Cooperating Collections  Free funding information available in libraries, community foundations, and other nonprofit centers nationwide, including access to the Foundation Directory Online database..

Grants Resources by State (Grantsmanship Center)
Click on state map to find links to information about a state's foundations, community foundations, corporate giving programs and the state's home page.