Grants

My office is proud to provide you with assistance on a variety of issues, including grants and federal domestic assistance. The federal grants process can be confusing to navigate. This page will help answer your questions and serve as a resource in the application process.

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 for personal 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. Visit Grants.gov to find out if you are eligible to apply.
2. If eligible, search for program information in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), which 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 these programs.
5. Check for current federal grant 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 on 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 (General Services Administration)

The Catalog (CFDA), issued annually and updated continuously on the Web, describes some 1600 Federal grants and nonfinancial 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.

Grants.gov (managed by Dept. of Health and Human Services)

Federal website that allows eligible grantseekers to find and apply for current competitive grant opportunities from ALL federal agencies. Grantseekers can check on notices of funding availability (NOFA) 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 and registering with Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and registering with Grants.gov to apply and to track applications.

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.

CDFA 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 version is continuously updated -- the published volume is annual with no supplements. The CFDA is available in all states in Federal Depository Libraries.

Related Federal Resources

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A-Z Index of U.S. Department and Agencies (General Services Administration)

To better develop a grant proposal, search a departments 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 Funding (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. See also EERE Financial Opportunities and listings 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).

DHS Financial Assistance (Department of Homeland Security)

Most Homeland Security non-disaster grants 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), and Infrastructure Protection. Contact homeland security State Offices. Programs for firefighters may be found at Assistance to Firefighters.

USA.gov for Business (General Services Administration)

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

FedBizOpps.gov (General Services Administration)

Official website posting business, contracting, and procurement opportunities with the federal government. Useful information for vendors, including FBO Demonstration Videos and Frequently Asked Questions, appear under the Getting Started tab. Search options include an advanced search form for more targeted filtering of current opportunities.

USA.gov 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. 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.

GovBenefits.gov (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 CFDA program descriptions and may be printed out in full text.

Private & Corporate Funding Sources

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Foundation Center Grants Space

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 Foundation Directory Online 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.

How do I find grants for my nonprofit?
Proposal Writing Short Course (also in Spanish, French, and other languages)
Foundation Information Network (by state) Check for locations at Grants Space, Find Us. Free funding information available in libraries, community foundations, and other nonprofit centers nationwide.

Grants Resources by State (Grantsmanship Center)

Click on the map to find links to information about a state's foundations, community foundations, corporate giving programs, and the state's home page.