Are you already in the process of applying for a grant? Submit a request for a Grant Letter of
Support.
Grants and Federal Domestic Assistance
If you're an eligible grant seeker, refer to the guidance and key resources below to help you find information on federal grants, loans, and nonfinancial
assistance for projects, as well as on private funding. Prepared by the Congressional Research Service for Members
of Congress, updated August 2023.
How Best to Find Information
Identifying Eligibility
Before beginning a grant application, make sure you or your organization are eligible to apply by looking at
individual
grant application instructions. Grants.gov's webpage provides more information
on eligibility for each grant
opportunity. Other government websites may be more suitable for personal needs, student loans, small business assistance, or other business opportunities such as government contracting.
Finding Grant Opportunities
Check current federal grant opportunities at Grants.gov, register with System for Award Management (SAM), and apply
online (links and instructions given at the website). Additional notices appear at FedConnect.net. This includes grants,
loans, business, and nonfinancial help.
Federal website that allows eligible grantseekers to find and apply for current competitive grant opportunities
from
ALL
federal agencies. Grantseekers can check notices of funding availability (NOFA) posted in the last 7 days, access
emails
of grant opportunities, and apply for federal grants through a unified process by downloading the application and
submitting it online. The website guides grantseekers in registering with System
for
Award Management (SAM) and
registering with Grants.gov to apply and track applications. See FedConnect.net for additional grants and contracts
opportunities. For full federal program descriptions, see the Assistance Listing page at SAM.gov.
Assistance Listings at SAM.gov
Official descriptions of more than 2,200 federal assistance programs (including grants, loans, and other
financial
and
nonfinancial assistance) can be found on SAM.gov. Descriptions are updated by
departments and agencies, and they cover
authorizing legislation, objectives, and eligibility and compliance requirements. For current notices of funding
availability, see Grants.gov or FedConnect.net.
State Single Points of Contact
Under Executive Order 12372, some states require federal grant 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.
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 Loans.
Includes contracting with the U.S. government, international trade and exporting, and small businesses. See also
financial assistance links on the Small Business Administration website.
Official website posting business, contracting, and procurement opportunities with the federal government. Useful
information for vendors, including FBO Demonstration Videos and Frequently Asked Questions, appears under the Getting
Started tab. Search options include an advanced search form for more targeted filtering of current opportunities.
Includes information on over 1,000 government assistance programs, and how to apply. Covers direct payment, loan,
insurance, training, or other services.
The Federal Trade Commission (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 scams.
Gateway to information about private funding sources, the grant-seeking 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.
Foundation Information Network Check Check for locations at Grants Space, Find Us. Free funding information is available in libraries, community foundations,
and other nonprofit centers nationwide, including access to the Foundation Directory Online database.
Click on the state map to find links to information about a state's foundations, community foundations, corporate giving
programs, and the state's home page.
There are more than 750 community foundations in the United States, which are grantmaking public charities dedicated to
improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. The Council on Foundations has a listing of community
foundations by state.
