Find Information
  1. Find out who is eligible for a grant! The following government websites are mostsuitable for personal needsstudent loanssmall business assistance, and business opportunities such as government contracting. Government Benefits, Grants, and Loans may also be helpful
  2. If eligible, search for program information at beta.SAM.gov Assistance Listings
  3. Contact the federal office listed in each beta.SAM.gov Assistance Listing program description
  4. 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! Additional notices appear at FedConnect.net
  5. Search foundations for project funding using the Foundation Center or the Foundation Center Funding Information Network resources to identify national, state, and community foundations
  6. Learn how to write grant proposals! Take the free online Foundation Center Proposal Writing Short Course or see other tips and sample proposals at Grantspace's How Do I Write a Grant Proposal?
Return to Top
Key Federal Funding Sources

Assistance Listings (General Services Administration)
More than 2,200 federal assistance programs (including grants, loans, and other financial and nonfinancial assistance) can be found on SAM.gov. Programs are searchable at the "Assistance Listings" and descriptions are updated by departments and agencies. 

Grants.gov (Department of Health and Human Services)
This website allows eligible grant seekers (see Who is Eligible for a Grant) to find and apply for current competitive grant opportunities from ALL federal agencies. Grant seekers can check on 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 online. The website guides grant seekers in obtaining a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number, registering with System for Award Management (SAM), and registering with Grants.gov to apply and 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.

Return to Top
Related Federal Resources

A-Z Index of U.S. Departments and Agencies (General Services Administration)
To better develop a grant proposal, search on the Department or Agency website to learn more about programs and their objectives.

USA.gov for Businesses and Nonprofits (GSA)
For contracting with the U.S. government, international trade and exporting, and small business. 

FedBizOpps.gov (GSA)
For business, contracting, and procurement opportunities with the federal government. 

Student Aid on the Web (Dept. of Education)
For information on funding education beyond high school, including grants, loans, and work-study assistance to qualified students.

Benefits.gov (via Department of Labor)
For information on more than 1,000 government assistance programs including direct payment, loan, 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 Guidance (Office of Management and Budget)
OMB establishes government-wide grants management policies and guidelines.

Return to Top