Resources for Grantseekers

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This report describes key sources of information on government and private funding, and outlines
eligibility for federal grants. Federal grants are intended for projects benefiting states and
communities. Individuals may be eligible for other kinds of benefits or assistance, or small
busineses and students may be eligible for loans. Free information is readily available to
grantseekers who generally know best the details of their projects. The Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) describes 1600 federal programs, 1000 of them grants, and can be
searched by keyword, subject, department or agency, program title, beneficiary, and applicant
eligibility. Federal department and agency websites provide additional information and guidance,
and provide state agency contacts. Once a program has been identified, eligible grantseekers may
apply electronically for grants at the website Grants.gov through a uniform process for all
agencies. Through Grants.gov, they may identify when federal funding notices and deadlines for a
CFDA program become available, sign up for e-mail notification of funding opportunities, and
track the progress of submitted applications.
Since government funds may be limited, the report also discusses sources of private and corporate
foundation funding. The Foundation Center is a clearinghouse for information about private,
corporate, and community foundations, with collections of resources in every state.
Included in this report are sources of information on writing grant proposals. See also CRS
Report RL32159, How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal, by Merete F. Gerli.
Sources described in this report are also included in the CRS website WG02001, Grants and
Federal Domestic Assistance Web Page, by Merete F. Gerli. Upon request, this website may be
added to a Member’s home page. For congressional staff, see also CRS Report RL34035, Grants
Work in a Congressional Office, by Merete F. Gerli.
This report will be updated at the beginning of every Congress.

Introduc tion ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Who is Eligible for a Government Grant?.......................................................................................2
Key Federal Sources........................................................................................................................3
Federal Contacts in States and State Administering Agencies (SAAs)...........................................4
Related Federal Sources..................................................................................................................6
Private, Corporate, and Additional Funding Sources......................................................................7
Grant Proposal Writing Websites.....................................................................................................8
Author Contact Information............................................................................................................9

Congressional offices are often approached by constituents seeking grants for projects, including
local governments, nonprofit groups, community organizations, small businesses, and individuals.
Though many hope for federal funding, such assistance is often limited and other funding sources
such as private foundations should be considered.
Federal grants are not benefits or entitlements to individuals. Grants are intended for projects
serving state, community, and local needs. Most federal funding goes to state and local
governments, which in turn may make sub-awards to local entities such as eligible nonprofit
organizations. Local governments seeking funds for community services, infrastructure, and
economic revitalization may be eligible to tap into state or federal funds. Government assistance
may also be available for nonprofit organizations, including faith-based groups, for initiatives
such as establishing soup kitchens or after-school tutoring programs benefitting entire
communities.
For others, such as for individuals seeking financial help, starting or expanding a small business,
or needing funds for education, benefits or loans may be available.
• Individuals looking for government benefits (such as for child or health care,
housing or energy costs, disability or veterans needs, or “living assistance”) may
find useful the website GovBenefits.gov at http://www.govbenefits.gov.
• Students seeking financial aid can search Student Aid on the Web at
http://www.Student ai d.ed.gov.
• To start or expand a small business, the federal government provides help in the
form of loans, advisory, and technical assistance. See the Small Business
Administration (SBA) website at http://www.sba.gov to find programs and state
or local SBA offices.
Groups seeking funding for projects need first to determine the most appropriate sources of funds.
Because government funds may be limited, sources of private funding should also be considered.
State and community foundations may be particularly interested in funding local projects; many
projects may require a combination of government and private funding. Local business or
foundation funding might be appropriate for supporting local memorials or programs. Community
fund-raising may be more suitable for school enrichment activities such as band or sports
uniforms or field trips.
For eligible state and local governments and nonprofit organizations, identifying appropriate
programs, and then contacting federal and state agencies early in the process, before submitting
formal applications, is recommended. State-located federal offices often handle federal grant
applications and disbursement of funds. State government departments and agencies also fund
projects and administer federal block grants.

There are many groups or organizations that are eligible to apply for government grants. ¹
Typically, most grantee entities fall into the following categories:
• Government Organizations
• State Governments
• Local Governments
• City or Township Governments
• Special District Governments
• Native American Tribal Governments (federally recognized)
• Native American Tribal Governments (other than federally recognized)
• Education Organizations
• Independent School Districts
• Public and State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
• Private Institutions of Higher Education
• Public Housing Organizations
• Public Housing Authorities
• Indian Housing Authorities
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of
higher education
• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education
• For-Profit Organizations (other than small businesses)
Some constituents may have seen or heard media advertisements claiming federal grants are
available to help them. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer ²
protection agency, cautions grantseekers:
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But, warns the FTC, these “money for nothing” grant offers usually are misleading, whether you
see them in your local paper or a national magazine, or hear about them on the phone. Consumers
should 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.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (General Services Administration)
http://www.cfda.gov
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) is the primary source of information on
federal grants and nonfinancial assistance programs. Actual funding depends upon annual budget
appropriations. For example some authorized federal programs may be described in the Catalog
but Congress may choose not to fund them in a certain budget year. Once a program is identified
in CFDA, for current notices of funding availability and to apply, see Grants.gov (below). Key
features of CFDA include the following.
• Describes some 1,600 federal domestic assistance programs, financial and
nonfinancial assistance programs administered by the departments and agencies
of the federal government; approximately 1000 of these are grants programs.
• Allows grantseekers to identify federal programs that might provide support for
their projects, either directly, or through grants to states and local governments
that in turn make sub-awards to local grantseekers.
• Available free to the public, searchable full-text, and updated continuously on the
Web.
• Enables searching by keyword; or by other useful browsable listings, such as by
subject, by department or agency, by applicant eligibility, by beneficiary, or by
other category.
• For each program, describes objectives of the program, eligibility requirements,
the application and award process, post assistance requirements, past fiscal year
obligations and future estimates, program accomplishments and examples of
funded projects, related CFDA programs, and information contacts, including
regional or local offices of federal agencies if applicable.
• Links to department and agency websites and to Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) circulars affecting program management and record-keeping
requirements.
• Includes information on developing and writing grant proposals: provides
guidance in formulating federal grant applications, proposal development, basic
components of a proposal, review recommendations, and referral to federal
guidelines and literature.
Although more easily searchable and continuously updated on the Internet, the printed Catalog is
available to the public in local government depository libraries in every state; see addresses of
libraries at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/libraries.html.

Grants.gov (via U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
http://www.grants.gov
After grantseekers identify federal programs in CFDA and contact agencies (see section below),
they may be directed to the website Grants.gov to apply for federal grants when application
announcements for competitive grants become available. The website allows grantseekers to
register and download applications for current competitive funding opportunities from all 26
federal grants-making agencies. Grantseekers themselves can check on notices of funding
availability (NOFAs) or requests for proposals (RFPs); sign up to receive e-mail notification of
grant opportunities; and apply for federal grants online through a unified process. The site also
guides grantseekers in obtaining Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) numbers, required for all federal
grants.
To download and submit an application from Grants.gov, registration is required. The site
provides a narrated tutorial on how to complete a grant application package and a Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) page. Once an application is submitted, grants applicants themselves
can then track progress of their application using their unique ID and password. Applications can
be identified by CFDA number, funding opportunity number, competition ID, and/or Grants.gov
tracking number.

For eligible state and local governments and nonprofit organizations, after identifying appropriate
programs it is recommended grantseekers contact federal and state agencies early in the process,
before submitting formal applications. State-located federal offices often handle federal grant
applications and disbursement of funds. State government departments and agencies also fund
projects and administer federal block grants.
Federal Agency Regional and Local Office Addresses (from CFDA)
http://www.cfda.gov/ CFDA /pdf/a ppx4.pdf
Many federal department and agencies have state or regional offices that grantseekers can contact
for additional program information and application procedures. For listings, consult CFDA
Appendix IV, Federal Agency Regional and Local Office Addresses. Much of the federal grant
budget moves to the states through formula and block grants. State, regional, and local federal
offices often handle grants applications and funds disbursement. Each federal agency has its own
procedures: applicants should call the department or agency in question before applying for
funding to obtain the most up-to-date information.
State Administering Agencies
Many federal grants such as formula and block grants are awarded directly to state governments,
which then set priorities and allocate funds within that state. For more information on how a state
intends to distribute federal formula funds, grantseekers can contact the State Administering
Agency (SAA). State government agencies are familiar with federal program requirements, can
assist local governments and nonprofit organizations with proposals, and can provide other
guidance.

Many federal department and agency websites include SAAs and often the site will have an
interactive U.S. map. Grantseekers can click on their state and obtain program and state contact ³
information. A selection of some executive department websites includes the following:
• Agriculture Rural Development State Contacts
http://www.rur dev.usda.gov/r ecd_map.html
• National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Partners
http://www.art s.gov/ part ner/state/SAA_RAO_list.html
• Commerce Offices and Services
http://www.comme rce.gov/ stat emap2.html
• Education (ED) State Contacts
http://www.ed.gov/about/c ontacts/s tate /i ndex.html
• Energy (DOE) State Contacts
http://www.eere.energy. gov/state_energy_program/ seo_contacts.cf m
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grant Regional Office
http://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/regi onal.htm
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) State Offices and Agencies
http://www.fema.gov/ about/contact/statedr.shtm
• Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration on Children and Families:
State Contacts http://www.acf.hhs.gov/acf_contact_us.html#state
• Homeland Security (DHS) State Contacts and Grant Award Information
http://www.dhs.gov/xgovt/grants/index.sht m
• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) State/Local Offices
http://www.hud.gov/localoff ices.cfm
• National Endowment for the Humanities (NEA) State Councils
http://www.neh.gov/whoweare/s tate councils.html
• Office of Justice Programs (OJP) State Administering Agencies
http://www.oj p.usdoj .gov/saa/
• Labor (DOL) Education and Training Administration, State Contacts
http://www.doleta.gov/regi ons/s tatecontacts/
• Small Business Administration
http://www.sba.gov/loca lr es ources/index.html
• Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regional Offices
http://www.fta .dot.gov/ regi onal_offi ces.html
• Veterans Affairs State/Territory Offices
http://www.va.go v/ stat edva.htm
State Single Point of Contact (Office of Management and Budget)
http://www.white house.gov/o mb/gr ants/s poc.html

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States often require federal grants applicants to submit a copy of their application for state
government review and comment, and many (but not all) have designated a state Single Point of
Contact (SPOC). The state offices listed here coordinate government grants development and may
provide guidance to grantseekers.

A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies (General Services Administration)
http://www.usa.gov/ Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies /i ndex.sht ml
To better develop a grant proposal, search a department or agency’s home page to learn more
about its programs and objectives. The site also includes the following:
• Government Benefits, Grants and Financial Aid
h t t p: / / w w w. u s a . go v/ C i ti ze n/To pi c s /B e n e f i t s . s ht ml
• Grants and Financial Management
http://www.usa.gov/ Gove rnme nt/State _Local/Grants.shtml
Covers grants management, federal assistance programs, resources about
acquisition and procurement, financial management, and taxes.
• Grants, Loans, and Other Assistance
http://www.usa.go v/ Business/Nonprof it .sht ml
Links to federal department and agency information and services, fundraising
and outreach, grants, loans and other assistance, laws and regulations,
management and operations, registration and licensing, and taxes.
• Businesses and Nonprofits
http://www.usa.gov/ Business/Busine ss_Gatewa y.shtml
Links to useful sites, including financial assistance, for small business,
government contractors, and foreign business in the United States.
Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (FBCI, Office of the President)
http://www.white house.gov/go ve rnme nt/fbci/cent ers.html
The FBCI initiative identified federal programs for which faith-based and community
organizations may apply. The following FBCI publications may be of help to organizations
seeking funds.
• Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the
Federal Government
http://www.white house.gov/go ve rnme nt/fbci/guidance_document_01-06.pdf
• Federal Funds for Organizations That Help Those in Need
http://www.white house.gov/go ve rnme nt/fbci/gr ants-c atalog-05 -2006.pdf
Describes some 170 federal programs, many of which can be applied for directly.
Some are “formula grants” made available to states and local governments,
which in turn award funds to grassroots and local organizations. For those,
grantseekers must contact local and state agencies responsible for managing the
programs.

• A Guide to Federal Economic Development Programs for Faith-Based and
Community Organizations
http://www.white house.gov/go ve rnme nt/fbci/EconDevCatalogue_v2.pdf
Presents a categorized listing of sample economic development efforts funded by
the federal government, for service organizations interested in strengthening
economic projects of individuals, communities, and businesses.
Homeland Security State Contacts & Grants Award Information (U.S. Department of
Homeland Security)
http://www.dhs.gov/xgovt/grants/index.sht m
Click on map for state allocations and contact information. 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), and Infrastructure Protection. Assistance to Firefighters may be
found at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/.
Grants Management Website (Office of Management and Budget)
http://www.white house.gov/o mb/gr ants/i ndex.html
OMB establishes government-wide grants management policies and guidelines through circulars
and common rules. OMB Circulars are cited in CFDA program descriptions.

Foundation Center
http://www.foundati oncente r.org/
Information gateway to the grant seeking process, private funding sources (including national,
state, community, and corporate foundations), guidelines on writing a grants proposal, addresses
of libraries in every state with grants reference collections, and links to other useful Internet
websites. The Center maintains a comprehensive database on foundation grantsmanship,
publishes directories and guides, conducts research and publishes studies in the field, and offers a
variety of training and educational seminars. Free information on the website includes the
following:
• Guide to Funding Research
http://foundationcenter.org/ge tstarted/t utorials /gfr/index.html
• Foundation Finder
http://l np.foundationcenter.org/ finder.html
Search for information about more than 70,000 private and community
foundations.
• Proposal Writing Short Course
http://fdncenter.org/lear n/shortcourse/prop1.html
Free tutorial on developing a good grant proposal; also in Spanish, French, and
other languages.

• Foundation Center Cooperating Collections
http://foundationcenter.org/coll ections/
Libraries in every state providing the Foundation Directory Online and free
funding information for grantseekers.
Community Foundations Locator (Council on Foundations)
http://www.cof.org/Locat or/i ndex.cfm?crumb=2
Community foundations are often particularly interested in local projects and maintain diverse
grants programs.
Funding Sources (Grantsmanship Center)
http://t gc i.com/ funding.shtml
The website provides listings by state of top grantmaking, community, and corporate foundations
that grantseekers might consider in identifying likely sources of private foundation funding.
Grants and Related Resources (Michigan State University Libraries)
http://www.lib.msu.edu/harr is23/grants/index.htm
Government and private grants resources, primarily Web, by subject or group categories, updated
frequently. Includes listings for nonprofits, individuals, and businesses.
• Grants for Nonprofits
http://www.lib.msu.edu/harr is23/grants/2sga lpha.htm
• Grants for Individuals
http://www.lib.msu.edu/harr is23/grants/3subj ect.htm
• Funding for Business and Economic Development
http://www.lib.msu.edu/harr is23/grants/2biz.htm

A number of websites provide guidance, tips, and sample proposals. Constituents may also
request from congressional offices CRS Report RL32159, How to Develop and Write a Grant
Proposal, by Merete F. Gerli, which discusses standard content and formats. Websites that may be
useful include the following:
• Developing and Writing Grant Proposals (CFDA)
ht t p: // 12.46.245.173/pl s/por t al 3 0/CATALOG.GRANT_PROPOSAL_DYN.show
• Grant-Writing Tutorial (Environmental Protection Agency and Purdue
University)
http://www.purdue.edu/envi rosoft /grants/src/ms ieopen.htm
• Grant-writing Tools for Non-Profit Organizations
http://www.npguides.org/ (includes sample proposals at http://www.npguides.org/
guide/sample_proposals.htm)
• Proposal Writing Short Course (Foundation Center)
http://fdncenter.org/learn/shortcourse/prop1.html (also has sample proposals)

• Sample Proposals (SchoolGrants.org)
http://www.k12grants.org/samples/
• Selected Proposal Writing Websites (University of Pittsburgh)
http://www.pitt.edu/~offres/proposal /propwriting/websites.html
• What Reviewers Look For (College of William and Mary)
http://www.wm.edu/gr ants/PROP/ revi ewer s.ht m
• Writing a Successful Grant Proposal (Minnesota Council on Foundations)
http://www.mcf.org/ mcf/gr ant/writing.htm
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