Resources for Grantseekers
June 29, 2021April 6, 2023
Federal grants are intended to meet goals authorized by Congress and often target
Federal grants are intended to meet goals authorized by Congress and often target
community needs. Federal grants are not guaranteed benefits or entitlements to community needs. Federal grants are not guaranteed benefits or entitlements to
individuals. Most federal
Maria Kreiser
individuals. Most federal grant funds go to state and local governments, which in turn grant funds go to state and local governments, which in turn
Senior Research Librarian
may award funds as sub-awards to may award funds as sub-awards to
Senior Research Librarian
local entities, such as nonprofit organizations. local entities, such as nonprofit organizations.
Because of this, contacting federal departments Because of this, contacting federal departments
and agencies, state-level grants and agencies, state-level grants
administering agencies (SAAs), or both to discuss grant opportunities is likely to be an administering agencies (SAAs), or both to discuss grant opportunities is likely to be an
important step for many grantseekers. important step for many grantseekers.
However, due to limited purposes of grants and competition for available funding, grantseekers seeking
However, due to limited purposes of grants and competition for available funding, grantseekers seeking
government aid might need to search for funding options other than grants. For instance, individuals may be government aid might need to search for funding options other than grants. For instance, individuals may be
eligible for other kinds of benefits or assistance. Small businesses and students may be eligible for loans. eligible for other kinds of benefits or assistance. Small businesses and students may be eligible for loans.
Sources that grantseekers need to identify federal grants are available from federal government websites for free.
Sources that grantseekers need to identify federal grants are available from federal government websites for free.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (or “Assistance Listings” database) at SAM.gov describes more than The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (or “Assistance Listings” database) at SAM.gov describes more than
2,200 federal programs, more than half of them grants, and can be searched by keyword, department or agency, 2,200 federal programs, more than half of them grants, and can be searched by keyword, department or agency,
program title, beneficiary, and applicant eligibility. Federal department and agency websites provide additional program title, beneficiary, and applicant eligibility. Federal department and agency websites provide additional
information and guidance, and they provide state agency contacts, given that some federal grant opportunities information and guidance, and they provide state agency contacts, given that some federal grant opportunities
may be administered by state-level agencies. may be administered by state-level agencies.
Once a program has been identified, eligible grantseekers may apply for grants at the website Grants.gov through
Once a program has been identified, eligible grantseekers may apply for grants at the website Grants.gov through
a uniform process for many agencies (for state-administered federal grants, applicants may apply through the a uniform process for many agencies (for state-administered federal grants, applicants may apply through the
state-level agency). Through Grants.gov, grantseekers may identify when federal funding notices and deadlines state-level agency). Through Grants.gov, grantseekers may identify when federal funding notices and deadlines
for a program become available, sign up for email notification of funding opportunities, and track the progress of for a program become available, sign up for email notification of funding opportunities, and track the progress of
submitted applications. submitted applications.
Because government funds may be limited, sources of private and corporate foundation funding may be important
Because government funds may be limited, sources of private and corporate foundation funding may be important
to consider. Sources for nongovernmental funding are available online from organizations supporting to consider. Sources for nongovernmental funding are available online from organizations supporting
grantseekers. For example, Candid (formerly the Foundation Center and GuideStar) is a clearinghouse for grantseekers. For example, Candid (formerly the Foundation Center and GuideStar) is a clearinghouse for
information about private, corporate, and community foundations, with publicly-accessible collections of information about private, corporate, and community foundations, with publicly-accessible collections of
resources in every state. These private, corporate, and community foundations often maintain their own websites resources in every state. These private, corporate, and community foundations often maintain their own websites
with information for grantseekers. with information for grantseekers.
This report provides a brief introduction to the grant process, describes key sources of information on government
This report provides a brief introduction to the grant process, describes key sources of information on government
and private funding, and outlines eligibility for federal grants. This report also includes some sources for and private funding, and outlines eligibility for federal grants. This report also includes some sources for
information on writing grant proposals. information on writing grant proposals.
Additional sources for grantseekers include
Additional sources for grantseekers include
reports such as CRS Report RL32159, CRS Report RL32159,
How to Develop and Write a
Grant Proposal, by Maria Kreiser and CRS Report RL34035, , by Maria Kreiser and CRS Report RL34035,
Grants Work in a Congressional Office, by Maria , by Maria
Kreiser. Kreiser.
This report is updated at the beginning of every Congress and as needed.
This report is updated at the beginning of every Congress and as needed.
Congressional Research Service
Congressional Research Service
link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page 5 link to page 7 link to page 8 link to page 9 link to page 10 link to page 10
link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page 5 link to page 7 link to page 8 link to page 9 link to page 10 link to page 10
Resources for Grantseekers
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Who Is Eligible for a Government Grant?....................................................................................... 1
Key Federal Sources ........................................................................................................................ 2
Federal Contacts in States and State Administering Agencies ........................................................ 4
Related Federal Sources .................................................................................................................. 5
Private, Corporate, and Additional Funding Sources ...................................................................... 6
Grant Proposal Writing Websites ..................................................................................................... 7
Contacts
Author Information .......................................................................................................................... 7
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Congressional Research Service
Resources for Grantseekers
Introduction
Hundreds of grants or loans for various purposes are available from federal departments and Hundreds of grants or loans for various purposes are available from federal departments and
agencies. However, federal grants are not benefits or entitlements to individuals. Federal grants agencies. However, federal grants are not benefits or entitlements to individuals. Federal grants
are authorized by Congress and are often intended for projects serving state, community, and are authorized by Congress and are often intended for projects serving state, community, and
local needs. Most federal funding goes to state and local governments, which in turn may make 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. sub-awards to local entities, such as eligible nonprofit organizations.
Local governments seeking funds for community services, infrastructure, and economic
Local governments seeking funds for community services, infrastructure, and economic
revitalization may be eligible to tap into state or federal funds. Government funding may also be revitalization may be eligible to tap into state or federal funds. Government funding may also be
available for nonprofit organizations, including faith-based groups, for initiatives such as available for nonprofit organizations, including faith-based groups, for initiatives such as
establishing food kitchens or after-school tutoring programs. For faith-based grant recipients, establishing food kitchens or after-school tutoring programs. For faith-based grant recipients,
projects must benefit the community at large and not solely the groups’ members or congregants. projects must benefit the community at large and not solely the groups’ members or congregants.
For individuals seeking financial help (such as starting or expanding a small business, or
For individuals seeking financial help (such as starting or expanding a small business, or
educational assistance), benefits or loans may be available. educational assistance), benefits or loans may be available.
Individuals looking for government benefits (such as for child or health care,
Individuals looking for government benefits (such as for child or health care,
housing or energy costs, disability or veterans’ needs, or “living assistance”) may
housing or energy costs, disability or veterans’ needs, or “living assistance”) may
find useful the website Benefits.gov at http://www.benefits.gov. find useful the website Benefits.gov at http://www.benefits.gov.
Students seeking financial aid can search Student Aid on the web at
Students seeking financial aid can search Student Aid on the web at
https://studentaid.
https://studentaid.
ed.gov/sagov/. /.
To start or expand a small business, the federal government
To start or expand a small business, the federal government
providesmay provide help in help in
the
the form of loans and advisory and technical assistance (such as business form of loans and advisory and technical assistance (such as business
counseling). See the Small Business Administration (SBA) website at counseling). See the Small Business Administration (SBA) website at
http://www.sba.gov to find programs and state or local SBA offices. 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.
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 may also be important to Because government funds may be limited, sources of private funding may also be important to
consider. Regional and community foundations may be particularly interested in funding local consider. Regional and community foundations may be particularly interested in funding local
projects; however, many projects may require a combination of government and private funding. projects; however, many projects may require a combination of government and private funding.
Local business or private foundation funding might be appropriate for supporting local memorials Local business or private foundation funding might be appropriate for supporting local memorials
or programs. Community fundraising may be more suitable for school enrichment activities, such or programs. Community fundraising may be more suitable for school enrichment activities, such
as band or sports uniforms or field trips. as band or sports uniforms or field trips.
For eligible state and local governments and nonprofit organizations, identifying appropriate
For eligible state and local governments and nonprofit organizations, identifying appropriate
programs, and contacting federal and state agencies early in the process may be encouraged. programs, and contacting federal and state agencies early in the process may be encouraged.
Federal offices located in states or regions often handle federal grant applications and Federal offices located in states or regions often handle federal grant applications and
disbursement of funds. State government departments and agencies also fund projects and disbursement of funds. State government departments and agencies also fund projects and
administer federal block grants. administer federal block grants.
Who Is Eligible for a Government Grant?
Many groups or organizations are eligible to apply for government grants; however, each Many groups or organizations are eligible to apply for government grants; however, each
individual grant program will have its own requirements for eligibility. Typically, most grantees individual grant program will have its own requirements for eligibility. Typically, most grantees
fall into the following categories:1 fall into the following categories:1
Government
Government
OrganizationsOrganizations
State Governments
1 Grants.gov, “Who is Eligible for a Grant?,” at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grant-eligibility.html. 1 Grants.gov, “Who is Eligible for a Grant?,” at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grant-eligibility.html.
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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
Education Organizations
Independent School Districts
Public and State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
Private Institutions of Higher Education
Public Housing Organizations
Public Housing Organizations
Public Housing Authorities
Indian Housing Authorities
Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit 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)
For-profit Organizations (other than small businesses)
Individuals (such as Pell Grants for needy students) Individuals (such as Pell Grants for needy students)
Some constituents may have seen or heard media advertisements claiming federal grants are
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 available to help them. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer
protection agency, cautions grantseekers:2 protection agency, cautions grantseekers:2
Sometimes, it’s an ad that claims you will qualify to receive a “free grant” to pay for
Sometimes, it’s an ad that claims you will qualify to receive a “free grant” to pay for
education costs, home repairs, home business expenses, or unpaid bills. Other times, it’s a education costs, home repairs, home business expenses, or unpaid bills. Other times, it’s a
phone call supposedly from a “government” agency or some other organization with an phone call supposedly from a “government” agency or some other organization with an
official sounding name. In either case, the claim is the same: your application for a grant official sounding name. In either case, the claim is the same: your application for a grant
is guaranteed to be accepted, and you’ll never have to pay the money back. is guaranteed to be accepted, and you’ll never have to pay the money back.
The FTC warns that these “money for nothing” grant offers are usually misleading, whether you
The FTC warns that these “money for nothing” grant offers are usually misleading, whether you
see them in your local paper, through the internet, or hear about them on television or receive a see them in your local paper, through the internet, or hear about them on television or receive a
phone call. Grantseekers should beware of paying “processing fees” for information that is phone call. Grantseekers 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 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. business, unpaid bills, or other personal expenses are often scams.
Key Federal Sources
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (“Assistance Listings”) at SAM.gov (General (General
Services Administration) Services Administration)
https://sam.gov/content/assistance-listings https://sam.gov/content/assistance-listings
2 Federal Trade Commission, FTC Consumer Alert, “Government Grant Scams,” September 2006, at 2 Federal Trade Commission, FTC Consumer Alert, “Government Grant Scams,” September 2006, at
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0113-government-grant-scams. http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0113-government-grant-scams.
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Official descriptions of more than 2,200 federal assistance programs (including grants, loans, and
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. The website, produced by other financial and nonfinancial assistance) can be found on SAM.gov. The website, produced by
the General Services Administration (GSA), houses federal assistance listings previously found the General Services Administration (GSA), houses federal assistance listings previously found
on the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) website. Each federal assistance program on the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) website. Each federal assistance program
has a corresponding CFDA program number; these CFDA numbers are still used as numerical has a corresponding CFDA program number; these CFDA numbers are still used as numerical
program identifiers. Programs are searchable at the “Assistance Listings” domain at SAM.gov; program identifiers. Programs are searchable at the “Assistance Listings” domain at SAM.gov;
descriptions are updated by departments and agencies, and they cover authorizing legislation, descriptions are updated by departments and agencies, and they cover authorizing legislation,
objectives, and eligibility and compliance requirements. objectives, and eligibility and compliance requirements.
About 1,800 assistance programs are classified as grants. Assistance listing descriptions include
About 1,800 assistance programs are classified as grants. Assistance listing descriptions include
the following: the following:
federal agency administering a program;
federal agency administering a program;
legislation authorizing the program; legislation authorizing the program;
objectives and goals of program; objectives and goals of program;
types of financial or nonfinancial assistance; types of financial or nonfinancial assistance;
uses and restrictions; uses and restrictions;
eligibility requirements; eligibility requirements;
application and award process; application and award process;
criteria for selecting proposals; criteria for selecting proposals;
amount of obligations for some past and current fiscal years; amount of obligations for some past and current fiscal years;
range and average of financial assistance; range and average of financial assistance;
regulations, guidelines, and literature relevant to a program; regulations, guidelines, and literature relevant to a program;
information contacts and headquarters, regional, and local offices; information contacts and headquarters, regional, and local offices;
related programs; related programs;
examples of funded projects; examples of funded projects;
formula and matching requirements, where applicable; and formula and matching requirements, where applicable; and
requirements for post-assistance reports. requirements for post-assistance reports.
Grants.gov and FedConnect
http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov
https://www.fedconnect.net https://www.fedconnect.net
After grantseekers identify federal programs in SAM.gov and contact agencies (see section
After grantseekers identify federal programs in SAM.gov and contact agencies (see section
below), they may be directed to register and apply at websites such as Grants.gov or FedConnect below), they may be directed to register and apply at websites such as Grants.gov or FedConnect
when application announcements for competitive grants become available. The websites allow when application announcements for competitive grants become available. The websites allow
grantseekers to register and download applications for current competitive funding opportunities 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 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 email funding availability (NOFAs) or requests for proposals (RFPs); sign up to receive email
notification of grant opportunities; and apply for federal grants online through a unified process. notification of grant opportunities; and apply for federal grants online through a unified process.
The sites also guide grantseekers in The sites also guide grantseekers in
obtaining Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) numbers and registering with the System for Award Management (SAM)registering with the System for Award Management (SAM)
; both are, which is required for all federal required for all federal
grants (follow instructions at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-grants (follow instructions at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-
registration.html). registration.html).
One significant limitation to Grants.gov and FedConnect.net is the exclusion of state-level federal
One significant limitation to Grants.gov and FedConnect.net is the exclusion of state-level federal
grant program information. For example, Grants.gov provides information only about the funding grant program information. For example, Grants.gov provides information only about the funding
opportunities for opportunities for
primary grant recipients. However, federal grant funds may first be received by grant recipients. However, federal grant funds may first be received by
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a state government (a “primary” recipient) and then passed through to the local level as sub-a state government (a “primary” recipient) and then passed through to the local level as sub-
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awards to more local sub-recipients. Thus, a local grantseeker would not be able to access awards to more local sub-recipients. Thus, a local grantseeker would not be able to access
information on Grants.gov about the possibility of receiving federal sub-grants from a state-level information on Grants.gov about the possibility of receiving federal sub-grants from a state-level
agency. agency.
To download and submit an application from Grants.gov or FedConnect, registration is required.
To download and submit an application from Grants.gov or FedConnect, registration is required.
The sites provide a narrated tutorial on how to complete a grant application package and a The sites provide 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 can Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. Once an application is submitted, grants applicants can
then track progress of their application using their unique ID and password. Applications can be then track progress of their application using their unique ID and password. Applications can be
identified by CFDA number, funding opportunity number, competition ID, or tracking number. identified by CFDA number, funding opportunity number, competition ID, or tracking number.
Federal Contacts in States and State Administering
Agencies
Much of the federal grant budget moves to the states through formula and block grants. State, 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 regional, and local federal offices often handle grants applications and funds disbursement. Each
federal agency has its own procedures: applicants should contact the department or agency in federal agency has its own procedures: applicants should contact the department or agency in
question before applying for funding to obtain the most up-to-date information. question before applying for funding to obtain the most up-to-date information.
After eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations have identified appropriate
After eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations have identified appropriate
programs, they may be encouraged to contact federal and state agencies early in the process and programs, they may be encouraged to contact federal and state agencies early in the process and
before submitting formal applications. Some agencies may also offer pre-application trainings for before submitting formal applications. Some agencies may also offer pre-application trainings for
grant programs, to provide prospective applicants with information on the federal application grant programs, to provide prospective applicants with information on the federal application
process. State-located federal offices may handle federal grant applications and disbursement of process. State-located federal offices may handle federal grant applications and disbursement of
funds. State government departments and agencies administer federal formula and block grants, funds. State government departments and agencies administer federal formula and block grants,
and also fund projects. and also fund projects.
State Administering Agencies or Contacts
Many federal grants, such as formula and block grants, are awarded directly to state governments,
Many federal grants, such as formula and block grants, are awarded directly to state governments,
which then set priorities for funding and allocate sub-funds within that state. For more which then set priorities for funding and allocate sub-funds within that state. For more
information on how a state intends to distribute federal formula funds, grantseekers can contact 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 the State Administering Agency (SAA). State government agencies are familiar with federal
program requirements, can assist local governments and nonprofit organizations with proposals, program requirements, can assist local governments and nonprofit organizations with proposals,
and can provide other guidance. and can provide other guidance.
Many federal department and agency websites include SAAs, and often the site will have an
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 interactive U.S. map. Grantseekers can click on their state and obtain program and state contact
information. A selection of some executive department websites includes the following:3 information. A selection of some executive department websites includes the following:3
Agriculture Rural Development State Contacts
Agriculture Rural Development State Contacts
https://www.rd.usda.gov/page/state-offices
https://www.rd.usda.gov/page/state-offices
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Partners
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Partners
https://www.arts.gov/state-and-regional-arts-organizations
https://www.arts.gov/state-and-regional-arts-organizations
Education (ED) State Contacts
Education (ED) State Contacts
http://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html
http://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html
Energy (DOE) Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Energy (DOE) Efficiency & Renewable Energy
in My State
http://apps1.eere
https://www.energy.gov/.energy.gov/
states/eere/funding/eere-funding-opportunities
3 Compiled by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) from executive department and agency websites. 3 Compiled by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) from executive department and agency websites.
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grant Regional Office
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grant Regional Office
https://www.epa.gov/grants/regional-grants-information
https://www.epa.gov/grants/regional-grants-information
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) State Offices and Agencies
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) State Offices and Agencies
https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/state-administrative-agency-contacts
https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/state-administrative-agency-contacts
Health and Human Services (HHS), Social Services Block Grants State Officials
Health and Human Services (HHS), Social Services Block Grants State Officials
& Program Contacts
& Program Contacts
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/resource/ssbg-contacts https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/resource/ssbg-contacts
Homeland Security (DHS) State Homeland Security Contacts
Homeland Security (DHS) State Homeland Security Contacts
https://www.dhs.gov/state-homeland-security-and-emergency-services
https://www.dhs.gov/state-homeland-security-and-emergency-services
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) State/Local Offices
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) State/Local Offices
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/field_policy_mgt/localoffices
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/field_policy_mgt/localoffices
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEA) State Councils
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEA) State Councils
https://www.neh.gov/about/state-humanities-councils
https://www.neh.gov/about/state-humanities-councils
Office of Justice Programs (OJP) State Administering Agencies
Office of Justice Programs (OJP) State Administering Agencies
https://www.ojp.gov/funding/state-administering-agencies/overview
https://www.ojp.gov/funding/state-administering-agencies/overview
Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration, State and Local
Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration, State and Local
Contacts
Contacts
https://www.doleta.gov/regions/ https://www.doleta.gov/regions/
Small Business Administration
Small Business Administration
https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find?type=SBA%20District%20Office&
https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find?type=SBA%20District%20Office&
pageNumber=1 pageNumber=1
Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regional Offices
Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regional Offices
https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/regional-offices/regional-offices
https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/regional-offices/regional-offices
Veterans Affairs State/Territory Offices
Veterans Affairs State/Territory Offices
https://https://
wwwdepartment.va.gov/.va.gov/
about_va/state-dva-offices.aspabout/state-departments-of-veterans-affairs-office-locations/
State Single Point of Contact (Office of Management and Budget) (Office of Management and Budget)
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf
Many states require federal grants applicants to submit a copy of their application for state
Many states 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 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 Contact (SPOC). The state offices listed here coordinate government grants development and may
provide guidance to grantseekers. provide guidance to grantseekers.
Related Federal Sources
A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies (General Services Administration) (General Services Administration)
https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/a https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/a
To better develop a grant proposal, search a department or agency’s home page to learn more
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: about its programs and objectives. The site also includes the following:
Government Benefits, Grants and Loans
Government Benefits, Grants and Loans
https://www.usa.gov/benefits-grants-loans
https://www.usa.gov/benefits-grants-loans
Businesses and NonprofitsSmall Businesses
https://www.usa.gov/business
https://www.usa.gov/business
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Links to federal department and agency information and services, including Links to federal department and agency information and services, including
information on starting a nonprofit organization. information on starting a nonprofit organization.
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OMB Circulars (Office of Management and Budget) (Office of Management and Budget)
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-for-agencies/circulars/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-for-agencies/circulars/
OMB establishes government-wide grants management policies and guidelines through circulars
OMB establishes government-wide grants management policies and guidelines through circulars
and common rules. OMB circulars are cited in SAM.gov Assistance Listing program descriptions. and common rules. OMB circulars are cited in SAM.gov Assistance Listing program descriptions.
Circulars target grants recipients and audit requirements for educational institutions, state and Circulars target grants recipients and audit requirements for educational institutions, state and
local governments, and nonprofit organizations. local governments, and nonprofit organizations.
Private, Corporate, and Additional Funding Sources
Candid (formerly the Foundation Center and GuideStar)
https://candid.org/ https://candid.org/
Information gateway to the grant seeking process, private funding sources (including national,
Information gateway to the grant seeking process, private funding sources (including national,
state, community, and corporate foundations), guidelines on writing a grants proposal, addresses 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 of libraries in every state with grants reference collections, and links to other useful internet
websites. Candid maintains a comprehensive database on foundation grantsmanship, publishes websites. Candid maintains a comprehensive database on foundation grantsmanship, publishes
directories and guides, conducts research and publishes studies in the field, and offers a variety of 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: training and educational seminars. Free information on the website includes the following:
Introduction to Finding Grants
Introduction to Finding Grants
https://learning.candid.org/training/courses/introduction-to-finding-grants/
https://learning.candid.org/training/courses/introduction-to-finding-grants/
Foundation Finder
Foundation Finder
https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/welcome/quick-start
https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/welcome/quick-start
Introduction to Proposal Writing Short Course
Introduction to Proposal Writing Short Course
https://learning.candid.org/training/introduction-to-proposal-writing/
https://learning.candid.org/training/introduction-to-proposal-writing/
Over 200+ articles on frequently asked questions, searchable by topic
Over 200+ articles on frequently asked questions, searchable by topic
https://learning.candid.org/resources/knowledge-base/
https://learning.candid.org/resources/knowledge-base/
Foundation Center Funding Information Network (a national network of
Foundation Center Funding Information Network (a national network of
cooperating library collections in each state, with print and electronic resources
cooperating library collections in each state, with print and electronic resources
available free to the public) available free to the public)
https://candid.org/find-us Nonprofit Startup Resources https://candid.org/find-us Nonprofit Startup Resources
https://learning.candid.org/resources/nonprofit-startup-resources/ https://learning.candid.org/resources/nonprofit-startup-resources/
Community Foundations Locator (Council on Foundations) (Council on Foundations)
http://www.cof.org/community-foundation-locator http://www.cof.org/community-foundation-locator
Community foundations may be particularly interested in funding local projects and maintain
Community foundations may be particularly interested in funding local projects and maintain
diverse grants programs. diverse grants programs.
Funding Sources: Funding State by State (Grantsmanship Center) (Grantsmanship Center)
http://tgci.com/funding-sources http://tgci.com/funding-sources
The website provides listings by state of top grantmaking, community, and corporate foundations
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. that grantseekers might consider in identifying likely sources of private foundation funding.
Grants and Related Resources (Michigan State University Libraries) (Michigan State University Libraries)
https://libguides.lib.msu.edu/grants https://libguides.lib.msu.edu/grants
The site provides government and private grants resources, primarily internet, by subject or group
The site provides government and private grants resources, primarily internet, by subject or group
categories. Web pages include the following: categories. Web pages include the following:
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Resources for Grantseekers
Researching Potential Funders Researching Potential Funders
https://libguides.lib.msu.edu/c.php?g=96743&p=769466
https://libguides.lib.msu.edu/c.php?g=96743&p=769466
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Resources for Grantseekers
Grants for NonprofitsGrants for Nonprofits
https://libguides.lib.msu.edu/c.php?g=96743&p=622545 https://libguides.lib.msu.edu/c.php?g=96743&p=622545
Grant Proposal Writing Websites
A number of websites provide guidance, tips, and sample proposals. Constituents may also A number of websites provide guidance, tips, and sample proposals. Constituents may also
request from congressional office CRS Report RL32159, request from congressional office CRS Report RL32159,
How to Develop and Write a Grant
Proposal, by Maria Kreiser, which discusses standard content and formats. Websites that may be , by Maria Kreiser, which discusses standard content and formats. Websites that may be
useful include the following: useful include the following:
Grants and Grant Writing: Examples of RFPs and Grant Proposals (University of
Grants and Grant Writing: Examples of RFPs and Grant Proposals (University of
California, Santa Barbara Library)
California, Santa Barbara Library)
http://guides.library.ucsb.edu/content.php?pid=61909&sid=455330 http://guides.library.ucsb.edu/content.php?pid=61909&sid=455330
Introduction to Proposal Writing Short Course
Introduction to Proposal Writing Short Course
https://learning.candid.org/training/introduction-to-proposal-writing/
https://learning.candid.org/training/introduction-to-proposal-writing/
Tips on Writing a Grant Proposal (Environmental Protection Agency)
Tips on Writing a Grant Proposal (Environmental Protection Agency)
https://www.epa.gov/ports-initiative/tips-successful-grant-application
https://www.epa.gov/ports-initiative/tips-successful-grant-application
Grants 101: Write the Proposal (Department of Justice)
Grants 101: Write the Proposal (Department of Justice)
https://www.ojp.gov/funding/grants101/write-proposal
https://www.ojp.gov/funding/grants101/write-proposal
Writing a Successful Grant Proposal (Minnesota Council on Foundations)
Writing a Successful Grant Proposal (Minnesota Council on Foundations)
https://www.mcf.org/writing-successful-grant-proposal
https://www.mcf.org/writing-successful-grant-proposal
Author Information
Maria Kreiser Maria Kreiser
Senior Research Librarian
Senior Research Librarian
Acknowledgments
A previous version of this report was prepared by Merete F. Gerli, formerly an Information Research
A previous version of this report was prepared by Merete F. Gerli, formerly an Information Research
Specialist at CRSSpecialist at CRS
.
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Resources for Grantseekers
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in
its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or
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Congressional Research Service
Congressional Research Service
RL34012
RL34012
· VERSION 3941 · UPDATED
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