Resources for Grantseekers
April 6, 2023
Resources for Grantseekers
Updated March 27, 2025
(RL34012)
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Summary
Federal grants are intended to meet goals authorized by Congress and often target community Federal grants are intended to meet goals authorized by Congress and often target community
needs. Federal grants are not guaranteed benefits or entitlements to individuals. Most federal needs. Federal grants are not guaranteed benefits or entitlements to individuals. Most federal
Maria Kreiser
grant funds go to state and local governments, which in turn may award funds as sub-awards to grant funds go to state and local governments, which in turn may award funds as sub-awards to
Senior Research Librarian
local entities, such as nonprofit organizations. Because of this, contacting federal departments local entities, such as nonprofit organizations. Because of this, contacting federal departments
and agencies, state-level grants administering agencies (SAAs), or both to discuss grant and agencies, state-level grants administering agencies (SAAs), or both to discuss grant
opportunities is likely to be an important step for many grantseekers.opportunities is likely to be an important step for many grantseekers.
However, due to limited purposes of grants and competition for available funding, grantseekers seeking government aid 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 eligible for other kinds of 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.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.
TheFor example, the Catalog Catalog
of Federal Domestic Assistance (or of Federal Domestic Assistance (or
“"Assistance ListingsAssistance Listings
”" database) at SAM.gov describes more than 2,200 federal programs, 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, program title, beneficiary, and 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 information and guidance, and applicant eligibility. Federal department and agency websites provide additional information and guidance, and
theymay provide provide
state agency contactsstate agency contacts
, —given that some federal grant opportunities may be administered by state-level agencies.given that some federal grant opportunities 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 a uniform 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 state-level agency). process for many agencies (for state-administered federal grants, applicants may apply through the state-level agency).
Through Grants.gov, grantseekers may Through Grants.gov, grantseekers may
also identify when federal funding notices and deadlines for a program become available, 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 submitted applications.sign up for email notification of funding opportunities, and track the progress of submitted applications.
Because government funds may be limited, sources of private and corporate foundation funding may be important to 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 grantseekers. For 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 information about private, corporate, example, Candid (formerly the Foundation Center and GuideStar) is a clearinghouse for information about private, corporate,
and community foundations, with publiclyand community foundations, with publicly
- accessible collections of resources in every state. These private, corporate, and accessible collections of resources in every state. These private, corporate, and
community foundations often maintain their own websites with information for grantseekers.community foundations often maintain their own websites with information for grantseekers.
This report provides a brief introduction to the grant process, describes key sources of information on government and private 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 information on writing grant funding, and outlines eligibility for federal grants. This report also includes some sources for information on writing grant
proposals.proposals.
Additional sources for grantseekers include the following:
Congressional staff may also find the following CRS products useful:
This report is updated as needed.
Introduction
Additional sources for grantseekers include CRS Report RL32159, How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal, by Maria Kreiser and CRS Report RL34035, Grants Work in a Congressional Office, by Maria Kreiser.
This report is updated at the beginning of every Congress and as needed.
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 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
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 groupsprojects must benefit the community at large and not solely the groups
’' members or congregants. 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 veteranshousing or energy costs, disability or veterans
’' needs, or needs, or
“"living assistanceliving assistance
”") may ) may
find useful the website Benefits.gov at http://www.benefits.gov.
find this website useful: https://www.usa.gov/benefit-finder.
Students seeking financial aid can search Student Aid on the webStudents seeking financial aid can search Student Aid on the web
at
: https://studentaid.gov/https://studentaid.gov/
.
.
To start or expand a small business, the federal government may provide help in To start or expand a small business, the federal government may provide help in
the form of loansthe form of loans
, and advisory and technical assistance (such as business and advisory and technical assistance (such as business
counseling). See the Small Business Administration (SBA) websitecounseling). See the Small Business Administration (SBA) website
at, http://www.sba.govhttp://www.sba.gov
, to find programs and state or local SBA offices. 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 organizationsFor eligible state and local governments and nonprofit organizations
, identifying that are seeking appropriate appropriate
programs, programs,
and contacting federal and state agencies early in the process may be encouraged. 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
Government Organizations
State Governments
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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Resources for Grantseekers
Local Governments
fall into the following categories:1Government 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 OrganizationsEducation Organizations
Independent School Districts
Public and State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
Private Institutions of Higher Education
Public Housing OrganizationsPublic Housing Organizations
Public Housing Authorities
Indian Housing Authorities
Nonprofit OrganizationsNonprofit 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 nationavailable to help them. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation
’'s consumer s consumer
protection agency, cautions grantseekers:protection agency, cautions grantseekers:
2
Sometimes, it's an ad that claims you will qualify to receive a "free grant" to pay for 2
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, iteducation costs, home repairs, home business expenses, or unpaid bills. Other times, it
’'s a s a
phone call supposedly from a phone call supposedly from a
“government”"government" agency or some other organization with an 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 youis guaranteed to be accepted, and you
’'ll never have to pay the money back.ll never have to pay the money back.
The FTC warns that these The FTC warns that these
“"money for nothingmoney for nothing
”" grant offers are usually misleading, whether you 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 phone call. Grantseekers should beware of paying
“"processing feesprocessing fees
”" for information that is 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/https://sam.gov/
content/assistance-listings
2 Federal Trade Commission, FTC Consumer Alert, “Government Grant Scams,” September 2006, at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0113-government-grant-scams.
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Resources for Grantseekers
assistance-listings
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 program identifiers. Programs are searchable at the
“"Assistance ListingsAssistance Listings
”" domain at SAM.gov; 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
Approximately 1,800 assistance programs are classified as grants. Assistance listing descriptions include 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; andformula and matching requirements, where applicable; and
requirements for post-assistance reports.requirements for post-assistance reports.
Grants.gov and FedConnect
http://www.grants.gov
https://www.fedconnect.net
Federal Program Inventory
https://fpi.omb.gov/
In 2024, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) publicly launched the Federal Program Inventory (FPI). Using data from SAM.gov Assistance Listings, this site similarly provides "snapshot" summaries of federal financial assistance programs, including grant programs. Like SAM.gov, this site allows searching by agencies, type of program/assistance, and eligible applicants—but this site also offers a category search function that displays results by topic across multiple agencies. This added functionality may be particularly helpful for new grantseekers who are at the beginning or exploratory stage of the search process. Grantseekers can select categories (and subcategories) to search, such as agriculture, economic/community development, housing, disaster prevention and relief, transportation, and many others. The Federal Program Inventory also displays some overview data on federal program obligation amounts from USAspending.gov.3
Grants.gov and FedConnect
http://www.grants.gov 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 registering with the System for Award Management (SAM), The sites also guide grantseekers in registering with the System for Award Management (SAM),
which is required for all federal grants (which is required for all federal grants (
followsee instructions instructions
at , http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/
applicants/organization-registration.htmlapplicants/organization-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
a state government (a a state government (a
“primary”"primary" recipient) and then passed through to the local level as sub- recipient) and then passed through to the local level as sub-
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Resources for Grantseekers
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 Agency Websites
Federal agency websites often provide information about active grant programs and include deadlines, program contacts, and eligibility. This information can vary from agency to agency, and many post Frequently Asked Questions, recorded presentations, or guides on funding programs, as well as detailed program guidance. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development provides several fact sheets, which provide information on USDA federal assistance programs that support rural areas.4
Grantseekers can often sign up to receive upcoming notifications or announcements from an agency, or agency's divisions or offices of interest. Some agencies might also announce funding opportunities that are expected to be available later in the year.
Some federal agencies have developed special dashboards or other sites to help grantseekers identify potential funding. For example
State Government Websites
State agency websites may provide information about available federal grant funding that will be passed through the state and sub-granted at the community level to local governments, nonprofits, or other grantseekers.5 Many state level agencies accept federal sub-grant applications or proposals.
Some states might also provide broader search tools; for example, Virginia provides an informational grants portal listing federal, state, and private funding, and Ohio also provides a searchable database of grant opportunities that are administered by the state.6
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.which then set priorities for funding and allocate sub-funds within that state.
7 For more 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:information. A selection of some executive department websites includes the following:
3
8 Agriculture Rural Development State ContactsAgriculture Rural Development State Contacts
,https://www.rd.usda.gov/page/state-officeshttps://www.rd.usda.gov/page/state-offices
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) PartnersNational Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Partners
,https://www.arts.gov/state-and-regional-arts-organizationshttps://www.arts.gov/state-and-regional-arts-organizations
Education (ED) State ContactsEducation (ED) State Contacts
http://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html
,https://www.ed.gov/contact-us/state-contacts
Energy (DOE) Efficiency & Renewable EnergyEnergy (DOE) Efficiency & Renewable Energy
,https://www.energy.gov/eere/funding/eere-funding-opportunitieshttps://www.energy.gov/eere/funding/eere-funding-opportunities
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grant Regional Office,https://www.epa.gov/grants/regional-grants-information
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) State Offices and Agencies (preparedness),https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/about/state-administrative-agency-contacts
3 Compiled by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) from executive department and agency websites.
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Resources for Grantseekers
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grant Regional Office
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
(hazard mitigation),
https://www.fema.gov/grants/https://www.fema.gov/grants/
preparedness/state-administrative-agency-contacts
mitigation/state-local-territorial-governments/state-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://acf.gov/ocs/contact-information/ssbg-grantee-contact-information
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/resource/ssbg-contacts
Homeland Security (DHS) State Homeland Security ContactsHomeland Security (DHS) State Homeland Security Contacts
,https://www.dhs.gov/state-homeland-security-and-emergency-serviceshttps://www.dhs.gov/state-homeland-security-and-emergency-services
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) State/Local OfficesHousing and Urban Development (HUD) State/Local Offices
,https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/field_policy_mgt/localofficeshttps://www.hud.gov/program_offices/field_policy_mgt/localoffices
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEA) State CouncilsNational Endowment for the Humanities (NEA) State Councils
,https://www.neh.gov/about/state-humanities-councilshttps://www.neh.gov/about/state-humanities-councils
Office of Justice Programs (OJP) State Administering AgenciesOffice of Justice Programs (OJP) State Administering Agencies
,https://www.ojp.gov/funding/state-administering-agencies/overviewhttps://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.https://www.
doleta.gov/regions/
dol.gov/agencies/eta/contact
Small Business AdministrationSmall 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=1pageNumber=1
Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regional OfficesTransportation, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regional Offices
,https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/regional-offices/regional-officeshttps://www.transit.dot.gov/about/regional-offices/regional-offices
Veterans Affairs State/Territory OfficesVeterans Affairs State/Territory Offices
,https://https://
department.va.gov/about/state-departments-of-veterans-affairs-office-locations/
discover.va.gov/external-resources/?_resource_type=state-veterans-affairs-officeState Single Point of Contact (Office of Management and Budget) (Office of Management and Budget)
https://https://
www.whitehousebidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/.gov/wp-content/uploads/
2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf
2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf (as of 2024)
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).Contact (SPOC).
9 The state offices listed here coordinate government grants development and may 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) https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/a
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 Loans
https://www.usa.gov/benefits-grants-loans
Small Businesses
https://www.usa.gov/business
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Resources for Grantseekers
Links to federal department and agency information and services, including information on starting a nonprofit organization.
OMB Circulars (Office of Management and Budget) https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-for-agencies/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. Circulars target grants recipients and audit requirements for educational institutions, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations.
Private, Corporate, and Additional Funding Sources
Candid (formerly the Foundation Center and GuideStar)
https://candid.org/
Information gateway to 10
Regional Development Organizations (RDOs)
RDOs are multijurisdictional planning and development organizations that offer a range of services to their member governments. RDO refers to a broad category of organizations that includes local or area development districts, councils of governments, regional planning commissions, and others.11 RDOs are sometimes involved in facilitating federal grantseeking or grantmaking at the regional or local level for certain kinds of multijurisdictional projects (e.g., transportation, tourism, and hazard mitigation—but this varies widely, depending on the region, as well as the capacity and goals of the RDO). Contacting RDOs may also yield information and possible partnerships for a desired project.
There is no centralized directory of all RDOs, but grantseekers could utilize the following:
Economic Development Administration's (EDA's) Economic Development Directory,https://www.eda.gov/economic-development-directory
An interactive map from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO),https://www.nado.org/eddmap/
Online search engines.Also see CRS In Focus IF11511, The Role of Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) in Economic Development, by Julie M. Lawhorn.
Related Federal Sources
A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies (General Services Administration)
https://www.usa.gov/agency-index
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 https://www.usa.gov/benefits
Small Businesseshttps://www.usa.gov/small-business?source=busaFederal Grant Policy-Making Overviews
https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-policies
Grants.gov provides overviews and information on various federal grantmaking policies and guidance.
Private, Corporate, and Additional Funding Sources
Candid (formerly the Foundation Center and GuideStar)
https://candid.org/
Candid is a gateway to information on the grant seeking process, private funding sources (including national, the grant seeking process, private funding sources (including national,
state, community, and corporate foundations), guidelines state, community, and corporate foundations), guidelines
onfor writing a grants proposal, addresses 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 websites. Candid maintains a
comprehensive database on foundation grantsmanship, publishes 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 GrantsIntroduction to Finding Grants
, https://learning.candid.org/training/courses/introduction-to-finding-grants/https://learning.candid.org/training/courses/introduction-to-finding-grants/
Foundation FinderFoundation Finder
,https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/welcome/quick-starthttps://fconline.foundationcenter.org/welcome/quick-start
Introduction to Proposal Writing Short CourseIntroduction to Proposal Writing Short Course
,https://learning.candid.org/training/introduction-to-proposal-writing/https://learning.candid.org/training/introduction-to-proposal-writing/
Over 200Over 200
+ articles on frequently asked questions articles on frequently asked questions
, and searchable by topic searchable by topic
,https://learning.candid.org/resources/knowledge-base/https://learning.candid.org/resources/knowledge-base/
Foundation Center Foundation Center
Funding Information Networklocal partners (a national network of (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-ushttps://candid.org/find-us
Nonprofit Startup Resources
Nonprofit Startup Resources (assess readiness to start a nonprofit),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-locatorhttp://www.cof.org/community-foundation-locator
Community foundations may be particularly interested in funding local projectsCommunity foundations may be particularly interested in funding local projects
, and maintain and maintain
diverse grants programs.diverse grants programs.
Funding Sources: Funding State by State (Grantsmanship Center) (Grantsmanship Center)
http://tgci.com/funding-sourceshttp://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/grantshttps://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:
Congressional Research Service
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Resources for Grantseekers
Researching Potential FundersResearching Potential Funders
,https://libguides.lib.msu.edu/c.php?g=96743&p=769466https://libguides.lib.msu.edu/c.php?g=96743&p=769466
Grants for NonprofitsGrants for Nonprofits
, https://libguides.lib.msu.edu/c.php?g=96743&p=622545https://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 request from congressional office
Grantseekers may access CRS Report RL32159, CRS Report RL32159,
How to Develop and Write a Grant
Proposal, by Maria Kreiser, which discusses standard content and formats. , by Maria Kreiser, which discusses standard content and formats.
Websites that may be useful include the following:
These additional selected resources may also be useful:
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=455330http://guides.library.ucsb.edu/content.php?pid=61909&sid=455330
Introduction to Proposal Writing Short CourseIntroduction 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-applicationhttps://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
A previous version of this report was prepared by Merete F. Gerli, formerly an Information Research Specialist at CRS.
Footnotes
| 1.
|
Grants.gov, "Who is Eligible for a Grant?," at https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-eligibility.
|
| 2.
|
Federal Trade Commission, FTC Consumer Alert, "Government Grant Scams," September 2006, at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0113-government-grant-scams.
|
| 3.
|
USAspending.gov, maintained by the Department of the Treasury, provides data on federal prime grant awards and first-tier subawards (or subawards awarded directly by the prime recipient) by state, county, city, CD, and zip code. The prime grant awards data in USAspending.gov are reported by federal awarding agencies, and the first-tier subaward data are reported by prime recipients (usually state, local, tribal and territorial governments; and nonprofit or for-profit entities). See https://www.usaspending.gov/ and CRS In Focus IF10231, Tracking Federal Awards in States and Congressional Districts Using USAspending.gov, by Jennifer Teefy.
|
| 4.
|
See USDA Rural Development, "Fact Sheets," https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/publications/fact-sheets?langcode=en.
|
| 5.
|
See "What is a government grant and pass-through funding?" website, https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2016/08/30/what-is-a-government-grant-and-pass-through-funding/. For example, the Secretary of the Interior provides financial assistance to states for outdoor recreation purposes, under a formula grant program (through the Land and Water Conservation Fund). Under National Park Service program guidance (2023), states may award this federal funding to local units of governments and tribes, among others. Eligible purposes include the acquisition of lands and waters and the development of parks and other public outdoor recreation facilities. A local government looking to fund an outdoor recreation area might explore their state's parks/recreation or similar agency to learn about this federal program.
|
6.
|
See Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia, "Grants," at https://www.governor.virginia.gov/constituent-services/grants/; and Ohio Funding Partnership, "Funding Opportunities," at https://grants.ohio.gov/funding-opportunities.
| 7.
|
For further explanation of formula and block grants, see https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2016/07/13/what-is-a-formula-grant/ and https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/tag/block-grant/.
|
| 8.
|
Compiled by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) from executive department and agency websites.
|
| 9.
|
Under Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs" (issued by President Ronald Reagan in 1982), some states require federal grant applicants to submit a copy of their application for state government level review and comment. The order was issued "to foster an intergovernmental partnership and strengthen federalism by relying on state and local processes for the coordination and review of proposed federal financial assistance and direct federal development." It should be noted that the order permits, but does not require, states to establish a procedure for reviewing federal grant programs within their jurisdiction. E.O. 12372 gives states discretion in establishing review procedures, so the process can vary from state to state, and the state can decide which federal programs are subject to review. See https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html.
|
| 10.
|
As of March 24, 2025, a current list of state single points of contact is not available on whitehouse.gov. Additional searches by state may be required to identify a current contact.
|
| 11.
|
For example, see the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC), which serves the Tri-County Region of Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties, located in Central Illinois, https://tricountyrpc.org/funding-programs/call-for-projects/.
|
https://www.ojp.gov/funding/grants101/write-proposal
Writing a Successful Grant Proposal (Minnesota Council on Foundations)
https://www.mcf.org/writing-successful-grant-proposal
Author Information
Maria Kreiser
Senior Research Librarian
Acknowledgments
A previous version of this report was prepared by Merete F. Gerli, formerly an Information Research Specialist at CRS.
Congressional Research Service
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Resources for Grantseekers
Disclaimer
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 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 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 its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.
Congressional Research Service
RL34012 · VERSION 41 · UPDATED
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