This page will provide you with a central location to search the wealth of information available from both government and private entities who offer financing to individuals, businesses and state and local governments. The links on this page offer helpful information that will enable you to research information efficiently and will guide you on writing grant proposals.


How Best to Find Information

  1. Find out Who is Eligible for a Grant? Other government websites may be more suitable for personal needs, student loans, small business assistance , or other business opportunities such as government contracting.

  2. If eligible, search for program information at SAM.gov Assistance Listings. Includes grants, loans, business and nonfinancial help.

  3. Contact federal office given in each SAM.gov Assistance Listing program description.

  4. Go to federal websites given in each SAM.gov Assistance Listing program description.

  5. Check current federal grants opportunities at Grants.gov, register with System for Award Management (SAM), and apply online (links and instructions given at the website). Additional notices appear at FedConnect.net.

  6. Search foundations for project funding: use the Foundation Center Web site or Foundation Center Funding Information Network resources in libraries to identify national, state, and community foundations.

  7. Learn how to write grant proposals: Take the free online Foundation Center Proposal Writing Short Course or see other tips and sample proposals at Grantspace's How Do I Write a Grant Proposal?

 

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)

A government-wide compendium of Federal programs, projects, services, and activities which provide assistance or benefits to the American public. It contains financial and non-financial assistance programs administered by departments and establishments of the Federal government.


The Federal Register

The Federal Register is the official daily publication for Rules, Proposed Rules, and Notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as Executive Orders and other Presidential Documents.


Today's Federal Register and Archives (Grantsmanship Center)

Today's Federal Register, gives current day's grants announcements, department and agency announcements of grant application review meetings, grant awards, deadlines, requests for comments on agency procedures, new rule reminders, and special events.


Federal Agency Contacts by 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 Federal agency has its own procedures - if the CFDA program description refers to a state or regional information contact as listed in Appendix IV, constituents/applicants should contact the federal department or agency office listed here before applying for funding to obtain the most up-to-date information.


Business and Nonprofit Gateway

A network of links to Federal government information services.


U.S. State and Local Gateway

Web site developed to give state and local governments easy access to Federal government information. Includes Federal partnership programs links for states, city management, counties, legislatures, governors, cities, and mayors.


Resources For Nonprofits

Internet-related tools and resources for your nonprofit organization.


Foundation Finder

Search by name for address and basic information (including links to IRS filings and foundation websites) about for than 61,000 private and community foundations in the U.S.


Key Federal Funding Sources

Assistance Listings (CFDA) at SAM.gov

 (General Services Administration)

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 the General Services Administration (GSA), houses federal assistance listings previously found on the now-retired Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). Each federal assistance program 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; descriptions are updated by departments and agencies, and they cover authorizing legislation, objectives, and eligibility and compliance requirements. The site will eventually be renamed SAM.gov. For current notices of funding availability, see Grants.gov or FedConnect.net.Grants.gov (managed by Dept. of Health and Human Services)

Federal website that allows eligible grantseekers (see Who is Eligible for a Grant?) to find and apply for current competitive grant opportunities from ALL federal agencies. Grantseekers can check on notices of funding availability (NOFA) posted in the last 7 days; access emails of grant opportunities; and apply for federal grants through a unified process by downloading the application and submitting online. The website guides grantseekers in registering with System for Award Management (SAM) and registering with Grants.gov to apply and to track applications. For full federal program descriptions, see CFDA below. See also website FedConnect.net

 for additional grants and contracts opportunities.

State Single Points of Contact

  (Office of Management and Budget)

Under Executive Order 12372, some states require federal grants applicants to submit a copy of their application for state government level review and comment. The state offices listed here coordinate federal financial assistance and may direct federal development. For help in identifying state-level grants, other state government agencies websites may be found at: State and Local Agencies.


Private & Corporate Funding Sources

Candid (formerly the Foundation Center) Grants Space


Gateway to information about private funding sources, the grant seeking process, guidelines on writing a grant proposal, addresses of state libraries with grants reference collections, and links to other useful Internet websites. The Center maintains a comprehensive database on foundations; produces print and electronic directories and guides; conducts research and publishes studies in the field; and offers a variety of training and educational seminars.

Proposal Writing Short Course

 (also in Spanish, French and other languages)

Foundation Information Network

  •  Check for locations at Grants Space, Find Us. Free funding information available in libraries, community foundations, and other nonprofit centers nationwide, including access to the Foundation Directory Online database.

Grant Resources by State

 (Grantsmanship Center)
Click on state map to find links to information about a state’s foundations, community foundations, corporate giving programs and the state’s home page.

Community Foundations


There are more than 750 community foundations in the U.S., which are grantmaking public charities dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. The Council on Foundations has a listing of community foundations by state.