How to Get a Federal Grant for a Non-Profit Organization

It sometimes takes several application cycles before a grant is awarded.

In 2002, the federal government created the E-Grants Initiative to better assist the public find and apply for government grants. It is now under the umbrella of the Grants Policy Committee. Staffed by experts, the Committe is tasked to improve the grant-making ability of the government.



The public website of the E-Grants Initiative, grants.gov, lists over 1,000 grant programs, which provide access to $500 billion each year.

Instructions

1. Create an account at E-Grants Initiative. This is a one-time registration. You can search for grants without registration.

2. Search for funding by categories of funding activities, or a list of agencies. Advanced searches include funding instrument types, eligibility or sub-agencies. The Grantmanship Center also has currently information about listed government grants. It requires a no-cost registration to use.

3. Click on the application button on the page where the grant is listed if you are eligible. You may download the application and complete it off-line. Complete submission instructions are available in the package. You must previously be registered to apply for a grant.

4. Track the application on the website via either the CFDA Number, the Funding Opportunity Number, the Competition ID or the Grants.gov Tracking Number. The government provides each number.

Tips & Warnings

• Since many grants are only for a specific time of the year it pays to continuously check to see what is becoming available.

• Accepting government funding may open an organization up to more financial oversight from the federal government.

References

• E-Grants Initiative
• Proposal Writer: Important Information About Grants And Funding
• The Grantmanship Center: Federal Register

Resources

• Catalog of Domestic Federal Assistance