Grant guides

Practical guides to finding, applying for and winning federal grants, built on award data.

• How to apply for a federal grant, step by step
  The steps of a federal grant application, from finding the right opportunity to submitting on Grants.gov, and the common mistakes that get one rejected.
• Free government grant scams, and how to spot them
  The federal government does not call, text or message people to offer free grants. How grant scams work and how to check whether a grant offer is real.
• How to register on SAM.gov and get a Unique Entity ID for grants
  Every organization needs an active SAM.gov registration and a Unique Entity ID before it can apply for a federal grant. The steps, costs and common delays.
• How to find foundation grants that accept applications
  Most private foundations only fund organizations they choose. How to find the ones that accept applications, fund your cause and give where you work.
• What is an Assistance Listing (CFDA number)?
  An Assistance Listing number identifies a federal grant program, such as 93.778 for Medicaid. What the numbers mean and how to use them to research a program.
• What Form 990-PF tells you about a private foundation
  Every US private foundation files Form 990-PF with the IRS. What it reveals about a foundation's money, grants and application rules, and how to read it.
• Cost sharing and matching funds in federal grants, explained
  Some federal grants require you to pay part of the project cost. What cost sharing means, cash versus in-kind match, and how to find grants that need none.
• Grant or cooperative agreement? The types of federal awards explained
  Federal agencies award money as grants or cooperative agreements, and as formula, block or project awards. What each type means for applicants.
• Indirect costs in federal grants and the de minimis rate
  Indirect costs are overhead such as rent and administration. How federal grants pay for them, negotiated rates, and the de minimis rate for organizations without one.