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Guidance and key resources to help eligible grant seekers find information about federal grants, loans, and nonfinancial assistance, as well as on private funding.

Prepared by the Congressional Research Service for the U.S. Senate, updated July 2019.

How Best to Find Information

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  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. The website Government Benefits, Grants, and Financial Aid may also be of help.

  2. If eligible, search for programs in the Assistance Listings. Includes grants, loans, business and nonfinancial help.

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

  4. Go to federal websites given in each Assistance Listing program description for more information and for state administering agencies responsible for managing these programs.

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

  6. Search foundations for project funding: use the Foundation Center website or Foundation 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?

Key Federal Funding Sources

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Related Federal Resources

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Private and Corporate Funding Sources

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