These resources are provided by our members, affiliates, business partners, and sponsors. Please do your research to make sure these opportunities haven't expired for the following year when applications are due. Make relationships and join their mailing list to be updated of annual application submissions, etc.
A Short Summary of Federal Grants
Learn about federal government grants, who qualifies, and how to get them.
A grant is one of the ways the government funds ideas and projects to provide public services and stimulate the economy. Grants support critical recovery initiatives, innovative research, and many other programs. You can find a list of projects supported by grants in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). You can also learn more about the grant process and types of grants from Grants.gov.
The federal government awards grants to organizations including:
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State and local governments
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Universities
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Research labs
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Law enforcement
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Non-profit organizations
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Businesses
The intent of most grants is to fund projects that will benefit specific parts of the population or the community as a whole. What you might see about grants online or in the media may not be true. The federal government does not offer grants or “free money” to individuals to start a business or cover personal expenses. For personal financial assistance, the government offers federal benefit programs. These programs help individuals and families become financially self-sufficient or lower their expenses.
To search or apply for grants, use the federal government’s free, official website, Grants.gov. Commercial sites may charge a fee for grant information or application forms. Grants.gov centralizes information from more than 1,000 government grant programs. It's designed to help states and organizations find and apply for grants.
- Eligibility - Most of the funding opportunities are for organizations, not individuals.
- How to apply - Get tips and tools to help you with the registration and application process. And, learn how to write a successful grant proposal.
- Email notifications - Sign up to be notified by email about new grant opportunities.
If you receive information stating you qualify for a "free grant," it's probably a scam. Get information from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help you learn to recognize and avoid grant scams. If you have been a victim of a grant scam, you can file a complaint with the FTC.
Contact your state consumer protection office if you have purchased a book or paid a fee to get grant information and are not satisfied.
Grant-Making Agencies
What Federal Agencies Award Grants?
The convenient e-Government initiative of Grants.gov provides access to information about federal grant-making agencies. If you would like to learn more about grant programs specific to these agencies, please click on the agency name below:
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
The Agency for International Development is an independent federal government agency that provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to ensure a better future for us all. (https://www.usaid.gov)
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)
The Corporation for National and Community Service is the nation's largest grant-maker supporting service and volunteering. Through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and the Learn and Serve America programs, the Corporation is a catalyst for change and offers every American a chance to contribute through service and volunteering. (https://www.nationalservice.gov)
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, through stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world. (https://www.usda.gov)
U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)
The Department of Commerce fosters and promotes the nation's economic development and technological advancement through vigilance in international trade policy, domestic business policy and growth, and promoting economic progress at all levels. (https://www.commerce.gov)
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of the United States through five major areas: peacekeeping and war-fighting efforts, Homeland Security, evacuation, and humanitarian causes. (http://www.dod.gov)
U.S. Department of Education (ED)
The Department of Education ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through coordination, management, and accountability in federal education programs. The Department works to supplement and complement educational efforts on all levels, encouraging increased involvement by the public, parents and students. (https://www.ed.gov)
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
The Department of Energy's goal is to advance national, economic, and energy security in the U.S.; to promote scientific and technological innovation in support of that goal; and to ensure environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex. (http://www.energy.gov)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The Department of Health and Human Services is the federal government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially to those who are least able to help themselves. (https://www.hhs.gov)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The Department of Homeland Security has three primary missions: Prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism and minimize the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters. (https://www.dhs.gov)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The Department of Housing and Urban Development's mission is to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. HUD fulfills this mission through high ethical standards, management, and accountability, and by forming partnerships with community organizations. (http://www.hud.gov)
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities, and excellence in management. (https://www.doi.gov)
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
The Department of Justice enforces the law and defends the interest of the United States, ensuring public safety against threats foreign and domestic; providing federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; seeking just punishment for those guilty of unlawful pursuits; and ensuring fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. (https://www.usdoj.gov)
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
The Department of Labor fosters and promotes the welfare of job seekers, wage earners and retirees by improving their working conditions, advancing their opportunities, protecting their retirement and health benefits, and generally protecting worker rights and monitoring national economic measures. (https://www.dol.gov)
U.S. Department of State (DOS)
The Department of State strives to create a more secure, democratic and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community. (https://www.state.gov)
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
The Department of Transportation's mission is to ensure fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation that meets vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future. (https://www.dot.gov)
U.S. Department of the Treasury (TREAS)
The Department of Treasury is a steward of United States economic and financial systems, promotes conditions for prosperity and stability in the U.S., and encourages prosperity and stability in the rest of the world. (https://www.treasury.gov)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The Department of Veterans Affairs strives for excellence in patient care and veteran's benefits for its constituents through high-quality, prompt, and seamless service to United States veterans. (https://www.va.gov)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, the EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people. (https://www.epa.gov)
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute serves as a leader in providing services to enhance learning, sustain cultural heritage, and increase civic participation. (https://www.imls.gov)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration serves as the nation's forefront of such exploration and continues to pioneer in aeronautics, exploration systems, science, and space operations. (https://www.nasa.gov)
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
The National Archives and Records Administration enables people to inspect the record of what the federal government has done, enables officials and agencies to review their actions, and helps citizens hold them accountable. (https://www.archives.gov)
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, bringing the arts to all Americans, and providing leadership in arts education. The Endowment is the largest national source of funds for the arts. (http://www.nea.gov)
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. (https://www.neh.gov)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency created to promote the progress of science, to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare, and to secure the national defense. The NSF annually funds approximately 20 percent of basic, federally-supported college and university research. (https://www.nsf.gov)
Small Business Administration (SBA)
The Small Business Administration maintains and strengthens the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting, and protecting the interests of small businesses, and by helping families and businesses recover from national disasters. (https://www.sba.gov)
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The Social Security Administration advances the economic security of the nation's people through compassionate and vigilant leadership in shaping and managing America's Social Security programs. (https://www.ssa.gov)
To learn more information about these grants including how to apply, please visit the website at https://www.grants.gov/
Check out this YouTube video about "Every Way to Get Small Business Grants in 2021! (Local, Stae, and Federal Grants)
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