Federal Funding

Our office is here to assist local organizations, governments, nonprofits, and stakeholders search for, identify, and apply for the more than 1,000 federal funding opportunities that are available at any given time.

Our office’s Federal Funding Database, available here, allows you to search for federal funding opportunities using keywords that may match your project or initiative. Additionally, below your will find a list of high-level federal funding resources and links to federal department and agencies websites where more information on their federal funding programs can be found.

While there may not be federal funding for every project or initiative, we invite you to reach out to the staff in my Washington, D.C. office at GrantsLandsman@mail.house.gov or 202-225-2216.

Federal Department and Agency Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a federal grant?

Federal grants fund projects or initiatives that advance the public interest and stimulate the economy. Grant projects support the implementation of new programs, bolster innovative research and advance the existing work of local and state organizations. Grants are awarded by federal agencies and are financed by general federal revenue.

Who qualifies for federal grants?

Each grant opportunity has different eligibility requirements. Potential applicants should review the Applicant Eligibility section of the grant opportunity on Grants.gov before applying. It is not uncommon for applicants to amend their original grant proposal to accommodate the eligibility requirements articulated in the program description. Eligibility questions should be directed to the federal agency administering the grant opportunity. Contact information is often listed in the Additional Information section or at the end of a grant competition announcement.

What is a Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) or Notice Inviting Applications (NIA)?

Federal grantmaking agencies publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) or a Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) announcing upcoming grant competitions. Some agencies also post this information under the Related Documents section on Grants.gov. These announcements provide valuable information describing the grant’s purpose, awarding information, and scoring criteria.

How can I apply for a federal grant?

As a potential applicant, the first thing to do is to identify a prospective grant opportunity. Use the Search Grants feature on Grants.gov to narrow your search based on your organization’s mission and intended project goals. After you’ve identified an opportunity, you will need to have your organization’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) ready in order to complete the Application Package and submit materials on the Grants.gov website. For troubleshooting assistance, Applicant FAQs and Applicant Resources can be helpful.

Additional Guidance and Resources