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Funding

Federal funding opportunities can be great resources to support existing programs, to expand small, promising initiatives, or to expand the work of an organization in continuing its mission. Many departments and offices will list current and past funding opportunities. Doing some preliminary research on what area grants have been awarded in, amounts awarded, and requirements once the grant is awarded are always good ideas.

Types of Federal Government Grants

  1. Grants awarded by an agency of the Federal government (also known as 'discretionary' grants)-for instance, a homeless assistance grant given out by the Department of Health and Human Services to a homeless shelter.

  2. Grants that put Federal money in the hands of States, cities, or counties for them to distribute to charities and other social service providers, usually under their own rules and regulations (also known as 'formula' or 'block' grants). Therefore, you can apply directly to the Federal government or you can apply for funds to an entity that distributes money it receives from the Federal government.

Sources for Grant Opportunities

  • Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Funding Announcements - View the most recent grant opportunities from ACF including resources and frequently asked questions.

  • Federal Business Opportunities - FedBizOpps.gov is the single government point-of-entry (GPE) for Federal government procurement opportunities over $25,000.

  • Grants.gov - Grants.gov allows you to find and apply for Federal government grants. There are over 1,000 grant programs offered by all Federal grant making agencies.

  • Welfare Peer TA Network – The Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network posts updated funding opportunities relevant for organizations and programs working with low-income and TANF populations.

Current Open Opportunities

  • Strengthening Communities Fund Opportunities, July 2009

    The Strengthening Communities Fund (SCF) is divided into two parts. The Nonprofit Capacity Building program will make one-time, two-year awards of up to $1 million to lead organizations that will use the funds to support other faith-based or secular nonprofit organizations.

    The State, Local and Tribal Government Capacity Building program will make one-time, two-year awards of up to $250,000 to state, city, county and Indian/Native American tribal governments. Governments will use these grants to strengthen nonprofit organizations and increase the nonprofits’ involvement in projects that help turn our economy around.

    Grantees for both programs must provide at least 20 percent of the total approved cost of the project from non-federal funds. This match may be met by cash or in-kind contributions.

    HHS’ Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Community Services will administer the SCF programs. Applicants interested in applying for funds should visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/recovery.html.

 

Other Relevant Resources

  • The Federal Register - Published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents.

  • WhiteHouse.gov - Provides information on how Federal agencies use grant money as well as a Grants Catalog. The site also answers some frequently asked questions about Federal grants.