What is the best government site for individuals looking for grants?

Individuals looking for government grants should go to govbenefits.gov website.

What is govbenefits.gov?

govbenefits.gov is a government website that provides a list of government benefit programs.  The site lists down eligibility requirements and information on the grant application process.  It offers a number of government programs for individuals such as grants, loan, insurance, education, training, and more.

What is Grants.gov?

Grants.gov is a central storehouse for information on over 1,000 grant programs and access to approximately $400 billion in annual awards.  By registering once on this site, your organization can apply for grants from 26 different Federal agencies.

Can I apply online at grants.gov?

Yes.  Grants.gov accepts application online. 

Is there a directory providing a list of all government grants and benefits?

Yes.  Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) is a directory of over 15 types of federal assistance, including grants and loans. There are about 1,500 programs listed in the CFDA.  Each program has a summary explaining program eligibility requirements, agency contact information, and application instructions. Visit www.cfda.gov for more details.

How can I decide which foundations I should send my proposals to?

This will depend on the type of grant you are applying for.  However, there are guidelines you can follow to pinpoint your potential grant making agencies.  To learn more, you may visit our affiliate site www.understanding-grants.com.

What is the best way to find out what grant making agencies want in my proposal?      

You may send a letter to the grant making agency and request for guidelines. You may also request for publications and annual reports to get a better idea of their past projects.  However, not all grant making agencies will reply to your request.

What is a preliminary proposal?

This is something similar to a letter of inquiry.  The preliminary proposal is actually a summarized version of the grant proposal.  This is used to leverage if there is sufficient grant making agency's interest to the program proposal.  If there is, a complete grant proposal will then be submitted.

What is Pilot Funding?

This is a grant given to projects on trial which need evaluation before further expansion or additional funding can be released.  Pilot funding usually covers expenses for projects in a period of one year or shorter.