How many years of funding can we request from a grant making agency?

The allowable years of funding vary per grant making agency.  But one to two years project request is what’s usually acceptable.

How do I know if there are new government grant programs available?

Federal agencies usually provide the public with an advance notice if there are new government grant programs available.  These announcements are released in varied ways such as “Program Announcements”, “Request for Proposal”, “Notice of Funding Availability”, or “Solicitation for Grant Application”.

Where can we find these announcements or notices to the public?

Majority of grant announcements are listed on Grants.gov, the single access point for over 1,000 grant programs offered by all Federal grant making agencies.  Likewise, the Catalog for Federal Domestic Assistance www.cfda.gov contains information about grant announcements. 

Will it help if I know someone from the funding agency’s office?

Almost all, if not all, funding agencies or grant making agencies set aside personal relationships when it comes to grant making.  Grant making agencies evaluate grant proposals on the merits of a project and not on personalities.

What are the common procedures by grant making agencies in the selection of the grantee?

These usually involve the following:

   • Establishing and following clear processes for receiving, reviewing, and       acting on grant applications.  This should be consistent with their       policies and objectives.
   • Open communication with grant seekers for a better understanding of       the policies and procedures on funding grant proposals.
   • Others as may be required by the grant making body.

What is a grant cycle?

This refers to the schedule when grant applications are accepted, reviewed, and awarded.