Reality Check!
Government funding is often available for nonprofit initiatives. Government funding comes in the form of grants, loans, subsidies, fellowships, scholarships, traineeships, technical information, advisory services, and sales or donations of federal property. It may be unclear what level of government funding is coming from, since federal funds are often administered through state and local government units.
Information about specific government grant programs is often confusing, out-of-date or contradictory. We recommend establishing a relationship with your local, state, or federal representative or elected official and spending your time building person-to-person relationships once you've identified several likely sources that best match your needs as opposed to sorting through the written documents. Before you apply for a specific agency grant, confirm the information with the agency.
Some tips:
- Federal funders generally prefer projects that serve as prototypes of models that other organizations can replicate.
- Local government funders almost always require strong evidence of community support for a project.
- Keep careful records about how you spend a government grant, since an audit is always a possibility.
- Make sure you have the staff capacity and infrastructure in place to manage the grant and handle the reporting requirements.
- Many government awards require a local match -- raised from foundation, corporation or individual sources.
Web Sites
Building Better Rural Places
Federal Programs for Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Conservation, and Community Development
http://www.attra.org/guide/
When farmers, entrepreneurs, and others in agriculture ask for sources of funds, grants, money, resources, assistance, etc, this is a great place to send them. Original Authors: Romana A. Vysatova and Laurie S.Z. Greenberg; revised by George Kuepper and Karen McSpadden, National Center for Appropriate Technology; edited by Margaret Krome, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. January 2001.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
https://cfda.symplicity.com
This web site gives you access to a database of all Federal programs available to State and local governments (including the District of Columbia); federally-recognized Indian tribal governments; Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals. You can search this database to find assistance programs meeting your requirements and for which you are eligible. You can then contact the office that administers the program and find out how to apply.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/
The President's Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships does not fund religion -- but it does allow some of America's most effective social service providers to compete for Federal funding to serve the needy while retaining their religious identity. Through soup kitchens, homeless shelters, drug treatment centers, job training programs, and other efforts, these charities are making a real difference in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Federal Funding Sources for Rural Areas
http://grande.nal.usda.gov/ric/funding.php
A database of resources from the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance compiled by the Rural Information Center Program of the National Agricultural Library. Be sure to contact the agencies involved to see if the programs are still being offered.
Listed under Business and Economic Development; Community Development.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Federal Funding Tools and Links
http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/federal.htm
Provides web links to federal databases, newsletters, and websites.
Listed under Government Funding.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
FederalGrants.com
http://www.federalgrants.com/
FederalGrants.com is dedicated to helping you find information on United States federal grants. We aim to provide accurate information on how to qualify for these government grants, the processes related to applying for a grant, and what to do once you are approved.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
FederalGrantsWire.com
http://FederalGrantsWire.com
A free resource for federal grants, government grants and loans. Repackages the information available in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Covers over 1600 federal grants and loans organized by sponsoring agency, applicant type, and subject area.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Financing Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs : Federal Funding Sources and Other Strategies
http://www.financeproject.org/publications/obesityprevention.pdf
A compilation by the Finance Project, September 2004.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Financing Transitional Jobs Programs : A Strategic Guide to Federal Funding Programs
http://www.financeproject.org/publications/transitionaljobs.pdf
A compilation by the Finance Project, June 2004.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Finding Funding : A Guide to Federal Sources for Workforce Development Issues
http://www.financeproject.org/publications/workforcefunding.pdf
A compilation by the Finance Project, June 2005.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Finding Funding : A Guide to Federal Sources for Youth Programs
http://www.financeproject.org/publications/findingfunding_PM.pdf
A compilation by the Finance Project, January 2007.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
First Stop Guide to Stimulus Funds
http://www.ebcf.org/stimulusguide/
Nonprofits and faith-based organizations looking for information about federal stimulus funds should take a look at the First Stop Guide to Stimulus Funds : A Simple Road Map for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by the East Bay Community Foundation of Oakland, California. This guide features a number of tools, including a way to search for funds by topic such as child care, education, health, and housing. It provides a list of funds available, organized by topic, including what they can be used for, who is eligible to apply for them, and how to apply. And it includes additional sources of information on the many government agencies from which stimulus money is distributed. The guide is a joint project of the East Bay Community Foundation and the Office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland, California). Take a look at it. It's helpful for any organization wondering about stimulus funds.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Government Grants Available through the State of Michigan, try the
Michigan Electronic Grants Administration and Management System Portal (EGrAMS).
GovLoans.gov
http://govloans.gov/govloans/
"Five federal agencies -- U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs -- have come together to create this single point of access for federal loan information on the Web." Browse or search for loans for farming, businesses, students, disaster relief, and more. Includes a glossary of loan terms and links to additional resources.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Grants.gov Grant Portal
http://grants.gov/
Grants.gov provides organizations with the ability to search for Federal government-wide grant opportunities. Potential grant applicants can search Grants.gov to view listings of available funding. Once they have selected a grants program, they can download applications and submit the forms online.
If you are an individual looking for information on government benefits, refer to GovBenefits.gov, the official government benefits website, a free, confidential tool that helps individuals find government benefits they may be eligible to receive.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Grants Information for Constituents
http://israel.house.gov/uploads/crs-grantsinfo3.pdf
This report describes key sources of information on government and private grants for state and community projects. Consultants, who know their projects best, may search for grants information on the Internet and in printed reference sources. For federal grants, loans, or nonfinancial help, all programs in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance can be searched by keyword and a number of browsable indexes such as subject, department or agency, program title, beneficiary, and applicant eligibility. Federal Web sites provide information and guidance, and give rules, regulations, and updates. Web sites of organizations such as the Foundation Center describe sources on private, corporate, and community foundations. They also offer guides to writing grants proposals. Merete F. Gerli, Congressional Research Service, RS20514, Updated September 22, 2003.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
MichiganTownships.org
Township Revenue Sources
Grants and Donations
http://www.michigantownships.org/grantdonate.asp
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
Grants Available for Local Governments
http://www.semcog.org/Grants.aspx
(Last checked 08/10/09)
State of Michigan Funding Opportunities
http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/state.htm
Provides grants listings available from the state of Michigan. There is also a separate set of links to state of Michigan web sites that provide grant information.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
State of Michigan Grants, try the
Michigan Electronic Grants Administration and Management System Portal (EGrAMS).
State Single Points of Contact
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html
Some states require that federal grant applicants summit a copy of their application for state or regional governmental level review and comment.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
There is No Such Thing as a Free Lunch When It Comes to Federal Government Grants
http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa060400a.htm
Contrary to what a very popular book and TV ad say, the U.S. government is not giving away "free grant" money. A grant is not a Christmas present. According to American Government & Politics, by Jay M. Shafritz, a grant is, "A form of gift that entails certain obligations on the part of the grantee and expectations on the part of the grantor." The key word there is obligations. Getting a government grant will get you loads of them and not fulfilling them will grant you a load of legal troubles. Source: About.com's Guide to Government Information.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
USAGov for Nonprofits
http://www.usa.gov/Business/Nonprofit.shtml
Portal focuses on resources for nonprofit organizations including agency-specific nonprofit resources; fundraising and outreach, grants, loans and other assistance; and tax information.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
USAGov State and Local Gateway to Grants and Government Information
http://www.usa.gov/Government/State_Local.shtml
Access portal for grant information for state and local governments.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
USAGov Surplus Property Links
http://www.usa.gov/shopping/forgovernment/forgovernment.shtml
Look in the For State and Local Governments and Nonprofits section for information about acquiring US surplus property.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Using CDBG to Support Community-Based Youth Programs
http://www.financeproject.org/publications/CDBGyouthprograms.pdf
This brief aims to provide policymakers, stakeholders, community leaders, and program developers working in or with community-based youth programs with a basic understanding of how the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is structured, how community-based youth programs fit into CDBG purposes and activities, and how communities nationwide are using CDBG to support youth initiatives. A compilation by Roxana Torrico, The Finance Project, January 2008.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
Books
The books mentioned on this page are available for public use in the Michigan State University Libraries. If you are unable to visit our library, consider visiting a Foundation Center Cooperating Collection in your home state or a local public library in your home town. If the books are not available there, ask about interlibrary loan or visit a local bookstore to find out whether they can be purchased.
ACTION GUIDE TO GOVERNMENT GRANTS, LOANS, AND GIVEAWAYS. George Chelekis. New York, N.Y. : Perigee Book, 1993. 510pp. Main Library Reference (1 East) Funding Center HG177.5 .U6 C438 1993
A comprehensive guide to getting millions of dollars in grants, loan guarantees, loans, and other financial help from federal and state government sources.
Also isted under Business and Economic Development.
FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR NONPROFITS. Detroit, MI : The Taft Group, annual. Main Library Reference (1 East) Funding Center HV41.9 .U5 F4
Note: MSU Libraries own the 1994-1996 issues.
A comprehensive guide to more than 800 U.S. federal programs that award grants and provide assistance to nonprofit organizations and agencies. When possible, FSN provides average, lowest, and highest grant estimates, plus a sample of recent grants derived from the Federal Assistance Awards Data System (FAADS). Also includes: (1) an essay on nonprofit organizations and the federal support system, with tips for grantseekers; (2) a glossary of terms and abbreviations frequently encountered in researching federal programs; (3) definitions of the 15 types of grants and other awards available from the federal government; (4) a detailed table of contents listing programs by department and sponsoring agency; and (5) an appendix and indexes providing additional points of access to information in the program listings and sample grants.
Also listed under Business and Economic Development.
FREE MONEY TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE: 15,000 GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS TO GET A BETTER JOB, START A NEW CAREER, GET AN EDUCATION, OR FOLLOW YOUR DREAM. Matthew Lesko. Kensington, Md. : Information USA, 2001. 1136pp. Main Library Reference (1 East) Funding Center HC110.P63 L365 2001
Michigan residents also have access to an electronic version
Chapter titles include:
Lesko's Lessons on Life;
I Wanna Go to School;
I Wanna Write a Book;
I Wanna Travel;
I Wanna Be an Artist, Singer, Dancer, Writer, Photographer;
I Wanna Be a Freelancer;
I Wanna Start My Own Business;
I Wanna Start My Own Business and Have No Money;
I Wanna Be a Real Estate Entrepreneur;
I Wanna Be an Inventor;
I Wanna Start my Own Nonprofit;
I Wanna Be a Volunteer;
I Wanna Be Trained;
I Wanna Get Experience to Get a Better Job;
I Wanna Government Job;
I Wanna Get my GED or More Adult Education;
I Wanna Fix Up My Neighborhood;
I Wanna New Career and I'm A Woman;
I Wanna New Career and I'm Over 50;
I Wanna New Career and I'm Disabled;
I Wanna New Career and I'm A Veteran;
I Wanna New Career and I'm An Ex-Offender;
Free Help to Write a Resume;
Job Hunt on the Internet;
Help with Choosing a Career;
How Do I Check out a Move;
How Do I Take Care of the Kids;
How Do I Get Free Research Help;
I Wanna Change My Name.
Also listed under Business.
GETTING YOURS : THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO GOVERNMENT MONEY. Matthew Lesko. New York, N.Y. : Penguin Books, 1984. 292pp. Main Library Reference (1 East) Funding Center HC110 .P63 L37 1984
A popular guide to funding opportunities available from the federal government.
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE ALMANAC. J. Robert Dumouchel. Detroit, MI : Omnigraphics, annual.
Main Library Reference (1 East) Funding Center HC110 .P63 G69
A comprehensive gude to all 1,454 federal financial and other domestic assistance programs. Note: 2006-2007 on order, 10/11/06
GOVERNMENT GIVEAWAYS FOR ENTREPRENEURS III. Matthew Lesko. Kensington, Md. : Information USA, 1996. 5th edition, 785pp. Main Library Stacks HC110 .P63 L373 1996
Identifies 9,000 sources of free help. [Economic assistance, Domestic -- United States -- Handbooks, manuals, etc. ]
Also listed under Business and Economic Development.
GOVERNMENT GIVEAWAYS FOR ENTREPRENEURS IV. Matthew Lesko. Kensington, Md. : Information USA, 2000. Newly updated and expanded edition, 586pp. Main Library Reference (1 East) Funding Center HC110 .P63 L373 2000
Over 9000 Sources of Money, Help, and Information to start and expand your business.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL FUNDING FOR EDUCATION. Arlington, Va. : The Education Funding Research Council, 1997. 2 volumes, looseleaf. Main Library Reference (1 East) Funding Center LB2805 F293 1997 VOL. 1-2
A valuable reference tool for educators, program officials, administrators, and others involved in education and training programs at all levels. Provides specific information on eligibility, allowable uses of the funds, program priorities, restrictions, funding levels and contact information. Updates provide information on the latest legislative and departmental action, as well as approaching program deadlines. Chapter titles include: new programs; education of the disadvantaged; school improvement; math and science; institutional aid; desegregation; bilingual education; substance abuse; individuals with disabilities; rehabilitation services; vocational
education; adult education and literacy; job training; nutrition; child care and development; social and health services; community service; arts and humanities; international studies; student financial aid; scholarships and fellowships; libraries; native americans; education research; and grant updates. [Library keeps latest edition only]
Also listed under Education.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL FUNDING FOR GOVERNMENTS AND NONPROFITS. Arlington, Va. :
Government Information Services, annual. 2 volumes, looseleaf. Main Library Reference (1 East) Funding Center HJ275 .G75
A guide to funding programs for community development, economic development, environment, transportation, public justice and victims' services, energy, disaster, fire, and emergency services, senior citizens, child care and development, social services, health, job training and employment, housing, and aid to the homeless that are offered by the federal government. Entries indicate program purpose, eligibility, grantee requirements, application procedure, and other essential information.
Also receive updates. Includes a primer on the federal grants process. Available from Government Information Service, 4301 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 875, Arlington, VA 22203-1627; phone: (703) 528-1000; fax: (703) 528-6060. [Library keeps latest edition only]
Also listed under Business and Economic Development; Children and Youth; Health; Law and Criminal Justice.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SOCIAL SCIENTISTS (Book), see
Grants for Individuals : Social Sciences.
Also listed under Social Sciences.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL FUNDING FOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS & COMMUNITY SERVICE. Alexandria, Va. : Government Information Services, 1995. 3rd edition, various pagings. Main Library Reference (1 East) Funding Center HV41 .G93 ED.3
Provides in-depth descriptions of approximately 60 federal programs that have the specific purpose of assisting volunteer projects.
Also listed under Business and Economic Development.
LOANS AND GRANTS FROM UNCLE SAM : AM I ELIGIBLE AND FOR HOW MUCH?. Alexandria, VA : Octameron Associates, 1997. Main Library Reference (1 East) Funding Center
LB2338 .L6 ed.4 1997/1998
LOCAL/STATE FUNDING REPORT
Local/State Funding Report is the nation's most-respected weekly publication helping professionals in state and local governments, nonprofit organizations and community groups find billions of dollars in funding opportunities. Available for use at the Library of Michigan, Lansing, Michigan.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
MAKING SENSE OF FEDERAL DOLLARS : A FUNDING GUIDE FOR SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS. Madelyn DeWoody. Edison, N.J. : Child Welfare League of America, 1994. 154pp. Main Library Reference (1 East) Funding Center HV741 .D49 1994
Examines Medicaid and other sources of financing for programs and services for children and families, including child care, nutrition, health, mental health, substance abuse, juvenile justice, and education. Each chapter considers relevant legisltion, federal programs and eligibility for sources of financing, including Aid to Families with Dependent Children, other income-support services, and block Grants.
Also listed under Social Services
SECRETS REVEALED! LET UNCLE SAM PAY YOUR BILLS! HOW MISLEADING ADVERTISING IS FEEDING A NATIONWIDE BOOM IN GOVERNMENT GRANT SCAMS
The business of government grants is thriving. Companies selling guides to government grants -- and scam artists peddling "guaranteed" government grants -- are profiting from the false notion that the government has billions of dollars available to help people pay their credit-card bills and other expenses. This is due, in part, to the exaggerations and misleading claims spread by Matthew Lesko and the nationwide network of Lesko distributers....(Excerpt) A report by the New York State Consumer Protection Board, Dec. 2004, 33pp.
For more information about Lesko, see an article by Dave Jamieson called "The Culler of Money" appearing in the Washington (DC) City Paper, June 17–23, 2005.
(Last checked 08/10/09)
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