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Grants for Nonprofits : Government Funding

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Information about specific government grant programs is often confusing, out-of-date or contradictory.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.

Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches and Communities
Federal Programs for Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Entrepreneurship, 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 08/07/12)

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 08/07/12)

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 08/07/12)

Federal Funding Tools and Links
http://staff.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/federal.htm
Provides web links to federal databases, newsletters, and websites.
Listed under Government Funding.
(Last checked 08/07/12)

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 08/07/12)

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 08/07/12)

Federal Resources for Sustainable Rural Communities
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/federal_resources_rural.pdf
Environmental Protection Agency, 2012.
(Last checked 08/07/12)

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 08/07/12)

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 08/07/12)

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 08/07/12)

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 08/07/12)

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 08/07/12)

FundsNet Government Funding Links
http://www.fundsnetservices.com/searchresult/8/Government-Funding.html
(Last checked 08/07/12)

General Services Administration
Cooperative Purchasing Program
http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/202285
In today's challenging economy, cash-strapped government entities are seeking innovative ways to save money and be fiscally prudent. Townships can save money on a variety of products and services through a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Cooperative Purchasing Program. GSA is the procurement arm of the federal government, providing commercial supplies and services to federal agencies at volume discount pricing. The Cooperative Purchasing Program allows state and local entities to benefit from these discounted prices by making commercial supplies and services, IT products and first responder equipment available to local governments. In addition to discount pricing for goods and services, GSA also donates excess computer equipment to schools and nonprofit organizations.
(Last checked 08/07/12)

Georgia Municipal Association
http://www.gmanet.com/Grants.aspx
The GMA shares grant announcements regarding public safety, recreation, environment, and other issues of importance to municipalities.
(Last checked 08/07/12)

Government Grants Available through the State of Michigan, try the Michigan Electronic Grants Administration and Management System Portal (EGrAMS).

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 08/07/12)

Michigan Grants Available List (MiGAL)
http://megs.mde.state.mi.us/megsweb/grantsAvailable.aspx
Provides current notices on federal, state, private, and other funding grant resources.
(Last checked 10/07/11)

MichiganTownships.org
Township Revenue Sources
Grants and Donations
http://www.michigantownships.org/grantdonate.asp
For members only.
(Last checked 08/07/12)

Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
Grants Available for Local Governments
http://www.semcog.org/Grants.aspx
(Last checked 08/07/12)

State of Michigan Funding Opportunities
http://staff.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 08/07/12)

State of Michigan Grants, try the Michigan Electronic Grants Administration and Management System Portal (EGrAMS).

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 08/07/12)

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 08/07/12)

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 08/07/12)

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 08/07/12)

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. Funding Center (1 East) 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. Funding Center (1 East) 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.

GETTING YOURS : THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO GOVERNMENT MONEY. Matthew Lesko. New York, N.Y. : Penguin Books, 1984. 292pp. Funding Center (1 East0 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. Funding Center (1 East) 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. Funding Center (1 East) 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. Funding Center (1 East) 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. Funding Center (1 East) 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. Funding Center (1 East) 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.

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

MAKING SENSE OF FEDERAL DOLLARS : A FUNDING GUIDE FOR SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS. Madelyn DeWoody. Edison, N.J. : Child Welfare League of America, 1994. 154pp. Funding Center (1 East) 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 25pp. Funding Center (1 East) HV6695 .N49 2004
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 08/07/12)

WWW http://staff.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/