Federal Assistance Programs
At the beginning of each fiscal year on October 1st the US federal government prepares to release the new federal
budget. The federal budget is how and where the government will spend you tax dollars. The budget is currently right around
$2.3 trillion, and it only gets bigger every year. Below you will find the complete blueprint to where every US federal tax dollar is spent. As we have already
stated, this money usually goes through a third party before it reaches the "individual" grant seeker. There
are different award procedures for individuals, businesses, non profits, etc. Let's get started!
Step one:
Browse our directory to locate assistance programs that are suitable to your needs.
Step two:
Once you locate assistance you are eligible for read the "Program Objectives and Uses" and
"Eligibility Requirements." *Please take special note of the following. Under the "Eligibility Requirements"
section you will see two subcategories. One will say "Applicant Requirements" and the other will say
"Beneficiary Requirements." Please note that the "applicant" is the third party who will help you, the
"beneficiary," get the assistance associated with that program. Sometimes you will see that you, the
beneficiary, are eligible for a certain program but you don't know who the applicant (third party) is. If
you ever get stuck simply call the phone number at the bottom of the program listing and ask the federal
agency "what organization can help me apply for your federal assistance." For additional information on the
program you are checking out be sure to visit the agency's web site. Also be sure to view the "types of assistance"
to see what is being offered to the applicant and or the beneficiary.
Step three:
Check for an application deadline. If you find a grant program you are eligible for, but
the deadline is past, contact the agency and ask them if more funding will be offered next year. If more funding
becomes available next year then you can still apply now. Also be sure to view the "related programs" at the
bottom of the page to instantly find more assistance related to the program you are looking at.
Step four:
Refer to the "Information Contacts" section located within each program description
for addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses to obtain further information
from the funding agency.
The following information is not applicable for individuals:
Also, be sure to check under the "Preapplication Coordination"
section located within each program description to see if funding
is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."
If the financial aid program you are interested in is eligible for this coverage
contact your Single Point of Contact (SPOC) located within
your state. The SPOC will coordinate all state and federal grants for you. They can
help you with any questions you may have. Otherwise, contact the federal agency.
Step five:
Contact the agency to determine if your request is appropriate for the program they offer.
Make sure their funds for the program have not run out. If so, you can apply for the assistance now but
you will have to wait until next year to be awarded. Also be sure to ask them any questions
you may have. These people are paid with your tax dollars!
Step six:
Apply to the funding agency for assistance. View the "writing proposals" section of this
site to learn how to do this. The Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance, is
the standard form for applying for financial aid. Please note that
individual programs may require other forms or additional documentation. Remember, the standard form is just
that, a standard form. You should always contact the federal agency and ask them to mail you their specific applications.
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Government Grants Resources:
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