Grant Programs

Finding Grant Programs

If you are just entering the realm of grants and government funding, it can feel overwhelming trying to find the right program for you or your organization. When considering grants, these programs can be broadly categorized as those awarded by the federal government and those awarded by non-federal entities. Within these two categories are a variety of funding sources and program types.

Federal Grants, Funding & Benefit Programs

To sort through the federal grant programs, the authoritative source is SAM.gov Assistance Listings. This lists all of the available funding programs to all levels of government, nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, and other eligible entities. Search Grants within Grants.gov allows you to search, filter, and apply for specific opportunities to receive funding from one of these programs.

Non-Federal Grant Programs

There are a large number of nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses that also provide grants or other types of funding assistance.

Informative status

Note: The information below is not exhaustive, and Grants.gov is not affiliated with, nor endorsing, any of these resources. They are provided as a convenience to prospective grant applicants.

Candid maintains a comprehensive database on U.S. and global grant-makers and their funding opportunities. It also operates research, education, and training programs designed to advance knowledge of philanthropy at every level.

Candid's Funding Information Network facilitates access to grant resources and publications to under-resourced entities and populations.

State and regional directories can also be found with some research. Try using the Community Foundation Locator to find a grant-making foundation in your region. You may also use your preferred web search engine to find your state's grant or foundation directory. Local libraries may have access to subscription-based search engines or the Foundation Center Cooperating Collections, so visit your library to work with them for assistance.


Learn more about federal grant programs in the "Exploring Eligibility" blog series on the Grants.gov Community Blog.

For Personal Benefits

Are you an individual person looking for benefits, loans, or assistance from the government?

Grants.gov is probably not the site for you, but there are plenty of opportunities available:

USA.gov

This site functions as an entryway to the U.S. Federal Government by providing information on state and federal agencies and programs. It also facilitates access to the benefits and services for which you may be eligible, including personal funding.

GovLoans.gov

This site is helpful if you are looking for any type of personal or business loan.

StudentAid.gov

You should check out this site if you are looking for education-related funding.

FedBizOpps.gov

This site is the government point-of-entry for federal government contract procurement opportunities over $25,000.