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grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants

grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants

Phone number
1-800-518-4726 – Grants.gov Applicant Support
Category
Nonprofit
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Eligibility
nonprofits, governments, tribes, schools, small businesses, individuals through a sponsoring organization
Auto Summary
Grants.gov is the federal portal for organizations to apply for discretionary grants, offering a free registration process that requires a Unique Entity ID and SAM.gov record, followed by a Grants.gov account. Applicants should learn grant basics, verify eligibility, search opportunities, register early, complete applications in Workspace, and track submissions. Common issues include expired SAM registrations, incorrect entity types, and scams. Support is available via phone, email, and Spanish resources, with additional help from local nonprofits.
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grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants
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https://grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants
Last verified 2026-09-05.
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Grants.gov is the federal government's single front door for discretionary grants — more than 1,000 programs from 26 agencies. Only organizations (nonprofits, governments, tribes, schools, small businesses) can apply; individuals cannot apply for federal grants here. Registration and applying are free. Source: grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants (accessed 2026-09-05)

The six steps, in order

  1. Learn. The Grants Learning Center explains how federal grants work, who funds what, and the vocabulary (NOFO, CFDA/Assistance Listing, UEI).
  1. Check eligibility. Read the eligibility page — most programs are limited to specific entity types, and a few are open to individuals only through a sponsoring organization.
  1. Search. Search Grants filters by keyword, agency, eligibility and category. Save searches and subscribe to email alerts for new opportunities.
  1. Register — start this weeks early. Your organization needs a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration (free, but SAM approval can take 2–4 weeks), then a Grants.gov account with an E-Business Point of Contact who authorizes applicants.
  1. Apply. Applications are completed in Workspace — fill the forms online, attach documents, submit before the deadline (late is late, to the minute).
  1. Track. Use Track My Application with your tracking number to confirm the agency received and validated the package.

Common pitfalls

  • SAM.gov lapses. Registration expires yearly; an expired SAM record blocks submission. Set a renewal reminder.
  • Scams. Grants.gov never charges a fee and never calls to offer you a grant. Anyone asking for money to "guarantee" federal funding is a scam.

Where to get help

Sources