Most federal grant funding (more than 80%) goes to states in the form of formula or block grants that are then distributed by state agencies through grants or contracts to local entities that run specific programs or offer specific services. Click here to learn more. 

The Assistance Listings page on SAM.gov is the primary source of information on federal assistance programs. This searchable resource provides information on federal assistance programs, including formula and project grants. The listings include information on eligibility, how to apply, and matching requirements, among other things. Please note that the actual funding of specific grant programs depends upon annual congressional budget appropriations. For background information on SAM.gov and the Assistance Listings resource, click here and here. 

Grants.gov is a website that grantseekers may use to get information about and apply for competitive federal grant opportunities. In general, these are grants that are awarded directly by a federal agency. 

Information on funding through formula or block grant programs is available from the entity that received the prime federal grant.

1. Define the need: What problem are you trying to solve? What community need are you trying to meet? Gather statistics. Who would this benefit? Is there an organization in your community providing the same or similar services that your project would address? If so, we recommend not duplicating existing services that are meeting this need. Instead, work with the organization to enhance their services.
   
   
2. Build a coalition: Bring together other people, organizations, and government agencies who want to work together to solve this issue. Try to get community buy-in. The broader the support, the more competitive your project will be.
   
   
3. Develop your proposal: Start putting together your proposal by asking these key questions: How will this project solve the problem? How will it be structured? What are the costs? Is there a more direct solution? Could you cut the cost and speed the results by using existing resources? Have you reached out to the communities which your project aims to help? Do they find value in your approach and project parameters?
   
   
4. Register: Get your organization and the applicant (if different) registered through SAM.gov and grants.gov. Make sure everything is in order before you start looking for funding so that you can apply on time. Click here for more information on how to register, and click here to start the registration process at SAM.gov.
   
   
5. Search for grants: Determine which category of funding is relevant (there is more information on this below). If you need help with your search reach out to Senator Murray’s office and the Grants Director is happy to help with your research. The best listing of all federal grant opportunities is SAM.gov, which allows you to search for by topic or agency name. When you find a potential grant, read the eligibility criteria carefully. It’s important to diversify your search for funding, so you should also find out if there are formula grants to the state that you could be eligible for or if there are foundations or companies that offer grants for which your project may be eligible.
   
   
6. Pull together application materials: A best practice is to divide the work up, but have one person responsible for submitting the final application on time. It’s best to ask several people to proofread your application, including someone from outside your organization. This will help to ensure your application is written in a way that is clear to others who are not directly involved in the project. Ask outside reviewers whether they feel your proposal answers the questions posed in the grant application criteria.
   
   
7. Gather letters of support: Senator Murray’s office may be able to provide a letter of support for your application. Reach out to her office to request the details on how to submit a request.
   
   
8. Submit your application: When your application has been reviewed and you have letters of support you can submit the proposal. You can ask the funding agency to confirm they received your application so you know that it arrived on time. It will take the agency several months to select an awardee(s). If your grant is not funded, you can ask the agency how you might improve your application and make changes to apply the following year. If your proposal is funded, use the news of the grant as a springboard to attract more supporters and advocates. Either way, thank everyone who helped you complete your proposal. 

Resources for Grantseekers 

How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal

Grant Terminology 

History of Grant Policy 

Grants 101 

Grant Eligibility

How to Register

Your Organization   

SAM.gov registration