Each and every year BILLIONS of dollars are awarded to entities in the form of free-money grants. This money usually comes from state and federal government agencies and through private corporations and foundations. Most people know this money exists, but just don't know where to apply, how much they qualify for, or even where to get an application.
A federal grant is financial assistance given to help carry out a charitable public purpose or to promote the public good. Federal grants are awarded to city, county, and state governments or to nonprofit agencies which have been designated as 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations under the Internal Revenue Service tax code.
The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration can help navigate the Federal Grants process. Our Federal Proposals Division provides technical assistance for grants planning and development, as well as the creation of public and private partnerships between government agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, community groups, faith-based organizations and the private sector in Puerto Rico and in the U.S. The Division also coordinates and hosts workshops in Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. in order to strengthen the capacity of Puerto Rico entities to apply for both federal and foundation grants.
Most federal grants are awarded to organizations planning major projects that would help improve and/or benefit their community. For example:
- A neighborhood street paving project;
- A state-wide program to re-train displaced workers;
- A project to attract new businesses to a depressed downtown area;
- A regional water conservation program.
Organizations that receive government grants are required to meet strict oversight performance standards during the duration of the project. Detailed program goals must be developed, approved, and carried out exactly as specified in the grant application. All project expenditures must be strictly accounted for and detailed audits are conducted by the government.
How can our organization learn more or get help with the process?
That's where PRFAA can help. We have experts here who can help localities, municipalities, and other organizations apply for and manage the grant process.
Requirements to Apply for Competitive Federal Funds
1. Request Employer Identification Number http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf
(Formulario SS-4)
2. Request Number from Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS): http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/
3. Register with Central Contractor Registration (CCR): www.ccr.gov. Annual registration renewal is required, and a DUNS number is required.
Requirements to Apply for Federal Grants
Register in grants.gov: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp
Notifications of Competitive Federal Funds in Grants.gov
Visit: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/email_subscription.jsp Once you register your e-mail address, you will receive daily notifications.
Identification of Funds by Agency and/or Category
Visit www.grants.gov. On the left-hand side of the page, choose “Find Grant Opportunities” in order to search funding notifications.
Sending Federal Proposals by Internet
Each entity must be registered in grants.gov: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp
Note: Some agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Justice, have other methods of receiving electronic requests. Agency writing guidelines explain all aspects related to sending proposals..
GRANTS.GOV Contact Center
1-800-518-4726 E-mail: support@grants.gov
For further information about grants and cooperative agreements by category, please visit the following links:
How can our organization find out about funding opportunities?
First, you must become familiar with what grants are available. You can get information such as when and how you can apply for funds from the agency contact in each listing or from the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA).
To use the CFDA, locate the CFDA Number at the end of each listing. Use that number to search for the program on the CFDA website: http://www.cfda.gov. Agency websites also contain information on funding opportunities.
We've found some programs we're interested in. What's next?
All Federal grants have to be announced to the public. These announcements are sometimes called a “Program Announcement,” “Request for Proposal,” “Notice of Funding Availability,” or “Solicitation for Grant Applications.” Each grant announcement will contain instructions on how to apply, including where to get an application packet, information the application should contain, the date the application is due, and agency contact information.
Grant announcements are issued throughout the year.
Unfortunately, there is no single document that contains every Federal grant announcement and no uniform format for these announcements. Currently, most grant announcements are listed in the Federal Register, a daily publication that can be accessed on the Internet ( www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html) and at major public libraries. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance ( www.cfda.gov ) also contains information about grant announcements. You can also call the agency contact identified in the list that follows and ask that person how you can get a copy of the grant announcement.
© 2009 PRFAA |