US Federal Government Grants Basics

Know the basics for success with US federal grants

Being awarded federal government grants is an exciting and satisfying experience. There are more than 1,000 US federal government grants. Every year the government awards more than $450 billion in grants to individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, political entities such as states and cities and many other recipients. Those statistics are the "bottom line" of US federal government grants basics.

The key to success in securing federal government grants is wading through the federal grant information and meeting the requirements. Your firm's first step is a visit to websites for US federal government grants. Using the tools your team will find there, they'll be able to identify the grants your business qualifies for and how to apply. However, applying for government grants for business isn't easy. Most requirements are very specific, and some can be complicated and time consuming. To prepare your company to seek federal government business grants, do the following things:

1. Read the US federal grant information carefully.

2. Consider applying for several federal government grants.

3. Get official help with applications for federal grants for business.

 

Research US federal government grants online

The US government has posted information about grants and all aspects of the application and award processes on line. There is a lot of information at the grants websites, so schedule enough time to sift through it to find what your business needs to know. Check the online glossaries for any terms needing clarification.
Try: Check USA.gov, the official US federal government website, first. Scan the list of grants and benefits to get a sense of the range of grant opportunities available. Next visit the federal government grants portal at Grants.gov to find specific grant opportunities. The website also provides a number of help tools to simplify your business's search.

Check into business and personal government grants

With so many grants opportunities available, it makes sense to apply for more than one if you can qualify. Check the qualifications for government grants for small business, personal grants, even federal government grants for women or minorities if they fit your business classification. However, make sure you have a good chance of qualifying before you invest the time and effort to apply.
Try: Study the information on grants for small businesses through the US Small Business Administration (SBA). The information covers grants from federal and state governments and non-profit agencies. Find information about grants for minority-owned businesses at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). Locate announcements of grants for individuals at places like the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Beware scams related to USA government grants

Because there is a great deal of money at stake and almost overwhelming paperwork and guidelines, dozens of scams have surfaced around applying for U.S. government federal grants. Some companies will help you write the proposal, for a fee and some will apply for you, for a fee. Many fail to produce once they have your firm's money. Encourage your staff to use official government resources (and not to be fooled by "government" in the business name or web address).
Try: Use the guide for developing and writing a grant proposal from CFDA (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance). If your business seeks help in the grant process, read the information about the National Procurement Fraud Task Force, the group that monitors illegal activities related to federal grants. Verify your notes on fraud with information at Scammer Alert. Although not a government agency, it posts scams on its website.

 

• The federal government grants process can seem slow and frustrating. Often deadlines are extended, parameters changed and so forth. Once your proposal is accepted, continue to check on the status and submit any additional information requested.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---