Grants Quick Guide

What is a Federal Grant?

A grant is a way the government funds ideas and projects to deliver public services and stimulate the economy. Grants support critical recovery initiatives, innovative research, and many other programs.

Types of Federal Grants

Formula Grants - awarded automatically to state and local governments based on factors like population or need.
Competitive Grants and Cooperative Agreements - awarded based on the merit of the proposal and open to various eligible entities.

Who Can Apply for Federal Grants?

Government Entities
Nonprofit Organizations
Educational Organizations
Public Housing Organizations
Some Small Businesses and Individuals

Finding Federal Grant Opportunities

Create an account at Grants.gov
Check agency-specific sites (e.g., HUD, DOJ, USDA)
Subscribe to newsletters and resources focused on Florida Congressional District 8
Contact your state or regional grant offices for support

Basic Steps to Apply for a Federal Grant:

Determine a specific need or project
Register your organization with SAM.gov and Grants.gov
Obtain your Unique Entity ID (UEI) issued by SAM.gov
Identify funding opportunities that align with your project’s goals
Carefully review the grant program materials, guidance and most recent announcements for eligibility, deadlines, and requirements
Communicate with the funding agency about project eligibility or other guidance
Prepare your application, including the narrative, budget, and any required attachments
Submit your application before the deadline
Track the status of your application and respond promptly to any requests for clarification

What is the Difference Between a Grant, Cooperative Agreement, and Contract?

Grant - Funding with broad discretion for project execution with less federal oversight
Cooperative Agreement - Similar to a grant, but with substantial federal involvement
Contract - Procurement agreement for specific goods or services with strict federal terms

Common Federal Grant Requirements

Detailed project work plan and budget
Data or studies related to the proposal project
Regular progress and financial reports
Compliance with federal laws
Records retention and audit readiness
Often matching funds or cost-sharing

Key Systems and Identifiers

SAM (System for Award Management) is the official U.S. government portal to register your organization. Registration is mandatory to apply for most federal grants and must be renewed annually.
UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) is the new identifier replacing DUNS for federal grants issued via SAM.gov. *A valid UEI is required to apply for federal grants.

Tips for Success

Start early - applications can be complex and time-consuming
Follow all instructions exactly - missing information can disqualify you
Keep your registration info current (SAM.gov, IRS status, etc.)
Maintain compliance-ready records
Use Grants.gov and agency specific webinars and resources
Request a Letter of Support - contact Congressman Haridopolos’ District Office

Key Terms to Know

NOFO/NOFA: Notice of Funding Opportunity / Notice of Funding Availability - Official federal grant announcements that outline program purpose, eligibility, deadlines, and application instructions.
RFP: Request for Proposal - A solicitation for contracts or cooperative agreements in which the federal agency seeks specific services or products.
NICRA: Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement - A federally approved rate that allows organizations to recover indirect (overhead) costs associated with grant-funded work.
NEPA: National Environmental Policy Act - Requires environmental review for federally funded projects to assess potential environmental impacts (e.g., construction of new facilities or major infrastructure improvements).
Match: Local or non-federal funds required by some grants to supplement or “match” federal funding; may include cash or in-kind contributions.
Forecasted: A potential future grant opportunity listed in advance of its formal announcement to help organizations plan ahead

Subscribe to Congressman Haridopolos’s monthly email federal grants newsletter here.

Download a printable PDF of this Federal Grants Quick Guide here.

Complete our Grant Seekers Form here.

Request a Letter of Support from Congressman Haridopolos here.

For additional questions, please contact Karen Bryan, Grants Manager for the Office of Congressman Haridopolos at FL08MHgrants@mail.house.gov.