Key Federal Funding Sources

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The Catalog (CFDA), published twice a year by the General Services Administration (GSA), describes some 1,400 federal grants and non financial assistance programs administered by the departments and agencies of the federal government. It helps users identify programs that meet specific objectives of applicant projects and is intended to improve coordination and communication between the federal government and state and local applicants for federal assistance.

Catalog Indexes and Listings (GSA)
Although keyword searching is often a good place to start, also browse by broad subject, by federal department or agency, or by recipient category to identify more federal funding programs. CFDA program descriptions may provide direct links to local and regional federal office addresses, to related programs, and to Office of Management and Budget circulars.

• Search by keyword (GSA)
• Broad subject or topic index (HHS)
• Target or beneficiary group index (HHS)
• Programs listed alphabetically (HHS)
• Programs by federal department (HHS)
• Programs by independent and other agencies (HHS)

Developing and Writing Grant Proposals (CFDA)
Guidance in formulating federal grant applications, including initial proposal development, basic components of a proposal, review recommendations, and referral to federal guidelines and literature.

Federal Agency Contacts in Region/State (CFDA Appendix IV)
Much of the federal grant budget moves to the states through formula and block grants—state, regional, and local federal offices often handle grants applications and funds disbursement. Each federal agency has its own procedures: if the CFDA program description refers to a state or regional Information Contact as listed in Appendix IV, constituents/applicants should contact the federal department or agency office listed here before applying for funding to obtain the most up-to-date information.

State Single Points of Contact (CFDA)
Under Executive Order 12372 of 1962, federal grants applicants may be required to submit a copy of their application for state government level review and comment. The state offices listed here coordinate government (both federal and state) grants development and provide guidance to grants seekers.

CFDA in Print, CD-ROM, and Disk (Government Printing Office, GSA)

• The printed Catalog is available the local depository libraries.
• Print, CD-ROM, and diskette formats of the Catalog may be purchased from the Government Printing Office (print) or the General Services Administration (CD-ROM or diskette).

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