Apply for Grants

Applying at Grants.gov can reduce your costs and the time required to find opportunities and process your application. The site provides access to multiple grantors and reduces paperwork, postal costs and storage costs, in addition to its efficiency as a one-stop storehouse of grants information.

By downloading a grant application package, you can view it offline, giving you the flexibility to complete the application when and where you want. You can also route it through your organization for easy review and then submit it with a simple click.

Before you apply, remember you must be registered, and you must have the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) and/or CFDA number of the desired grant. Once those steps are complete, you will be ready to download the application package and begin the 4-step process to apply for a grant:

Step 1: Download a Grant Application Package and Instructions
You should have the FON and/or CFDA number. If so, you can find the application package at the following page. If not, return to Find Grant Opportunities Find Grant Opportunities to search for this information.

In order to view the application package, you will need to install the PureEdge Viewer, [link to a small, free program that provides access to the grant application. To operate the PureEdge Viewer, your computer must meet certain system requirements. If you are a non-Windows users, please refer to this support page.

Step 2: Complete the Selected Grant Application Package

Once you have downloaded the application package, you can complete it offline, a handy feature that allows you to share the document in your office and complete it at your own pace.

Instructions are available to assist you on the application package cover sheet to explain how to open and use the forms in the application package. Also, you will have direct access to the agency application instructions, which will include all the necessary information on what is required for your submission.  

Note:

• Save your application to your computer as changes are NOT automatically saved.
• Remember to click the Save button when you have completed the package and are ready to submit it.
• The package cannot be submitted until all required fields have been completed.

If you’re having problems completing the process, view our Frequently Asked Questions.

A training demonstration of How to Complete an Application Package

Step 3: Submit a completed Grant Application Package

Using the username ID and password you entered when you registered with a Credential Provider, you can submit your application package. In order to submit your application, you must already be registered and you will need to have already completed the application package using the PureEdge Viewer.

The “Submit” button on the application package cover page will only become active after you have completed all required forms, attached all required documents, and saved your application package. Click on the “Submit” button once this process is complete and you are ready to send the completed application to Grants.gov.

Next, review the provided application summary to confirm the application will be submitted to the correct program. Click the “Yes” button if this information is correct and you are ready to submit the application. If you are not already connected to the Internet, you will be directed to do so and will need to login to Grants.gov using your username ID and password.

After you have clicked the “Sign and Submit” button on the summary page, your application package will automatically be uploaded to Grants.gov. A confirmation screen will appear once the upload is complete. Note that a Grants.gov tracking number will be provided at the bottom of this screen, as well as the submission’s official date and time. Record this number so that you may refer to it should you need to contact Customer Support.

It is possible to query the status of an organization’s CCR registration to be sure it will not expire before an application submission Close Date. To query a CCR registration:

1. Go to the CCR Homepage at http://www.ccr.gov.
2. Click on "Search CCR."
3. Enter the DUNS number, company name or CAGE Code. Click the appropriate Search button.
4. The expiration date of the registration is posted in bold type at the top of the screen under "Current Registration Status.”

Step 4: Track the Status of a Completed Grant Application Package

Once an application has been submitted, you can check the status on the Track My Application page. You may identify your application by CFDA Number, Funding Opportunity Number, Competition ID, and/or Grants.gov Tracking Number.

Helpful Hints:

• Remember that all username ID and passwords are case sensitive.
• If the Submit button is not active, please check to be sure you have:
  • Completed all mandatory fields in all mandatory forms and moved them to the Mandatory Completed Documents for Submission box.
  • Clicked the Save button AFTER all documents have been moved to the Mandatory Completed Documents for Submission box.
  • Completed all mandatory fields in all optional forms that have been moved to the Optional Completed Documents for Submission box.
  • Closed all Internet browser windows.
  • If the Submit button is active and you are still unable to submit the form, make sure that your computer meets the system requirements and you have the latest version for the PureEdge Viewer .
• If you are using a dial-up modem, it may take several minutes for the application to upload and be submitted. A high-speed Internet connection or DSL connection will process the application much faster.