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Federal Grants

The federal grants process can be difficult to navigate. This page is designed to help you search and apply for grants. Federal grant programs may be limited in scope, so this page will also help you find funding outside of the federal government. We encourage you to explore the resources on this page and sign-up for Congressman Larson's Grants E-Newsletter to receive the up-to-date federal grant information. 

Should you have any questions, please contact my District Office at 860-278-8888. 

READ Congressman Larson's latest Grants eNewsletter

Sign-up for Congressman Larson's Grants eNewsletter

Get Registered

Before you apply for a grant you must complete the Grants.gov registration process. The registration process can take anywhere from three business days to four weeks, which is why it is important to register early. Please refer to the following resources for assistance with the registration process:

Applicant Resources

How to Apply for Grants

Grants Overview 

The federal government typically awards grants to universities, researchers, state and local governments, law enforcement and non-profit organizations, and institutions planning and implementing projects to benefit the community and the state. 

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has prepared two reports that provide a general overview for those seeking federal grants. I encourage you to read these two reports before searching for grant programs or preparing grant proposals: 

CRS Grants Overview 

CRS Guide for Developing and Writing Grant Proposals 

The federal government does not offer grants for individuals to start businesses or cover personal expenses. However, there are government websites that outline federal programs assisting with personal needs, student loans, small business development, or finding government business opportunities

Key Funding Sources 

The following federal websites list specific grant programs available to the public: 

  • Grants.gov. This website lists grant opportunities from every federal agency. The website also helps grantseekers obtain a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number and register on the System for Award Management (SAM), a requirement for obtaining most federal grants. 

  • Sam.gov/assistance-listings. This website includes more than 2,200 federal assistance programs (including grants, loans, and other financial and nonfinancial assistance). The federal government is working to make this site the official U.S. government website for everyone who makes, receives and manages federal awards. 

In addition to federal grants, you may also consider  the following non-federal sources: 

  • Foundation Center Grant Space. The center’s website is a gateway to information about private funding sources, the grant seeking process, guidelines on writing a grant proposal, state libraries with grants reference collections and links to other useful websites. The center also offers a variety of training and educational seminars. 

  • Grantsmanship Center. This organization offers links to Connecticut’s foundations, national community foundations and corporate giving programs. 

  • Council on Foundations. The Council on Foundations’ website has a list of the more than 750 community foundations throughout the nation who award grants. 

  • Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. The website is a comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States 

For information on state and local funding, please contact your state and local representatives. You can find that contact information by visiting the official State of Connecticut website: www.ct.gov.

Issues:Grants