Government Grant Sources

The most common problem in getting government funding is failing to communicate with the resource agencies at the local level. Most agencies have a hierarchy or chain of command. When an agency is contemplating funding priorities for proposals they frequently contact local agency folks to see what they consider to be the most critical resource issues.

If the local agency folks are unaware of the particulars of the your resource concern, then they cannot give any 'in-house' feedback to their upper-level management. Make friends with your local agency folks and keep them informed about your resource issues and proposed projects. Local agency staff can often be tapped for technical expertise or be potential project partners.

While the primary gateway for government grants is Grants.Gov, most agencies also have pages outlining available grants which may include details not given in the Request For Proposal. It pays to check at both the grants clearinghouse as well an agency web site to make sure you have the latest information.

Be aware that many government grants are often of the reimbursement type. When you've been awarded the grant you may have to do the work first, then get reimbursed. Make sure you understand how the funds will be made available to you for the project, and how fast. Sometimes you'll need to partner with a county agency or organization that has deep enough pockets to pay for the work and wait for the reimbursement.

TIP: A government agency is a world of its own. Make contact and develop support for your project at the local level.

Sampling of Government Funding Sources:

Grants.Gov

Grants.gov is your source to FIND and APPLY for federal government grants. There are over 1,000 grant programs offered by all federal grant making agencies. An excellent resource for conservation projects from a variety of federal agencies. Quality of the information varies however as each agency posts it's own grant information. Some posters are more experienced than others so don't be surprised if some information deadends. There's always a way to find out more information direct from any particular agency.
 

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

This was the forerunner of Grants.Gov, but it contains much valuable information that amy not be on the newer site. Be sure to read up on grant writing and types of assistance since it will make the federal grant process much more understandable.
 

Federal Register

Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as grants.
 

US Fire Agency Grants

Financial assistance available from the U.S. Fire Administration and other Federal agencies for fire departments and other first responders.
 

US Park Service Grants

US park Service River, Trails and Conservation Assistance Programs: RTCA provides technical assistance to locally-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects.
 

NAL Funding Resources

The National Agricultural Library has a good list of funding resources.
 

GPO Access

Government Printing Office often has the latest grant and funding information. This particular portal is designed to facilitate easy access to the latest updates of some of the most heavily used databases on the system.
 

USDA Gateway

Type in 'grants' and you'll get a current list of opportunities.
 

USA.Gov

Access information about various federal grants and funding sources. Expect everything to be renamed after any election.
 

Government Auctions

Everything's got to go! Buy new, seized and surplus merchandise - just about everything imaginable - from government. Special deals for local gov and nonprofit buyers. You may be able to get a really great deal for anything your conservation project might need.
 

EPA Resources for Non-Profit Organizations

Government agencies can very helpful to nonprofit groups. EPA is one example with a wealth of resources.
 

FedWorld

One step access to a variety of governemnt information sites. While not directly a grants locator, much of the information will be of use in grant proposal preparation.
 

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