Why Federal Grants Matter
The federal government distributes over $1 trillion in grants annually, making it the single largest source of nonprofit funding in the United States. Despite their size and accessibility, federal grants are underutilized by smaller nonprofits — largely because the application process can seem intimidating.
Health and Human Services
HRSA Community Health Center Grants. The Health Resources and Services Administration funds Federally Qualified Health Centers and look-alike organizations that provide primary care to underserved populations. Awards range from $650,000 to over $2 million annually. SAMHSA Grants. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration funds programs addressing mental health, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions. ACF Social Services Block Grant. The Administration for Children and Families distributes block grant funding to states, which then sub-grant to nonprofits providing child welfare, family support, and social services.Education and Youth Development
21st Century Community Learning Centers. Administered by the Department of Education, this program funds after-school, before-school, and summer learning programs for students in high-poverty schools. AmeriCorps Grants. AmeriCorps funds national service programs through AmeriCorps State and National grants and AmeriCorps Seniors grants.Housing and Community Development
CDBG — Community Development Block Grant. One of the most flexible federal grant programs, CDBG funds a wide range of community development activities including housing rehabilitation, public services, and economic development. HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Administered by HUD, HOME funds affordable housing development, rehabilitation, and homebuyer assistance.Arts and Culture
NEA Grants. The National Endowment for the Arts funds arts organizations, individual artists, and arts education programs. Awards typically range from $10,000 to $100,000. NEH Grants. The National Endowment for the Humanities funds humanities programs including preservation, education, public programs, and research.How to Find and Apply
All federal grant opportunities are posted on Grants.gov. Before applying, your organization must have an active SAM.gov registration and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).