Before you can submit a grant application, your organization must be registered with the right government portals. Missing a registration is the #1 reason grant applications are rejected — even well-written ones. Use this guide to ensure you're eligible before you apply.
⚠️ SAM.gov Takes 7–10 Business Days
The most common reason grant applications are rejected is an inactive or lapsed SAM.gov registration. SAM.gov registration takes 7–10 business days to process after all information is entered. Do not wait until the grant deadline to register. Start the process immediately — it is free.
Register on SAM.govRegistration requirements vary by organization type. Select yours to see exactly what you need.
501(c)(3) organizations must complete several government registrations before they are eligible for most federal and many state/foundation grants.
Your EIN is your organization's federal tax ID. It is required for everything else on this list — IRS tax-exempt status, SAM.gov, bank accounts, and grant applications.
Apply for EIN — IRS.govFile IRS Form 1023 (full) or Form 1023-EZ (streamlined, for smaller orgs) to obtain your official 501(c)(3) determination letter. This letter is required by most foundations, federal agencies, and state grant programs to confirm your tax-exempt status.
Most institutional funders will not accept applications without a current 501(c)(3) determination letter. Obtain this before applying for grants.
The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is the official U.S. government registration portal required for ALL federal grants and many state grants. You will receive a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) upon registration. Your registration must be active and renewed annually.
SAM.gov registration takes 7–10 business days to process. Do not wait until the grant deadline to register. Start this process immediately.
Grants.gov is the federal portal where most federal grant opportunities are posted and applications are submitted. Once your SAM.gov registration is active, create a Grants.gov account using your UEI. You will also need to designate an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR).
Register on Grants.gov36 states plus Washington D.C. require nonprofits to register with the state Attorney General's office before soliciting donations or applying for state grants. Requirements vary by state — most require your articles of incorporation, bylaws, IRS determination letter, and a registration fee.
Operating in a state without proper charitable registration can result in fines and disqualification from state grant programs. Check your state's requirements with your state Attorney General's office.
Most states require nonprofits to file annual reports with the Secretary of State and renew their charitable registration with the Attorney General's office. Failure to maintain good standing can disqualify you from grants.
Verify your organization appears in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (formerly EO Select Check). Many funders use this tool to verify your 501(c)(3) status before awarding grants.
IRS Tax Exempt Organization SearchSAM.gov — Entity Registration
Required for all federal grants
Grants.gov — Find & Apply
Federal grant opportunities portal
IRS EIN Application
Free, same-day online application
IRS 501(c)(3) Requirements
Tax-exempt status for nonprofits
IRS Tax Exempt Org Search
Verify 501(c)(3) status
State Charitable Registration Guide
Required in 36 states + DC
SBA Certification Programs
8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB
SBIR.gov — R&D Grants
Federal small business R&D funding
IRS 501(c)(3) approval takes 3–12 months. Fiscal sponsorship lets a new nonprofit operate under an established 501(c)(3)'s tax-exempt umbrella — giving you immediate access to grants and tax-deductible donations while you wait for your own IRS approval.
Read the Fiscal Sponsorship Guide — how it works, the models, fees, and major sponsorsOnce your registrations are in place, YourFundingBridge will research the best matching funding sources and write a complete, professionally crafted application — tailored to your organization.
YourFundingBridge writes and researches your application. You are responsible for confirming your eligibility with each funder and submitting through the correct portal.