Grants
Competitive grants are among the many programs funded by the
American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, or what is commonly referred to
as the federal stimulus. Applying for competitive federal grants is a process
that includes several steps. The federal government provides comprehensive
information about applying for grants, but please note these grant guidelines
are subject to change. Learn more about the federal grant application process by
visiting the step-by-step application registration guide online at
Grants.gov.
Organizations seeking federal grants are required to have what is
called a Data Universal Numbering System number, or DUNS number. The DUNS number
is a nine-character number that identifies your organization. The federal
government uses these numbers to track how federal money is distributed. Most
large organizations, libraries, colleges and research universities already have
DUNS numbers. Your grant administrator or chief financial officer
should be able to provide
your organization’s DUNS number if one is available. If your organization has not already done so,
it must also register with Central Contracting Registration (CCR). All
applicants for federal grants, except individuals, must maintain current
registrations in the CCR database. The database is a virtual storehouse for
standard information about federal financial assistance applicants, recipients,
and sub-recipients.
If your organization plans to apply for federal stimulus funds and does not
currently have a DUNS number or is not currently registered with CCR, begin the
process for both immediately. It can take some time to receive a DUNS number and
to register with the CCR. Because many of the funding opportunities associated
with the federal stimulus have fast-approaching deadlines, it is critical that
you obtain this information as soon as possible to compete for available grant
dollars.
Your organization may obtain a DUNS number by calling (866) 705-5711, or by
visiting the
DUNS Request Service online. To register with the CCR, please visit
the
CCR website to begin the process. An organization’s grant application is not
considered complete unless it includes a DUNS number.
If you are an individual applying for a grant on your own behalf and not
on behalf of an organization, please visit Individual Registration at
Grants.gov. Types of organizations include state, local and tribal governments,
non-profits, companies, and academic or research institutions. If you apply as
an individual to a grant application package designated for organizations, your
application will be rejected. Individuals applying for federal grants are exempt
from the DUNS number and CCR requirements described above.
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