Guides & Resources

Plain-language guides on federal grant programs, eligibility requirements, the application process, and small business funding opportunities. Data from SAM.gov and Grants.gov, covering federal grant programs and opportunities across all 50 states; see our methodology.

CFDA Numbers Explained: What They Mean and How to Use Them

Learn what CFDA (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) numbers are, how to read them, and how SAM.gov uses them to organize federal programs.

Understanding Federal Grant Eligibility Requirements

Learn the different federal grant eligibility categories: nonprofits, small businesses, state/local governments, and individuals. What each category covers.

Grant Writing Tips for First-Time Applicants

Practical grant writing tips for nonprofits, government agencies, and researchers applying for federal funds for the first time.

How to Apply for a Federal Grant: Step-by-Step Guide

A complete step-by-step guide to applying for federal grants. Learn how to find programs, check eligibility, register on SAM.gov, and submit via Grants.gov.

Small Business Federal Grant Programs: SBIR, STTR, and More

A guide to federal grant programs for small businesses, including SBIR Phase I and II, STTR, SBA grants, and agency-specific programs.

Funding ≠ programs

EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) is #1 of 24 agencies by total funding ceiling ($7.8B, program-count rank #5 with 26 programs) ≠ ED (U.S. Department of Education) #1 by programs (77, funding rank #4 at $846M).

$7.8B
EPA funding (#1)
#5
EPA program rank
77
ED programs (#1)
#4
ED funding rank

Total funding ceiling summed from SAM.gov program funding_range_high; program counts from the PlainGrants catalog of active federal assistance listings.

Methodology

Our guides are based on publicly available data from authoritative government sources. All statistics, ratings, and figures cited in these guides are drawn directly from official datasets and publications, with sources clearly referenced throughout.

We aim to present complex government data in plain language that is accessible to general audiences. When methodologies differ between data sources or change over time, we note these variations inline. Our editorial process includes regular reviews to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information presented.

Download the federal grant catalog statistics cited on this page: grant-catalog-statistics.csv (CC BY 4.0).