CFDA numbers explained

What Is a CFDA Number?

A CFDA number (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number) is a unique 5-digit identifier assigned to each federal assistance program. The format is XX.XXX, for example, 84.063 is the Federal Pell Grant program, where "84" identifies the Department of Education and ".063" is the specific program number.

How to Read a CFDA Number

CFDA numbers follow a simple format:

• First two digits - The federal agency code (e.g., 84 = Department of Education, 93 = Health and Human Services, 10 = Agriculture)
• Decimal and three digits - The specific program within that agency

So CFDA 93.268 tells you: agency code 93 (HHS) + program 268 (Immunization and Vaccines for Children).

From CFDA to SAM.gov Assistance Listings

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) was originally published as a printed reference and then as a website. In 2019, CFDA.gov was merged into SAM.gov, and the catalog was renamed "Assistance Listings" as part of the DATA Act implementation.

Key points about the transition:

• The numbering system (XX.XXX format) remains exactly the same
• You still see "CFDA number" referenced in grant notices and award documents
• The official database is now at SAM.gov under "Assistance Listings"
• All programs still have the same numbers, no renumbering occurred

Where You'll See CFDA Numbers

CFDA numbers appear in many places in the federal grant process:

• Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) - Identifies the program you're applying to
• SF-424 Application Form - Required field for all federal grant applications
• Grant award documents - Identifies the federal program that funded the award
• USASpending.gov - All federal awards are searchable by CFDA/Assistance Listing number
• Single Audit reports - Organizations receiving $1,000,000+ in federal awards list each CFDA program (threshold raised from $750,000 by the 2024 revision to 2 CFR Part 200, effective for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2024)

Using CFDA Numbers to Research Programs

CFDA numbers are useful for research:

• Search USASpending.gov by CFDA number to see all past awards, amounts, and recipients
• Look up the program in SAM.gov Assistance Listings for official description, eligibility, and contact info
• Search Grants.gov by CFDA number to find open competitions
• On PlainGrants, each program page shows the CFDA number and links to the official program

Worked Example: Decoding a Federal Grant Award

An Assistance Listing number identifies a program. It does not by itself establish an award amount or a matching requirement. Here is how to decode the identifier:

Component	Value	Meaning
Agency prefix	84	U.S. Department of Education
Program number	.063	Federal Pell Grant Program
Award amount	Not set by the ALN	Read the current award or funding opportunity document
Match requirement	Not set by the ALN	Read the current funding opportunity document

A program's agency prefix helps locate the governing record, but it does not establish the amount, match, or cost-sharing term for a particular opportunity. Check the current notice before using any figure in a budget.

Common Mistakes When Using CFDA Numbers

• Confusing CFDA with opportunity numbers. CFDA 93.223 identifies the Traumatic Brain Injury program, but each funding cycle on Grants.gov has its own opportunity ID (e.g., HRSA-25-038). The CFDA number is permanent; the opportunity number changes each cycle.
• Assuming CFDA equals eligibility. A program having a CFDA listing does not mean every organization can apply. CFDA 84.366 (Arts in Education) lists eligible applicants, but a rural nonprofit without education partnerships would not qualify despite the listing existing.
• Treating CFDA as a funding guarantee. A CFDA listing simply means a program exists in the federal catalog. It does not guarantee funding is currently available, that applications are open, or that Congress has appropriated money for the current fiscal year.