Frequently asked questions

Short answers about what FedGrantFinder is and is not. More detail is on the about and how it works pages.

What is FedGrantFinder?
FedGrantFinder is a free web app that searches currently open U.S. federal grant opportunities published on Grants.gov, filtered by who can apply, which state they cover, deadline, and award size. It is an independent tool — not a government website and not a list of private-foundation grants — and it updates overnight from the public Grants.gov data feed so nonprofits, small businesses, individuals, tribes, governments, and universities can skip listings they cannot apply for.
Is FedGrantFinder a government website?
No. FedGrantFinder is an independent tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. government.
Where does the data come from?
Grant listings come from the public Grants.gov data feed. The catalogue is updated overnight from that feed.
Is it free?
Yes. Searching and browsing currently open U.S. federal grant opportunities is free. Creating an account to save grants is also free.
Who can use it?
Anyone looking for currently open U.S. federal grants, including nonprofits, small businesses, individuals, tribes, governments, and universities.
Do you list foundation or private grants?
No. FedGrantFinder lists U.S. federal grant opportunities only. It is not a directory of private-foundation or corporate grants.
How is this different from Grants.gov?
Grants.gov is the official federal system where opportunities are published and applications are submitted. FedGrantFinder is a discovery layer on top of that public data: it filters by who can apply, which state a grant covers, deadline, and award size so you can skip listings you cannot apply for. You still apply on Grants.gov.
Does using FedGrantFinder guarantee eligibility or an award?
No. FedGrantFinder does not evaluate eligibility and does not award funds. Meeting a filter does not mean you qualify. The issuing agency decides eligibility and awards.
How do I actually apply?
On Grants.gov, or on the official application URL the listing points to. FedGrantFinder is a discovery layer; we do not accept applications.
How often is the data updated?
Overnight, from the public Grants.gov data feed. New and changed opportunities typically appear the day after Grants.gov publishes them.
Are there federal grants for rural broadband?
Yes. Agencies including the USDA and NTIA publish open opportunities for broadband deployment, digital equity, and related infrastructure. On FedGrantFinder, search "broadband" or "rural broadband," then filter by your state and applicant type (often state/local government, tribes, or nonprofits). Confirm eligibility and apply on Grants.gov.
Can I find federal grants for youth mental health programs?
Yes. HHS, SAMHSA, and Education post open opportunities for youth mental health, school-based services, and related prevention work. Search "youth mental health" or "behavioral health," filter by who can apply (often nonprofits, schools, or governments), and open the listing for deadlines and award size. Applications go through Grants.gov.
Do you list tribal and Native American federal grants?
Yes. Use the tribal audience filter (/grants/for/tribal) or search keywords such as "tribal," "Native American," or "Indigenous." Many USDA, HHS, Interior, and Commerce opportunities are limited to tribes or tribal organizations. Filters show who can apply; the agency decides eligibility. Apply on Grants.gov.
How do I find federal disaster recovery grants?
Search "disaster," "FEMA," "hazard mitigation," or "recovery," and filter by your state. Some opportunities open only after a declared disaster or for specific counties. FedGrantFinder shows currently open federal listings from Grants.gov — not insurance claims or state emergency portals. Always verify the disaster declaration and eligible applicants on the official notice.
Are there federal grants for small businesses, or only loans?
Both exist. Many famous SBA products are loans or guarantees, but open federal grant opportunities for small businesses also appear (often R&D, manufacturing, or export-related). Use /grants/for/small-business and filter by deadline and award size. If a listing is a loan, the Grants.gov notice will say so — we don't invent grant status.
Can individuals apply for federal grants, or only organizations?
Some opportunities allow individuals (fellowships, certain research or arts programs); most require an organization. Use /grants/for/individuals to see open listings that include individuals as an applicant type. Eligibility is still set by the agency — the filter only narrows the catalogue.
Do you include state grants for broadband, mental health, or disaster recovery?
No. FedGrantFinder is U.S. federal opportunities from Grants.gov only. State or local programs won't appear here. For those, use the state agency or your state's grant portal.
Why doesn't my search return every program I've heard of?
We only show opportunities that are currently open in the Grants.gov feed we sync overnight. Closed, forecast-only, or non-Grants.gov postings won't appear. Try a broader keyword, clear filters, or check again after the nightly update.