Resources & Grants

Who is Eligible for a Government Grant?

There are many groups or organizations that are eligible to apply for government grants. A comprehensive list can be found here: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/grant-eligibility.html.

Although there are many grant programs, few are available to individuals and none are offered for personal financial assistance. Please exercise caution if approached by someone offering a personal grant opportunity. For more information, go to: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0113-government-grant-scams.

• If eligible, search for programs in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). Includes grants, loans, business and nonfinancial help.
   
• Contact the federal office given in the CFDA program description. If state or local office is indicated, check Regional Agency Offices at the top of CFDA's website for addresses.
   
• Go to federal websites given in each CFDA program description for more information and for state administering agencies responsible for managing funding.
   
• Register for federal grants opportunities at Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) and with the System for Award Management (SAM), then apply online (links and instructions given at the website). Additional notices appear at FedConnect.
   
• Search foundations for project funding: use the Foundation Center website or Foundation Center Cooperating Collections in libraries to identify national, state, and community foundations.
  

How to Write a Grant Proposal

Federal grants are competitive and federal dollars are limited. Grant proposals must be well written and must comply with grant criteria to be competitive. Grants are awarded to organizations whose proposals are in line with program priorities, and whose projects meet the highest standards. For more information on how to write a grant proposal, visit: www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101.html. 

Requesting a Letter of Support

If you would like to request a letter of support for your federal funding application, please make requests in writing to the Towson Office either via fax (410)832-8898, or mail to:

Resources for Veterans

• Home Mortgage Assistance for Veterans: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can help men and women who have served in the military purchase a home or modify an existing home loan.
   
• VA Assistance for Business Owners: The VA offers a variety of opportunities to certified Veteran owned small businesses.
   
• Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA): The MDVA offers information on Veteran-focused hiring programs within the state.
   

Employment Resources

• Federal Employment Opportunities: USAJobs offers information on job posting with federal agencies.
   
• Maryland State Job Opportunities: The State of Maryland offers an online listing of available employment opportunities with the state.
   
• Maryland Workforce Exchange: The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation has partnered with local employers to provide an online database for available postings with private employers in Maryland.
   

Resources for Business

• Federal Business Opportunities: The General Services Administration offers an online search tool for business owners to seek out opportunities to work with the Federal Government.
   
• Working with Federal Agencies in Maryland: The Maryland State Department of Business and Economic Development provides resources for businesses looking to work with the numerous federal institutions within the state.
   
• Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA can provide small business with loans, loan guarantees, contracts and other assistance to help them succeed.
   

Consumer Protection

• The Federal Trade Commission: Consumers can place complaints, find information on identity theft prevention and reporting, and sign up for the Do Not Call Registry.
   

Housing Resources

• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD can assist those looking to purchase a home as well as those in need of rental assistance.