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How to Apply for a Grant

Guidance for deciding whether or not to apply

Final

Issued by: Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Issue Date: January 27, 2015

Decide Whether to Apply

Writing a grant application is a formidable task that can take many hours of staff time. Before you begin, be sure you can answer "yes" to the following questions:

  1. Have I read the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) completely and carefully? Do I understand it?
  2. Is my organization eligible to apply, based on the eligibility criteria described in Section III.1 Eligible Applicants of the FOA?
  3. Can I meet the FOA deadline and adhere to all the formatting instructions as specified in Section IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission? Can I adhere to the two electronic file requirement?
  4. Does my organization have the technical expertise, the personnel and the financial capacity to successfully implement the project goals and expectations described in the FOA? Does my organization’s mission align with the goals presented in the FOA?
  5. Are all the stakeholders in my organization supportive of applying for this grant?
  6. Is my organization prepared to do what it takes to successfully implement the project within the budget we're proposing? Applicants should also consider the administrative requirements that accompany Federal funding such as required reports, self-evaluations, participation in national evaluations, etc.

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