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How to Apply for a Grant

Guidance for how to read an FOA

Final

Issued by: Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Issue Date: January 27, 2015

Understanding the Funding Opportunity Announcement

All ACF Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) are organized into the following sections. This list provides a general description of the content typically found in each section, but is not exhaustive.

Section I: Program Description

  • Provides background information, the goals of the program, post–application requirements and expectations, and a citation of the statutory authority for the award.

Section II: Federal Award Information

  • Includes information on the anticipated funding amount and number of awards, the length of the project periods, and for cooperative agreements, a description of ACF’s anticipated substantial involvement in the funded project.

Section III: Eligibility Information

  • Describes what entities are eligible to apply, application disqualification factors, and any cost-sharing requirements.

Section IV: Application and Submission Information

  • Outlines all application and submission requirements. This includes guidance on formatting (e.g., adherence to font and page limitations); application submission instructions (e.g., adherence to the two-file requirement, application upload requirements); required forms, assurances, and certifications; application requirements for the project description and budget, guidance on formatting; submission dates and times; intergovernmental review requirements; funding restrictions; and an address to request an application package.
  • In response to the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) requirements, under Section IV.2.  Content and Form of Application Submission, Required Forms, Assurances and Certifications, there is a new requirement regarding a Mandatory Grant Disclosure. HHS implemented this policy requirement for mandatory disclosures at 45 CFR § 75.113Visit disclaimer page.  For more information, please review the "New Mandatory Grant Disclosure Requirement in Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs)" document.
  • Please NOTE in Section IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission, under Application Upload Requirements, applicants submitting their applications electronically are required to upload ONLY two electronic files, excluding Standard Forms (SFs). No more than two files will be accepted for the review and additional files will be removed. Standard Forms will not be considered as additional files.

Section V: Application Review Information

  • Includes the criteria objective reviewers will use to evaluate and score applications, information on the application review and award selection process, as well as anticipated announcement and award dates

Section VI: Federal Award Administration Information

  • Provides information on award notices, administrative and national policy requirements, and post-award reporting requirements.

Section VII: HHS Awarding Agency Contact(s)

  • Provides a program office contact and a grants management contact.

Section VIII: Other Information

  • Includes additional information such as references to helpful websites and an application checklist.

Appendices


The content on this page is for informational purposes and should not be construed as instructions for submitting an application. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Announcement of interest for detailed instructions.

HHS is committed to making its websites and documents accessible to the widest possible audience, including individuals with disabilities. We are in the process of retroactively making some documents accessible. If you need assistance accessing an accessible version of this document, please reach out to the guidance@hhs.gov.

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.