The following links guide investigators to the most common federal funding agencies. These organizations provide the most substantial support for scholarly activities at Montana State. Register for the agency newsletter to receive the most up-to-date information on future and current funding and policy changes.

Grants.gov logo

Grants.gov

Grants.Gov is a single, comprehensive website that will contain information on all federal grant programs. It allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all federal grant-making agencies. Information is standardized across agencies and a search tool is available to locate funding opportunities. Researchers can also receive notification of future grant opportunities. See also: MSU Grants.gov tips 

National Science Foundation logo

National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. It does this through grants, and cooperative agreements to more than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, informal science organizations and other research organizations throughout the United States. The Foundation accounts for about one-fourth of federal support to academic institutions for basic research.

National Institutes of Health logo

National Institutes of Health

NIH is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, investing more than $32 billion a year to enhance life, and reduce illness and disability. NIH-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new treatments, helping people live longer, healthier lives, and building the  research foundation that drives discovery. 

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) logo

 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA makes critical investments to support farmers, ranchers and growers who are driving the rural economy forward, carry out record conservation efforts, facilitate groundbreaking research, promote new markets for rural products, and provide a safe, affordable and nutritious food supply for American families.

Department of Energy logo

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Information about DOE funding that is available for research is available on the grants.gov website.

 

Environmental Protection Agency logo

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Every year, EPA awards over $4 billion in funding for grants and other assistance agreements. From small non-profit organizations to large state governments, EPA works to help many visionary organizations achieve their environmental goals. With countless success stories over the years, EPA grants remain a chief tool in the advancement of human health and the environment.

Information about EPA funding that is available for research is available on the grants.gov website. 

U.S. Department of Education logo

U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education's (ED) mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

ED was created in 1980 by combining offices from several federal agencies. ED's 4,400 employees and $68 billion budget are dedicated to:

  • Establishing policies on federal financial aid for education, and distributing as well as monitoring those funds.
  • Collecting data on America's schools and disseminating research.
  • Focusing national attention on key educational issues.
  • Prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.
U.S. Department of State seal

U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State's mission is to shape and sustain a peaceful, prosperous, just, and democratic world and foster conditions for stability and progress for the benefit of the American people and people everywhere.

Information about Department of State's funding opportunities is available on the grants.gov website. 

U.S. Department of Transportation logo

U.S. Department of Transportation

The mission of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is to serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.

Information about DOT funding that is available for research is available on the grants.gov website.

All Federal Agencies

This link connects to a complete index of U.S. federal government agencies.

USA.gov logo

Funding Sources


The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance is a publication and database that lists the domestic assistance programs for all federal agencies and gives information about a program's authorization, fiscal details, accomplishments, regulations, guidelines, eligibility requirements, information contacts, and application and award process.

The Federal Register is the best way to keep current on what's happening with federal funding. It is a daily compilation of federal regulations and legal notices, presidential proclamations and executive orders, federal agency documents having general applicability and legal effect, documents required to be published by act of Congress, and other federal agency documents of public interest; prepared by the National Archives and Records Administration.

FirstGov is the first ever U.S. Government website that provides the public with a single on-line portal that connects to information and resources from all 27 million federal agency web pages.

For other Federal Grant Information, try these --

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)