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General FAQs

Click here for Applicant FAQs or Click here for Grantor FAQs



About Grants.gov

What is Grants.gov?

Why was Grants.gov developed?

Am I allowed to use the Grants.gov Logo?

Website Support/Getting Help

If I have a question that I don't see in Frequently Asked Questions, what should I do?

Who can I talk to about a problem I'm having?

If I sent an email and got an automatic response,when will I receive the answer to my question?

When should I contact the NIH – eRA Commons Help Desk instead of contacting the Grants.gov Contact Center

Software/Technical/Downloads

How do I change the screen resolution in order to see the right-hand side of the website instead of having to scroll left to right?

Is Microsoft Windows Vista a supported platform for use with Grants.gov?

The text on Grants.gov is too small to read. How can I make the text larger on Grants.gov?

Adobe Reader

Why did I receive an error when I opened the application package I downloaded OR received from another user, telling me I have an incompatible version of Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader?

I have set the compatible version of Adobe Reader as my default, but I am still having issues submitting my Adobe Reader application package what should I do?

Can I use Adobe Acrobat Standard or Professional to complete and submit an Adobe Reader application package with Grants.gov?

I already have an earlier version of Adobe Acrobat software on my computer and it will not allow me to update its Adobe Reader to the Grants.gov compatible version, what can I do?

What are some of the common errors received when using unsupported Adobe Reader versions and Adobe Acrobat Professional?

How can I ensure I am using Adobe Reader to work on my application package?

Why am I getting a security error when I try to download Adobe Reader?

I downloaded the package and filled all the fields and clicked "Check Package for Errors" button, it gives "Validation Passed" message, but why isn't "Save & Submit" getting enabled?

Why can't I download the compatible version of Adobe Reader software?

Why doesn't the scroll bar show on my Adobe package?

Getting Personal Financial Assistance

As an individual, how do I find information on federal and state grants, benefits, or assistance? Where can I search for grants or assistance to pay off debt, bills, or medical costs? Where can I find information on government benefits that I may be eligible to receive?

Privacy Policy

What is Grants.gov's privacy policy?

What do you do with the personal information I enter at Grants.gov?

Does Grants.gov ask for personal information such as a social security number, banking or credit card information

Fraud Issues

Who should I contact if I think that someone is fraudulently representing Grants.gov?

How can I recognize and avoid grant scams/fraud?

 


About Grants.gov

 What is Grants.gov?

Grants.gov simplifies the grants management process and creates a centralized, online process to find and apply for over 900 grant programs from the 26 federal grant-making agencies. Grants.gov streamlines the process of awarding over $360 billion annually to state and local governments, academia, not-for-profits and other organizations. This program is one of the 24 federal cross-agency E-Government initiatives focused on improving access to services via the Internet. The vision for Grants.gov is to be a simple, unified source to electronically find, apply and manage grant opportunities.

 Why was Grants.gov developed?

Grants.gov was developed as part of the President's Management Agenda and related E-Government Strategy, which charged federal grant-making agencies with developing a single electronic system to find and apply for federal grant opportunities.

 Am I allowed to use the Grants.gov Logo?

Usage of the Grants.gov logo is permitted by all individuals and entities accurately representing the values and mission of the initiative. The Grants.gov logo represents an easily identifiable product, and standard usage of this symbol must be practiced to maintain the Grants.gov brand. The logo should be presented in an accurate high quality way. Resized or distorted images should not be used; images do not necessarily have to be of high resolution, however the image should be similar in appearance to the original. To use the Grants.gov Logo, right click on the image and save it to your computer.

Website Support/Getting Help

 If I have a question that I don't see in Frequently Asked Questions, what should I do?

If you have a question that you cannot find the answer to in Frequently Asked Questions, try consulting our User Guides. If you still cannot find an answer to the question, please contact us via email at support@grants.gov or call the Grants.gov contact center at 1-800-518-4726.

 Who can I talk to about a problem I'm having?

If you are having a problem and have not found an answer in any of the other resources, call 1-800-518-4726 to speak to a Customer Support Representative or email support@grants.gov.

 If I sent an email and got an automatic response, when will I receive the answer to my question?

Your email will be responded to quickly. A Customer Support Representative will address your issue and contact you soon after they receive the email.

 When should I contact the NIH – eRA Commons Help Desk instead of contacting the Grants.gov Contact Center?

If you have questions regarding issues described in the table below, please contact the NIH - eRA Commons Help Desk. They are available Monday through Friday from 7am-8pm Eastern Time at: Phone: 301-402-7469; Toll Free: 866-504-9552; TTY: 301-451-5939. Help requests made outside of normal business hours via voicemail will be returned the next business day.


Visit: http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/avoiding_errors.htm to view more NIH specific information on avoiding common errors.

Common ErrorsNIH – ERA Solution
Invalid or Missing eRA Commons UsernameThe assigned eRA Commons Username must be entered in the field called “Credential, e.g. agency login” for anyone assigned the PD/PI role. This field is located on the R&R Senior/Key Person Profile(s) component of the grant application. The field is not marked as required on the application form (federal-wide form and not all agencies need this field), but is required by NIH as indicated in the application instructions in the.

The eRA Commons Username is used to link the submitted application to the PD/PI records in the Commons system. Without this information, the system cannot determine where to display application status or store the assembled application image.
Missing Organization Name for Senior/Key PersonThe Organization field of the R&R Senior/Key Person Profile(s) component is required by NIH for all Senior/Key Persons listed. This information is used by NIH staff to determine such issues as conflict of interest with potential reviewers.
PDF IssuesNIH requires all text attachments to be in PDF format. To avoid PDF problems, keep these   in mind.
Senior/Key Person Effort on SF424 R&R Budget Form Must be More Than ZeroThe effort included on the SF424 R&R Budget form calendar months, academic months, or summer months fields must be greater than zero for Senior/Key Persons listed. Use either calendar months or a combination of academic and summer months. For information about calculating person months, see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/policy/person_months_faqs.htm.
Federal Identifier FormatThe Federal Identifier field of the SF424 R&R cover component should be filled in as follows:

If "Type of Application" is "New", you can leave the Federal Identifier field blank on the first submission attempt. However, the Federal Identifier field becomes a required field when submitting a Changed/Corrected application to address errors/warnings. When submitting a Changed/Corrected “New” application, enter the Grants.gov tracking number of the previous submission attempt (e.g. GRANT00123456). If you are unable to find the tracking number, enter "N/A".

If "Type of Application" is "Renewal", "Revision" or "Resubmission", enter the IC (Institute/Center) and serial number of the prior application/award number. The IC code is a two-letter code immediately following the activity code/grant program. The six-digit serial number follows the IC code. For example, the IC and serial number for application number 3R01CA123456-04S1A1 is CA123456.
Role of Co-PD/PI not used by NIHThe role of 'Co-PD/PI', indicated for Senior/Key Person on the Senior/Key Person page, is not used by NIH. For multiple Principal Investigators, use the PD/PI role. Otherwise, select another role.
No degrees submitted for PD/PINo degrees have been submitted for the PD/PI. If you want the degrees to be displayed on the face page of the application image, you should include them on the PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement.

Software/Technical/Downloads

 How do I change the screen resolution in order to see the right-hand side of the website instead of having to scroll left to right?

Click on the link to view our  screen resolution directions to change your settings.

 Is Microsoft Windows Vista a supported platform for use with Grants.gov?

While using the compatible version of Adobe Reader, Grants.gov offers complete compatibility with the following operating systems: all windows operating systems including Vista, MAC, Unix and Linux.

The text on Grants.gov is too small to read. How can I make the text larger on Grants.gov?

In order to make the text size larger on the site, complete the following steps:
 
For Internet Explorer:

  1. Open the Internet Explorer browser
  2. Browse to www.grants.gov
  3. On the main Toolbar at the very top of the window, click View
  4. Select Text Size
  5. Change the text size to medium to optimize your view

For Netscape:

  1. Open the Netscape browser
  2. Browse to www.grants.gov
  3. On the main Toolbar at the very top of the window, click View
  4. Select Text Zoom
  5. Change the text size to 100% to optimize your view

Adobe Reader

 Why did I receive an error when I opened the application package I downloaded OR received from another user, telling me I have an incompatible version of Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader?

You received the error page because your application package was opened with software that is not compatible with Grants.gov. The compatible version of Adobe Reader is required for viewing, editing and submitting a complete grant application package to Grants.gov. Any and all edits made to the Adobe Reader application package must be made with the compatible version of Adobe Reader. Grants.gov does not guarantee to support versions of Adobe Reader that are not compatible with Grants.gov.

*Please note: Adobe Acrobat is compatible if it is comparable to the compatible version of Adobe Reader, click here to verify your Adobe Reader or Acrobat Standard or Professional software version is compatible with Grants.gov. For more information on Adobe Acrobat and Grants.gov compatibility, see FAQ below: Can I use Adobe Acrobat Standard or Professional to complete and submit an Adobe Reader application package with Grants.gov?

The compatible version of Adobe Reader is available to download for free on the Grants.gov website.

 Can I use Adobe Acrobat Standard or Professional to complete and submit an Adobe-Reader application package with Grants.gov?

If you have already installed the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Professional software you have installed on your computer you can open, complete and submit an Adobe Reader application package to Grants.gov.

Adobe Acrobat software allows you to perform all tasks performed by the corresponding version of Adobe Reader software. The version number of Adobe Acrobat (Standard or Professional) software and Adobe Reader software that perform the same tasks have matching version numbers (i.e. Adobe Reader 8.1.1/8.1.2/8.1.3/9.0, parallels Acrobat Standard or Professional 8.1.1/8.1.2/8.1.3/9.0, viewing function). To complete a Grants.gov application package you must either install the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader for free or have an equivalent version of Acrobat Standard or Professional software already installed on your computer.

To check which version of Acrobat you are using go to the Help menu in Acrobat then select About Acrobat (version #), a text box will appear containing an Adobe logo with a number, under that information you will see another number, this is the version number of your software (i.e. 8.1.2).

Or click here to verify your Adobe Reader or Acrobat Standard or Professional Software version is compatible with Grants.gov.

If you have an earlier version of Acrobat or you are unsure which Acrobat or Adobe Reader software version you are using, you may download the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader for free and use it instead of Acrobat to complete your Grants.gov application package. Click here for instructions on using Adobe Reader instead of Acrobat without changing your computer settings.

 I already have an earlier version of Adobe Acrobat Professional software on my computer and I am unable to update my Acrobat Professional Software at this time, what can I do?

If you are using an earlier version of Adobe Acrobat (Standard or Professional) (i.e Acrobat 8) but you are unable to update your software to the latest version; download the compatible version of Adobe Reader software from the Grants.gov website for free. The two programs may be downloaded and used separately, by following the steps below:

How to do this will vary with each user's installation of the Operating System.

Step 1: To check that you are using the compatible version of Adobe Reader, go to the Help menu in Acrobat then select About Acrobat (version #), a text box will appear containing an Adobe logo with a number, under that information you will see another number, this is the version number of your software (i.e. 8.1.2).

Step 2:

If using Windows:

  1. Verify the correct version of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer
  2. Close any web browsers, PDF documents or files that were opened using Acrobat
  3. Wait approximately 30 seconds
  4. Right click the Windows Start button
  5. Select Explore
  6. From the Windows Explore menu, click Tools, Folder Options
  7. Click on the tab "File Types"
  8. Locate application package (PDF) in the "Registered file types" and highlight it
  9. Click Change
  10. Choose "Select the Program from a List"
  11. Select Adobe Reader (compatible version) from the list
    Note: This list displays only as Adobe Reader version number “x”, be sure you have verified version in Step 1 above
  12. Check "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file"
  13. Click Ok


If using Vista:

  1. Verify the correct version of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer
  2. Close any web browsers, PDF documents or files that were opened using Acrobat
  3. Wait approximately 30 seconds
  4. Click the Start button
  5. Select Control Panel
  6. Select Programs
  7. Under Default Programs, select "Make a file type always open in a specific program"
  8. Locate PDF in the "Set Associations" window, and select it
  9. Click Change Program button
  10. Choose "Select the Program from a List"
  11. Select Adobe Reader (compatible version) from the list
    Note: This list displays only as Adobe Reader version number “x”, be sure you have verified version in Step 1 above
  12. Check "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file"
  13. Click Ok


If using MAC:

  1. Verify the correct version of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer
  2. Close any web browsers, PDF documents or files that were opened using Acrobat
  3. Wait approximately 30 seconds
  4. Click the Finder button
  5. Select and click on a PDF file
  6. Select "Get Info" under the File Menu
  7. Use "Open With:" to change the default application
  8. Locate Adobe in the programs list and select it
  9. Click on Change All button

I have set the compatible version of Adobe Reader as my default, but I am still having issues submitting my Adobe Reader application package what should I do?

Check your computer's settings, make sure that the compatible version of Adobe Reader, is set as your default application viewer.

For instructions on setting Adobe Reader as your default viewer, please review the FAQ: How can I ensure I am using Adobe Reader to work on my application package?

If you are sure that the compatible version of Adobe Reader is set as your default application viewer, check the settings within Adobe Reader and set www.grants.gov as a trusted website by completing the following steps:

  1. Open Adobe Reader
  2. Go to "Preferences" option
  3. Select "Trust Manager" option
  4. In the "Internet access from PDF files outside the web browser" option select "Change Settings"
  5. Select the option "Let me specify list of allowed websites"
  6. Enter www.grants.gov and select "Allow"

Once you have verified the preferences described above are set, submit the completed application package.

 What are some of the common errors received when using unsupported Adobe Reader versions and Adobe Acrobat Professional?

If you have received one of the following error messages, please verify that the package has not been opened or edited with any software other than the compatible versions of Adobe Reader.

Error Message 1: Error: org.xml.sax.SAXParseException:

Error Message 2: "Schema Validation Error"

In most cases these errors indicate the form was opened with an unsupported software such as: Adobe Professional, an incompatible version of Adobe Reader, or another software.

Options to fix:
The applicant should download a NEW package then open, complete and submit it only using a compatible version of Adobe Reader.

Grants.gov requires the use of a compatible version of Adobe Reader. Grants.gov application packages cannot be used with any other Adobe product at this time.

 Note: The user cannot copy and paste data from their existing package into the new package. Packages accessed using any software other than a compatible version of Adobe Reader may contain errors that will be transferred to the new package.

 How can I ensure I am using Adobe Reader to work on my application package?

Option 1: Save the file first before using a compatible version of Adobe Reader to open it.

  1. Verify the version of the Adobe Reader software you have installed on your computer. If you have multiple versions of Adobe Reader, be sure you are using the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader.
  2. From the Grants.gov website, save the application package to your computer. If you are using Windows, you would do this by right clicking the application package link, and selecting “Save Target As…” be sure to remember where you save the file. If you are using MAC, you would do this by right clicking the application package link, and selecting “Save File As” under the File menu. Be sure to remember where you save the file.
  3. Run the correct version of the Adobe Reader software.
    For Windows: start, programs, Adobe Reader
    For MAC: applications, Adobe Reader
  4. From the Adobe Reader menu open the saved application package by selecting File, then Open and choosing the application package saved on your computer.

Option 2: Set your computer’s default to use the correct version of Adobe Reader for opening all files with a PDF extension.

Please note: This option will cause your computer to always use Adobe Reader to open files having a PDF filename extension.

How to do this will vary with each user’s installation of the Operating System.

  • If using Windows:
    1. Verify the correct version of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer
    2. Right click the Windows Start button
    3. Select Explore
    4. From the Windows Explore menu, click Tools, Folder Options
    5. Click on the tab “File Types”
    6. Locate PDF in the “Registered file types” and highlight it
    7. Click Change
    8. Choose “Select the Program from a List”
    9. Select Adobe Reader (Grants.gov compatible version) from the list
      Note: This list displays only as (Grants.gov compatible version) be sure you have verified version in Step 1 above
    10. Check “Always use the selected program to open this kind of file”
    11. Click Ok
  • If using Vista:
    1. Verify the correct version of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer
    2. Click the Start button
    3. Select Control Panel
    4. Select Programs
    5. Under Default Programs, select “Make a file type always open in a specific program”
    6. Locate PDF in the “Set Associations” window, and select it
    7. Click Change Program button
    8. Choose “Select the Program from a List”
    9. Select Adobe Reader (Grants.gov compatible version) from the list
      Note: This list displays only as Adobe Reader (Grants.gov compatible version) be sure you have verified version in Step 1 above
    10. Check “Always use the selected program to open this kind of file”
    11. Click Ok
  • If using MAC:
    1. Verify the correct version of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer
    2. Click the Finder button
    3. Select and click on a PDF file
    4. Select “Get Info” under the File Menu
    5. Use “Open With:” to change the default application
    6. Locate Adobe in the programs list and select it
    7. Click on Change All button

 Why am I getting a security error when I try to download Adobe Reader?

If you receive a security error while trying to download Adobe Reader, you may not have security permissions to install new programs on your system. If that is the case, you should contact your system administrator. 

 I downloaded the package and filled all the fields and clicked "Check Package for Errors" button, it gives me a "Validation Passed" message, but why isn't the "Save & Submit" being enabled?

To enable the "Save & Submit" button first "Save" your package and then "Save & Submit" will become enabled.

Why can’t I download the Application Viewers? 

If you are not able to download the Application Viewer, check with your system administrator to make sure that you have the security permissions to install new programs on your system.

 Why can't I download the compatible version of Adobe Reader software?

If you are not able to download the compatible version of Adobe Reader software (required in order to view, edit and submit an application to Grants.gov), check with your system administrator to make sure that you have the security permissions to install new programs on your system.

 Why doesn't the scroll bar show on my Adobe Reader package?

Adobe Reader does not show vertical scroll bar in Mandatory and Optional document boxes. Simply click within document box and it shows the scroll bar.

[TOP OF PAGE]

 As an individual, how do I find information on federal and state grants, benefits, or assistance? Where can I search for grants or assistance to pay off debt, bills, or medical costs? Where can I find information on government benefits that I may be eligible to receive?

If you are an individual looking for information on government benefits, refer to GovBenefits.gov, the official government benefits website, a free, confidential tool that helps individuals find government benefits they may be eligible to receive, as well as information on how to apply.

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Privacy Policy

 What is Grants.gov’s privacy policy?

Click here to view the complete Grants.gov privacy policy. A brief summary of the Grants.gov privacy policy is: We will collect no personal information about you when you visit our website unless you choose to provide that information to us. 

What do you do with the personal information I enter at Grants.gov?

If you choose to provide us with personal information (by providing feedback), we use that information to respond to your message and to help us get you the information you have requested. We only share the information you give us with another government agency if your inquiry relates to that agency, or as otherwise required by law. Moreover, we do not create individual profiles with the information you provide or give it to any private organizations. We do not collect information for commercial marketing.

Additionally, no one from Grants.gov will ever ask you for personal information, such as a social security number, banking or credit card information.

Does Grants.gov ask for personal information such as a social security number, banking or credit card information?

Grants.gov will never ask you for personal information, such as a social security number, banking, or credit card information. 

Fraud Issues

Who should I contact if I think that someone is fraudulently representing Grants.gov? 

If you think that someone has fraudulently represented Grants.gov, contact the HHS Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477 and email support@grants.gov.

How can I recognize and avoid grant scams/fraud?

The Better Business Bureau offers these tips and suggestions:

  • YOU WILL NOT BE CONTACTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO OFFER YOU A GRANT.
    The government does not contact people to offer them money. If you do qualify for a government grant, the government does not request payment for it.
  • THERE ARE NO FEES ASSOCIATED WITH APPLYING FOR A GOVERNMENT GRANT.
    Providing financial information to prove that you qualify for a government grant is typical, but you should never pay money to apply for a grant. People who run scams often claim to provide help and sometimes claim to be "federal government" officials, don't be fooled by these scams that request money from you.
  • ALL GOVERNMENT GRANTS INVOLVE AN APPLICATION PROCESS
    If you have not submitted an application for a government grant and someone claims you have been awarded one, it's a scam. Grant money is not given over the phone for a fee. In order to qualify for a grant you must apply for the specific opportunity that you are qualified to apply for.
  • GOVERNMENT GRANTS ARE AWARDED FOR EXPLICIT OPPORTUNITIES
    Government Grants are typically awarded to states, cities, educational institutions, nonprofits and other organizations to fund research and other projects.
  • GOVERNMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS AND INFORMATION IS FREE
    Be cautious of offers that ask for your personal information (especially financial) when requesting a fee to access grant information. You can always access free information about government grants and other benefits at Grants.gov and Govbenefits.gov.

As an additional resource — The National Procurement Fraud Task Force developed 

Grant Fraud . Grant Fraud provides tips to protect your organization and the source of your federal funds by helping to detect and prevent fraud.


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