Log on to Grants.gov and register. If you are applying for the grant on behalf of an organization, sign up through the organization registration. If you are applying for the grant for personal use, apply through the individual registration. After registering, the website provides a funding opportunity number to the user.
Download a grant application package. Click "Apply for Grants" on the left hand side of the website page, followed by the link "Download an Application Package" under Step 1. Enter your funding opportunity number previously supplied after registration. Click "Download Package."
Fill out the application package. It requires the opportunity or grant title, the name of the agency offering the grant, its Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number, description, the opportunity number and more miscellaneous data about the grant easily obtainable from the grant listing or through the grant sponsor.
Enter application filing name. This is your name, if applying as an individual, or the organization's name, if applying on behalf of an organization. This is a required step in order to proceed.
Fill out mandatory documents. These are on the middle of the application package and are in the two boxes in the middle of the package. To fill out a form, highlight it and click the arrow button titled "Move Form to Complete" to move it to the submission boxes. Once it's in the submission box, highlight it again and click "Open Form."
Fill out optional documents if you wish, using the same directions for mandatory documents.
Print each document as you complete them by clicking the "Print" button on the top of the page. Retain copies of documents for personal records.
Click "Check Package for Errors" to make sure everything is filled out correctly. Once you are finished, click "Save and Submit."
Track the status of your application. For the next few days after you submit your grant application, four e-mails from Grants.gov are sent confirming application. You can track your application on the "Track My Application" page.