The federal government requires all applicants for discretionary grants to complete a registration process that may take up to three weeks. The process is as follows:

Step 1: Request a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number here. A DUNS number is a unique number that identifies and tracks entities receiving federal funds.

Step 2: Register with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) here. To remain active, registration must be updated or renewed annually.

For some funding opportunities, there may be other systems to register for. Please make sure that you read all materials before beginning the application process.

An eligible grant recipient cannot submit an application for funding until this process is complete. Grants.gov is the central Web site for applying for federal grants, though there are some exceptions to this, including some or all grants to the Department of Energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Justice, the Department of Justice, and the Environmental Protection Agency. For additional information or questions regarding the registration process, applicants can visit the federal grants Web site or call the Grants.gov Contact Center at (800) 518-4726.

NOTE: Some applicants report delays in registering and uploading applications. Plan for such delays so that deadlines can be met.