Tip#1 When you find a website for a federal agency that is similar to, or in-line with your organization's services, BOOKMARK the web page. You will want to get in the habit of visiting that site on a regular basis to watch for funding announcements.

Tip#2 When you are visiting a federal department website, look to see if they have an automatic e-mail service (for example, some type of ListServ) and SUBSCRIBE to it. That way you will receive automatic e-mails whenever the department makes an announcement of the release of a new RFP. Not every federal department has this service yet, but they are making progress, almost on a weekly basis, to improve their communications.

Tip#3 If you are able to access the RFP from the website (usually in Adobe Acrobat format), the very first section you should read (which is in every announcement), is the "Eligibility" section. By reading this section first and determining whether the grant is intended for individual nonprofits, you will save yourself a lot of unnecessary reading and printing. Larger RFPs, like those from HUD, are often 50+ pages long.

Tip#4 Look for a contact person's name, phone number, or e-mail address and write it down. (Generally, every announcement will include a name along with contact information in the event you have questions.)

Tip#5 Lastly, don't become overwhelmed! Finding, successfully applying for, and receiving a federal grant is a time consuming process. However, thousands of grassroots and community groups do it every year. Start slowly; devote an hour or two each week for a month to exploring and researching grant opportunities on federal websites. It is also a great volunteer opportunity for volunteers! Why not enlist them to be your "Federal Grant Researchers?"

Tip#1 Unlike federal websites, which have become a bit more advanced over the last few years, state, county, and city websites are more "hit-or-miss." It boils down to how Internet-savvy your state or local governments are and whether they have the financial resources to put up a website and manage it well. The general rule of thumb is--DIG AROUND! Once you get to a state, county, or city's webpage, you will have a significant amount of extraneous material to wade through (for example, tourism information, "the mayor's special announcement" page, etc.). Just keep digging until you find information about "RFPs", "contracts" or "doing business with our government" sections. Sometimes you will have to wade through "agencies" or "departments" pages--these agencies or departments vary greatly. Look for pages such as: "Department of the Chief Financial Officer," "Office of Procurement," "Department of Budget and Management," or "Grants and Contracts Management Office." These areas will often lead you to the Request for Proposals you are seeking. Don't get discouraged, give yourself some time, and KEEP DIGGING!

Tip#2 If the state or local government website you are visiting doesn't have obvious links to funding, try looking for a keyword search box. Type in words like "contracts," or "RFP" or "RFA" and see what search produces.

Tip#3 When you find a web page for a state or local government's RFP announcements BOOKMARK IT! You will want to get in the habit of visiting that site on a regular basis to watch for funding announcements.

Tip#4 Some state, county, and city websites are so sophisticated that you can immediately download the RFP, sign-up online to have an RFP mailed to you, and even subscribe to receive an automatic e-mail whenever the department announces the release of a new RFP being released. Not every state and local government is this sophisticated yet, but many are making progress.

Tip#5 Not finding what you need on a state of local website? Look for a contact person's name (usually a webmaster), phone number, or e-mail address and write it down. E-mail or call them and ask, "Do you publish your agency's RFPs on your website? If so, where can I find them?"

Remember, the Internet is a dynamic communications tool. It is not a one-way media like television. If your state or local government is not posting their RFPs on the Internet, politely complain. Besides, how will the government know you want this service if you do not tell them?