How to read a grant’s eligibility section

Federal listings use a fixed list: state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special districts, school districts, tribal governments, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, higher education and others. Check the list, then check the text under it, which often narrows it.

Some programs fund only certain states, rural areas or places with a designation. The listing says so in eligibility or in the program description.

Look for what rules you out: for-profit organizations, individuals, current grantees of the same program, or applicants without an active SAM.gov, show definition registration.

Your profile match shows the reasons an opportunity fits, and the assistant quotes the eligibility section when you ask whether you can apply.