How to Read a Federal Funding Notice

Federal Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) can run 50 pages or more. Knowing where to look first saves hours and helps you decide quickly whether an opportunity is worth pursuing.

What Is a NOFO?

A NOFO (sometimes called an FOA or RFA) is the official document a federal agency publishes when it makes grant funding available. It contains everything you need to determine eligibility, understand what the agency is looking for, and prepare your application.

Start with the Executive Summary

Most NOFOs begin with a summary section that includes the funding amount, expected number of awards, project period, and key dates. Read this first to confirm the opportunity aligns with your organization's scale and timeline.

Check Eligibility Before Anything Else

The eligibility section tells you which types of organizations can apply. Look for specific requirements such as nonprofit status, geographic restrictions, FQHC designation, or past grant history. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, there is no point reading further.

Understand the Review Criteria

Federal grants use a structured review process. The NOFO will list the evaluation criteria and their point values. Focus your application narrative on the highest-weighted criteria. Common categories include need, response, evaluative measures, and organizational capacity.

Note the Application Components

NOFOs specify required forms, attachments, and narrative sections. Make a checklist early. Missing a single required document can disqualify your application regardless of quality.

Pay Attention to Deadlines and Submission Details

Federal deadlines are strict. Note whether the deadline is for Grants.gov submission, the agency's own portal, or both. Many programs require registration steps (like SAM.gov) that take days or weeks to complete.

Look for Technical Assistance

Many agencies offer pre-application webinars, FAQ documents, or points of contact. These are invaluable for clarifying ambiguous requirements and understanding what reviewers are looking for.