Program Overview
Describe the grant program, its purpose, funding source, total available funding, and individual award range.
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Free Government Template
Download a free grant application guide template in Word, PDF, or Markdown. Or turn any video into grant application guide template with Docsie AI — auto-fills every required field.
Use this template to application instructions for [grant program].
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Government |
| Owner | [Team or owner] |
| Version | [Version number] |
| Effective Date | [Date] |
| Review Cycle | [Monthly / Quarterly / Annual / Event-based] |
| Status | [Draft / In Review / Approved] |
Describe the grant program, its purpose, funding source, total available funding, and individual award range.
| Item | Details | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]
List who can apply and who cannot. Include organizational type, geographic, and programmatic eligibility requirements.
| Item | Details | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]
Provide a checklist of all required documents and forms. Specify page limits, font requirements, and formatting rules.
| Item | Details | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]
Explain budget categories, allowable and unallowable costs, matching requirements, and indirect cost rates. Include a sample budget table.
| Item | Details | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]
Describe each narrative section the applicant must write, with page limits and what reviewers are looking for.
| Item | Details | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]
Present the scoring criteria in a table with point values, so applicants understand how proposals are evaluated.
| Item | Details | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]
List all key dates from application opening through grant closeout. Use checklists, tables, and numbered items. Include tips and common mistakes to avoid.
| Item | Details | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]
Document review conclusions, approvals, unresolved items, and next review date.
| Role | Name | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparer | [Name] | [Date] | [Notes] |
| Reviewer | [Name] | [Date] | [Notes] |
| Approver | [Name] | [Date] | [Notes] |
Deploy this template when your organization plans to pursue federal, state, or foundation grant funding opportunities.
This template produces a complete applicant instruction package explaining requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission standards.
Applicants frequently lose points by misunderstanding cost rules, narrative scope, and formatting requirements specified in NOFOs.
Template Structure
Use this government template as a starting point, then customize each section to match your internal workflow, evidence, and signoff needs.
Describe the grant program, its purpose, funding source, total available funding, and individual award range.
List who can apply and who cannot. Include organizational type, geographic, and programmatic eligibility requirements.
Provide a checklist of all required documents and forms. Specify page limits, font requirements, and formatting rules.
Explain budget categories, allowable and unallowable costs, matching requirements, and indirect cost rates. Include a sample budget table.
Describe each narrative section the applicant must write, with page limits and what reviewers are looking for.
Present the scoring criteria in a table with point values, so applicants understand how proposals are evaluated.
List all key dates from application opening through grant closeout. Use checklists, tables, and numbered items. Include tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Write a Grant Application Guide in a supportive yet formal government tone. Structure with:
Describe the grant program, its purpose, funding source, total available funding, and individual award range.
List who can apply and who cannot. Include organizational type, geographic, and programmatic eligibility requirements.
Provide a checklist of all required documents and forms. Specify page limits, font requirements, and formatting rules.
Explain budget categories, allowable and unallowable costs, matching requirements, and indirect cost rates. Include a sample budget table.
Describe each narrative section the applicant must write, with page limits and what reviewers are looking for.
Present the scoring criteria in a table with point values, so applicants understand how proposals are evaluated.
List all key dates from application opening through grant closeout.
Use checklists, tables, and numbered items. Include tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) | CFDA: 14.218 | Total Available: $3.8 billion | Award Range: $50,000 – $1,200,000
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides annual grants to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
Eligible Applicants: - Entitlement cities with populations over 50,000 - Urban counties with populations over 200,000 - Non-entitlement communities applying through state CDBG programs
Eligible Activities: - Affordable housing rehabilitation and construction - Public infrastructure improvements in LMI neighborhoods - Economic development and job creation activities - Public services (capped at 15% of grant amount)
Ineligible Uses: Government buildings, political activities, general operating expenses.
| Category | Example | Allowable? |
|---|---|---|
| Personnel | Project manager salary (proportional) | Yes |
| Construction | Sidewalk replacement in LMI census tract | Yes |
| Equipment | Computers for job training center | Yes, if >$5,000 per unit |
| Indirect Costs | 10% de minimis rate or negotiated rate | Yes |
| Food & Beverages | Refreshments for public hearings | No |
| Lobbying | Congressional outreach | No |
Match Requirement: No match required for entitlement grants. State CDBG programs may require match per state policy.
| Criterion | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| National Objective Compliance | 25 | Clear documentation of LMI benefit or slum/blight |
| Need & Impact | 25 | Demonstrated community need supported by data |
| Project Design & Feasibility | 20 | Realistic scope, timeline, and budget |
| Organizational Capacity | 15 | Track record of managing federal funds |
| Leverage & Sustainability | 10 | Additional funding sources and long-term viability |
| Citizen Participation | 5 | Evidence of meaningful community engagement |
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| March 1, 2026 | Application portal opens |
| March 15, 2026 | Pre-application webinar (registration at grants.gov) |
| April 30, 2026 | Applications due by 11:59 PM EST |
| May – June 2026 | HUD review and scoring |
| July 15, 2026 | Award notifications |
| October 1, 2026 | Grant period begins |
| September 30, 2027 | Grant period ends; closeout within 90 days |
Already have a walkthrough or training video covering this process? Skip manual drafting. Upload the video and Docsie AI generates grant application guide template with every required field populated — ready for review, signoff, or export.
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Service delivery for [public service]
Emergency procedures for [jurisdiction/facility]
MOU between [agencies]
Requirements for [procurement]
FOIA/public records for [department]
Impact analysis of [proposed regulation]
Template FAQ
Common questions about downloading and generating a grant application guide template.
Q: What is a grant application guide template?
A: A grant application guide template is a structured document for application instructions for [grant program].
Q: Is the grant application guide template really free?
A: Yes. The grant application guide template is completely free to download in Word (DOCX), PDF, and Markdown formats. No signup or credit card required to download.
Q: How do I turn a video into a grant Application Guide?
A: Upload a process walkthrough, training recording, or screen capture to Docsie. The AI analyzes the video and generates a complete grant Application Guide using this template's structure — every required field auto-filled from the footage.
Q: Can I edit the grant application guide template after downloading?
A: Yes. The DOCX format opens in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. The Markdown format imports into Notion, Confluence, Docsie, or any markdown editor. Customize fields, add your branding, and adapt to your internal workflow.