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Free Government Template

Free Grant Application Guide

Application instructions for [grant program]

Program Overview Eligibility Criteria Application Components Budget Guidance Narrative Requirements Evaluation Rubric Timeline

Grant Application Guide

Use this template to application instructions for [grant program].

Template Metadata

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]

Program Overview

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]

Notes

[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]

Eligibility Criteria

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]

Notes

[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]

Application Components

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]

Notes

[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]

Budget Guidance

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]

Notes

[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]

Narrative Requirements

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]

Notes

[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]

Evaluation Rubric

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]

Notes

[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]

Timeline

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]

Notes

[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]

Review and Signoff

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]

Template Structure

What the Grant Application Guide Includes

Use this government template as a starting point, then customize each section to match your internal workflow, evidence, and signoff needs.

1

Program Overview

Describe the grant program, its purpose, funding source, total available funding, and individual award range.

2

Eligibility Criteria

List who can apply and who cannot. Include organizational type, geographic, and programmatic eligibility requirements.

3

Application Components

Provide a checklist of all required documents and forms. Specify page limits, font requirements, and formatting rules.

4

Budget Guidance

Explain budget categories, allowable and unallowable costs, matching requirements, and indirect cost rates. Include a sample budget table.

5

Narrative Requirements

Describe each narrative section the applicant must write, with page limits and what reviewers are looking for.

6

Evaluation Rubric

Present the scoring criteria in a table with point values, so applicants understand how proposals are evaluated.

7

Timeline

List all key dates from application opening through grant closeout. Use checklists, tables, and numbered items. Include tips and common mistakes to avoid.

Recommended Structure

Write a Grant Application Guide in a supportive yet formal government tone. Structure with:

Program Overview

Describe the grant program, its purpose, funding source, total available funding, and individual award range.

Eligibility Criteria

List who can apply and who cannot. Include organizational type, geographic, and programmatic eligibility requirements.

Application Components

Provide a checklist of all required documents and forms. Specify page limits, font requirements, and formatting rules.

Budget Guidance

Explain budget categories, allowable and unallowable costs, matching requirements, and indirect cost rates. Include a sample budget table.

Narrative Requirements

Describe each narrative section the applicant must write, with page limits and what reviewers are looking for.

Evaluation Rubric

Present the scoring criteria in a table with point values, so applicants understand how proposals are evaluated.

Timeline

List all key dates from application opening through grant closeout.

Use checklists, tables, and numbered items. Include tips and common mistakes to avoid.

Example Filled Template

Community Development Block Grant — Application Guide FY2026

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

Program Overview

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.

Eligibility Criteria

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.

Application Components

  • [ ] SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance
  • [ ] SF-424A Budget Information (Non-Construction) or SF-424C (Construction)
  • [ ] Narrative Statement (maximum 25 pages, 12pt Times New Roman, 1" margins)
  • [ ] Consolidated Plan Certification
  • [ ] Citizen Participation Plan and documentation of public hearings
  • [ ] Environmental Review Record (24 CFR Part 58)
  • [ ] Fair Housing Certification

Budget Guidance

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.

Evaluation Rubric

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

Timeline

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
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Template FAQ

Grant Application Guide FAQ

Common questions about using and generating a grant Application Guide.

Using This Template

Q: What is a grant Application Guide?

A: A grant Application Guide is a structured document for application instructions for [grant program].

Q: Can I download this grant Application Guide as Word or PDF?

A: Yes. This page includes free downloads in DOCX, PDF, and Markdown formats so you can edit, share, or import the template into your documentation system.

Q: Can Docsie generate this from a video?

A: Yes. Upload a process walkthrough, training recording, or screen capture to Docsie, then use this template structure to generate a first draft automatically.