Before you can apply for a single federal grant, your organization must be registered in two systems: SAM.gov (the System for Award Management) and Grants.gov. This is where most first-time applicants lose weeks — so start here, today, even before you’ve picked an opportunity.
Why you must register first
Federal agencies will not accept an application from an entity that isn’t registered and active in SAM.gov. SAM.gov verifies that your organization is real, eligible and not barred from federal funding. Grants.gov is the portal you actually submit through. Neither costs anything, but together they can take two to four weeks — longer if there are errors with your information.
Step 1: Get your Unique Entity ID (UEI)
The Unique Entity ID replaced the old DUNS number in April 2022. It is a 12-character ID assigned at SAM.gov, free of charge. You request it as part of starting your SAM.gov registration — you no longer get it from a third party. You’ll need your organization’s legal name and physical address exactly as they appear on official documents (they must match for validation).
Step 2: Complete SAM.gov entity registration
With your UEI underway, complete the full entity registration at SAM.gov. You’ll provide your legal business name, address, banking information for electronic payment, and your taxpayer information. SAM.gov validates your entity against IRS and other records, which is where delays happen if anything doesn’t match. Once approved, your registration is active for one year and must be renewed annually.
Step 3: Register on Grants.gov
Create a Grants.gov account and connect it to your organization using your UEI. Your organization’s E-Biz Point of Contact (EBiz POC) — designated in SAM.gov — approves user roles, including the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR), the person allowed to submit applications on your organization’s behalf. Make sure the right people have the right roles well before your deadline.
How long does registration take?
Allow two to four weeks end to end. The UEI itself can be quick, but full SAM.gov validation and Grants.gov role approval take time, especially if your address or tax records need correcting. Never assume you can register and apply in the same week.
Keeping your registration active
SAM.gov registration expires every 12 months. An expired registration will block you from submitting — and renewal isn’t instant. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before expiration. If you already have a UEI and an active SAM.gov record, you can skip ahead and start browsing open opportunities right away.
Federal grants open right now
Live from Grantoria — updated daily from Grants.gov & SAM.gov.
Frequently asked questions
Is SAM.gov registration free?
Yes. Getting a UEI, registering in SAM.gov and registering in Grants.gov are all free. You never need to pay a third party for access to these government systems.
What replaced the DUNS number?
The Unique Entity ID (UEI), assigned directly in SAM.gov, replaced the DUNS number in April 2022. You no longer need a separate DUNS registration.
How often do I need to renew?
SAM.gov entity registration must be renewed every 12 months. If it lapses, you cannot submit federal applications until it is active again.
What is an AOR?
The Authorized Organization Representative is the person permitted to submit applications through Grants.gov on your organization’s behalf. Roles are approved by your EBiz Point of Contact.