The CFDA number is the catalog ID for a federal program — your starting point for researching any funding opportunity.
What the number identifies
Every federal assistance program has a unique number in the format XX.XXX (for example, 93.243). The first digits identify the funding agency; the rest identify the specific program. It’s a permanent ID even as individual opportunities open and close.
CFDA vs Assistance Listings
The “Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance” was renamed “Assistance Listings” and moved to SAM.gov. The numbers are the same and people still call them CFDA numbers, so you’ll see both terms used interchangeably.
What an Assistance Listing tells you
The listing describes the program’s purpose, eligible applicants, typical award amounts, matching requirements, and its funding history. Reading it tells you whether a program fits — before you dig into a specific NOFO.
How to use it in your research
Find the CFDA number on any opportunity, then read the full listing to understand intent and eligibility, and check the funding history to see if the program recurs annually. Browse the program catalog on Grantoria to explore listings by agency and topic.
From listing to application
The Assistance Listing is the program; the NOFO is the specific call to apply. Use the listing to qualify the program, then follow the NOFO to apply.
Federal grants open right now
Live from Grantoria — updated daily from Grants.gov & SAM.gov.
Frequently asked questions
What does a CFDA number look like?
It uses the format XX.XXX, such as 93.243. The first two digits identify the federal agency; the remaining digits identify the specific program.
Is the CFDA still used?
Yes. The catalog was renamed “Assistance Listings” and moved to SAM.gov, but the program numbers are unchanged and are still commonly called CFDA numbers.