Since our last update, three federal grant programs from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) – Office of Family Assistance (OFA) opened and closed in just 14 days.
These programs will award about 150 organizations a total of $155 million. This quick turnaround is a good example of how fast grant funding can move.
These grants were open to a wide range of applicants, including small businesses, Native American tribal organizations (both federally recognized and others), state and local governments, schools and colleges, nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status and public
housing authorities.
Here’s a brief look at the three grants:
- READY4Life helps programs that build skills and resilience in young people to keep them on a positive path and away from risky behavior.
- HEART (Helping Every Area of Relationships Thrive – Adults) supports efforts to strengthen adult relationships and promote healthy families.
- FORGE Fatherhood (Family, Opportunity, Resilience, Grit, Engagement) funds programs that encourage responsible parenting and improve fathers’ economic and family stability.
Each grant offers awards between $400,000 and $1.25 million and closes on July 29, 2025.
How much is there total?
Right now, the federal government lists $9.6 billion in active grant funding, with around 400 new grants expected to be announced each month, many offering multiple awards and some not
listing dollar amounts, so the real funding total is higher.
What’s being funded this month?
So far in July, we’re seeing:
- Science & Tech grants leading in volume.
- Transportation grants, mostly for states, making up over half the funding.
- One DOT program, Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP), making up 25% of total funding this month — a single, multi-billion-dollar formula grant focused on reducing commercial vehicle crashes.
This week’s grant to watch
One opportunity to pursue is the Brownfields Job Training Grants
(EPA-I-OLEM-OBLR-25-01).
- Agency: EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Award: Up to $500,000 per grant, total program funding $10–14 million
- Deadline: September 26, 2025
- Expected Award Date: December 2025
This grant funds programs that train local workers to clean up polluted or blighted sites (brownfields), helping them get jobs in environmental cleanup. The focus is on training in hazardous waste, stormwater management and similar fields, with OSHA safety training required.
This is a cooperative agreement. The difference between a grant and a cooperative agreement is simple: with a cooperative agreement, the government doesn’t just fund you, they work alongside you. Expect tight supervision.
To be competitive, applicants must show:
- A solid plan to recruit and train local unemployed or underemployed people.
- Partnerships with employers and community groups for job placement.
- Ability to provide required OSHA HAZWOPER training.
- Clear target area served and no overlap with other federal programs.
Missing any required documents like training plans or partnership agreements will cause disqualification. The window is firm, so move quickly if interested.
Who else is eligible this month?
For State Governments only: Dozens of grants support everything from maternal health and food assistance fraud prevention to protecting endangered species and managing military lands.
Others fund programs for youth at risk, adoptive families and people living with HIV. For everyone else — nearly $400 million available. These grants span public safety, STEM education, environment, health and global diplomacy.
Current opportunities include:
- Running the national domestic violence hotline.
- Coral reef and desert land restoration.
- AI research and disability-inclusive education.
- Programs for minority-serving colleges and STEM learners.
- International projects in digital safety, anti-terrorism and cultural exchange.
NASA, NIH and the State Department are all offering research and program grants that blend science, policy and community engagement.
What this means for you
Whether you’re a nonprofit, school, startup or government, these grants are not abstract. They’re tools waiting to be picked up by those who are prepared. The money is moving. The windows are narrowing on purpose.
Visit grantscore.com for a free roadmap, plus tools and training designed to help you win grants.
