Registration Guide
Before you can submit most federal grants, you need to be registered in SAM.gov. Before you can apply for 501(c)(3) grants, you need your IRS determination letter. This guide walks you through both — step by step.
YourFundingBridge writes your grant application. You are responsible for confirming your eligibility and completing the registrations required by your specific funder.
SAM.gov Registration
The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is the official federal database where organizations register to receive federal grants, contracts, and payments. Most federal grant programs require an active SAM.gov registration before you can apply.
SAM.gov registration is free. Never pay a third party to register on your behalf. Scam companies charge $300–$1,000 to do something that takes 1–2 hours and costs nothing.
Obtain Your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
Before registering in SAM.gov, you need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). This replaced the DUNS number in April 2022. You obtain your UEI during the SAM.gov registration process — it is assigned automatically when you create your SAM.gov account.
You do not need to obtain a UEI separately. It is assigned during SAM.gov registration.
Gather Required Information
Before starting your SAM.gov registration, gather the following: your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), your organization's legal name and address, your NAICS code (North American Industry Classification System), your bank account information for direct deposit (for federal payments), and your organization's fiscal year end date.
Your EIN is issued by the IRS. If you don't have one, apply at irs.gov before starting SAM.gov registration.
Create a Login.gov Account
SAM.gov requires a Login.gov account for authentication. Go to login.gov and create an account using your work email address. You'll need to verify your identity — have a government-issued ID ready. This is a one-time step.
Use your organization's email address, not a personal one. This account will be used to manage your SAM.gov registration.
Register at SAM.gov
Go to sam.gov and click 'Register.' Log in with your Login.gov account. Complete all required fields — this typically takes 1–2 hours. Pay close attention to the Representations and Certifications section, which requires you to certify compliance with various federal regulations.
SAM.gov registration is free. Never pay a third party to register on your behalf — these are scams.
Wait for Activation
After submitting your registration, it typically takes 1–3 business days for activation. You'll receive an email confirmation when your registration is active. Your UEI is assigned immediately upon submission.
SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before your registration expires.
Renew Annually
SAM.gov registration expires every 12 months. You must renew your registration to remain eligible for federal grants and contracts. Renewal takes approximately 30–60 minutes and requires you to review and update your information.
Many organizations lose federal grant eligibility because they forget to renew. Set a recurring annual reminder.
Nonprofit & 501(c)(3) Registration
Most foundation and government grants require your organization to have 501(c)(3) status. Here's the step-by-step process to establish your nonprofit and obtain federal tax-exempt status.
If you need to apply for grants before your IRS determination letter arrives, see our Fiscal Sponsor Program.
Incorporate as a Nonprofit
File Articles of Incorporation with your state's Secretary of State office. This establishes your organization as a legal entity. Filing fees vary by state ($25–$200). You'll need to choose a legal name, identify your incorporators, and state your nonprofit purpose.
Draft Bylaws
Bylaws are your organization's internal operating rules — how decisions are made, how the board is structured, how officers are elected, and how meetings are conducted. Most states require bylaws as part of the IRS application.
Obtain an EIN
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. This is free and takes about 15 minutes online. Your EIN is required for the IRS Form 1023 application and for opening a bank account.
Apply for 501(c)(3) Status
File IRS Form 1023 (or Form 1023-EZ for smaller organizations) to apply for federal tax-exempt status. The application fee is $275 (Form 1023-EZ) or $600 (Form 1023). Processing time is typically 3–6 months.
Register with Your State
Most states require nonprofits to register with the state Attorney General or Secretary of State before soliciting donations. Requirements vary by state — check your state's charitable registration requirements.
Open a Business Bank Account
Open a dedicated bank account for your nonprofit using your EIN. Keep organizational funds completely separate from personal funds. Most banks require your Articles of Incorporation, EIN, and bylaws to open a nonprofit account.
Common Registration Mistakes
These are the most common registration errors that cause grant applications to be rejected or delayed. Avoid them before you submit.
Letting SAM.gov registration expire
Fix: Set a calendar reminder 60 days before your annual renewal date. Expired registration = ineligible for federal grants.
Using a personal email for SAM.gov
Fix: Use your organization's email address. If the person who registered leaves, you need organizational access.
Paying a third party to register in SAM.gov
Fix: SAM.gov registration is completely free. Any company charging you to register is a scam.
Applying for federal grants before SAM.gov activation
Fix: Register at least 2 weeks before any federal grant deadline. Activation takes 1–3 business days, but allow extra time.
Applying for grants before IRS determination letter
Fix: If you need to apply before your 501(c)(3) is approved, use the Fiscal Sponsor Program. See our Sponsor Portal.
Submitting through the wrong portal
Fix: Federal grants go through grants.gov. State grants have their own portals. Foundation grants have their own systems. Always confirm the correct submission portal with the funder.
Submitting Federal Grants Through Grants.gov
Most federal grant applications are submitted through Grants.gov — the central portal for all federal grant opportunities. Before you can submit through Grants.gov, you must have an active SAM.gov registration.
Register at Grants.gov using your SAM.gov credentials
Search for grant opportunities by CFDA number, keyword, or agency
Download the application package — review all instructions carefully
Complete all required forms — SF-424, SF-424A, project narrative, and attachments
Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline to allow time for technical issues
Save your Grants.gov tracking number — you'll need it to check submission status