Grants.gov Overview
Step #1 - Download and install the PureEdge Viewer software:
. The PureEdge Viewer will allow you to access, complete and submit all
grant application packages electronically and securely through Grants.gov.
. PureEdge Viewer was written for Microsoft Windows and has limited capabilities
for Macintosh, UNIX, and Linux users. Grants.gov has created multiple options to
allow Mac OS 10 users to complete their application packages. The information regarding
these options is available at: http://www.grants.gov/resources/download_software.jsp
Step #2 - Identify Grant Opportunities:
. Most funding opportunities are found in the "Find Grant Opportunities"
section of the Grants.gov.
. Once a funding opportunity has been located, write down the Funding Opportunity
number or the CFDA number, as either of these numbers, will need to be entered manually
when the application package is ready to be downloaded.
Step #3 - Download the Application Package and Instructions:
. Each application package and their accompanying instructions are linked
to a specific funding opportunity announcement or FOA. Once a funding opportunity
has been chosen, enter the Funding Opportunity number or CFDA number, and download
the application package and instructions.
. Save the application package, as well as the instructions to your hard
drive, as the grant application will be completed on your own computer and not using
the Grants.gov Web site.
Step #4 - Complete the Application Package:
. Complete all mandatory fields in yellow or have an asterisk, or the application
will not be validated. Answer with zero or N/A if a mandatory question doesn't apply.
. Open and complete all of the forms that are listed in the Mandatory Documents
box. Complete the SF424 or SF424(R&R) first, as it pre-populates some of the
other forms within the application package.
. Move all completed forms to the Mandatory Completed Documents for Submission
box. Additionally, move all of the completed Optional Documents from the Optional
Documents box to the Optional Completed Documents for Submission box.
. Click the "Check Package for Errors" button at the top of the screen.
If errors are returned, make the necessary adjustments and/or edits. Since all errors
are not listed at once, continue checking for errors by re-clicking the Check Package
for Errors button until no more errors are listed.
. Click the Save button, to save the final copy of the application package.
A dialog box will appear asking how you would like save the PureEdge file. As a
suggestion, name the PureEdge file using the PI's last name.
. If the application package needs revising, simply open the appropriate
file, make the necessary revisions, click the Check Package for Errors button, and
do so until no more errors are listed, and then click the Save button.