If you’re applying for federal funding, you’ll almost certainly come across the SF-424 Form, officially known as the “Application for Federal Assistance (Core Form).” Whether you're a nonprofit, university, local government, or tribal organization, understanding this federal grant application form is critical to securing federal awards. Below, we break down this essential document, offering you a complete, SEO-optimized guide with everything you need to know to successfully complete the SF-424 form in 2025 and beyond.
🧾 What Is the SF-424 Form? (Federal Grant Application Explained)
The SF-424 Form is the standard federal form used by organizations applying for federal assistance. Managed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the SF-424 form collects vital applicant, funding, and project information.
OMB Number: 4040-0004
Expiration Date: 11/30/2025
This form is required for nearly all applications for federal grants and cooperative agreements and often serves as the cover sheet for the entire grant application package.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SF-424 FORM NOW
📝 Key Sections of the SF-424 Form 📌
Let’s dive into the critical components of the SF-424 Form that applicants must complete accurately:
🔁 Section 1–3: Submission & Application Type
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Type of Submission: Preapplication, Application, or Changed/Corrected Application
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Type of Application: New, Continuation, or Revision
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Date Received and Applicant Identifier (provided by applicant or system)
🏢 Section 4–8: Applicant Information
This section collects organizational and contact details, including:
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Legal Name
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Employer Identification Number (EIN/TIN)
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Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
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Complete Address (Street, City, State, Country, ZIP)
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Contact Person Information including Telephone and Email
Having accurate contact info ensures smooth communication with the federal agency reviewing your grant.
🏛️ Section 9–13: Federal & Opportunity Identification
Here you’ll enter:
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Type of Applicant (state government, tribal entity, nonprofit, etc.)
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Name of Federal Agency offering the opportunity
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CFDA Number and Title (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance)
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Funding Opportunity Number and Competition Title
These identifiers match your application to the correct funding announcement.
🌍 Section 14–17: Project Details & Location
This covers the title of your project, the areas impacted, and congressional districts involved.
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Include a clear Project Title
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Define affected locations
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Provide Start and End Dates
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Declare whether the application is subject to Executive Order 12372 for intergovernmental review
💰 Section 18: Estimated Federal and Matching Funds
This is a critical budgetary section. You'll input funding sources and expected totals:
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Federal Funds
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Applicant Match
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State/Local Contributions
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Program Income
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Total Project Cost
Be sure to attach supporting budget documents as required by the agency.
🖋️ Section 19–21: Certifications & Authorized Signature
To complete your submission, an Authorized Representative must:
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Certify the truth and accuracy of the form
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Acknowledge applicable assurances and certifications
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Confirm agreement with the terms of any awarded grant
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Sign and date the form
Make sure this person has the legal authority to bind the organization!
📤 Tips for Successfully Submitting the SF-424 Form
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✅ Always double-check your UEI and EIN numbers
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✅ Align your project title and goals with the funding opportunity
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✅ Include all attachments specified by the federal agency
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✅ Use Grant.gov Workspace or your agency’s e-submission platform
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✅ Don’t forget to confirm your status under E.O. 12372
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✅ Submit well before the deadline to allow time for corrections
📌 Why Is the SF-424 Form So Important?
The SF-424 form acts as your formal request to a federal agency for funding. It sets the stage for your project and helps determine if you’re eligible, credible, and in compliance with agency expectations. Without it, your federal grant application won’t even get reviewed.