SAM Registration for Non-Profits: Securing Federal Grants
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When people hear "SAM," they usually think of defense contractors or construction companies. However, SAM registration is equally vital for the non-profit sector. Whether you are a university, a charity, or a research organization, you cannot apply for or receive federal grants without an active registration.
For non-profits, the path to funding flows through Grants.gov, but the gatekeeper is SAM. Here is why your organization needs to prioritize this registration.
Contracts vs. Assistance In the SAM portal, you will be asked to choose your "Purpose of Registration."
All Awards: This allows you to bid on contracts and apply for grants (federal assistance).
Federal Assistance Awards Only: This limits you to grants and cooperative agreements. Most non-profits choose the latter, but we often recommend selecting "All Awards" to keep your options open for government service contracts in the future.
The Grants.gov Connection Grants.gov is the clearinghouse for federal grant opportunities. However, you cannot simply create an account there and apply. You must first complete your SAM registration and receive your UEI. Once SAM is active, your information automatically feeds into Grants.gov, allowing you to submit proposals. If your SAM expires in the middle of a grant review process, the agency may be legally unable to award you the funds.
Specific Challenges for Non-Profits Non-profits face unique challenges during registration:
Physical Address: Many small non-profits operate out of a board member's home or a PO Box. SAM requires a physical street address for validation.
Executive Compensation: Transparency rules often require non-profits to disclose the salaries of their top five executives if they receive a significant portion of their revenue from federal sources.
Board Structure: Validating the "Government Business Point of Contact" can be tricky if board members rotate frequently. It is essential to use a dedicated organizational email address rather than a personal one to maintain continuity.
Maintaining Eligibility Grant cycles are rigid. If a grant deadline is October 1st, and your SAM registration is pending validation on September 30th, you will miss the window. There are no extensions for technical difficulties with SAM.
Conclusion For non-profits, federal grants are a lifeline. SAM registration is the anchor that secures that lifeline. Because non-profit staff are often stretched thin, handling complex government compliance can be a burden.
Federal Contracting Center works with non-profits across the country to manage their registrations. We handle the compliance so you can focus on your mission.