Notice of Funding Opportunity Application Guide

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Application Guide provides detailed instructions for preparing and submitting your SAMHSA grant application. This guide is referenced throughout all NOFOs. Sections referenced in the NOFO will include a hyperlink that will take you directly to that information.

The Application Guide helps applicants to understand key parts of the application process, including the registration requirements, how to complete the required attachments, and prepare your budget. In addition, there is valuable information about federal policies and regulations you must follow.

If you have any questions about this information, contact the SAMHSA staff identified in Step 1 of the NOFO.

Section A: Registration and Application Submission (PDF | 576 KB)

1. Getting Started: Register on Three Required Systems
   • 1.1 Register Your Organization with SAM
   • 1.2 Register on Grants.gov
   • 1.3 Register on eRA Commons
2. Complete Your Application
   • 2.1 Paper Copies of Application Materials
   • 2.2 Standard Application Components
   • 2.3 Additional Documents for Submission
3. Submit Your Application
   • 3.1 How to Submit Electronically
   • 3.2 How to Request a Waiver to Submit a Paper Application
   • 3.3 Deadline
   • 3.4 How to Get Assistance If You Have Trouble Submitting
4. After Submitting Your Application
   • 4.1 System Validation and Tracking
   • 4.2 System or Technical Issues

Section B: Formatting Requirements and System Validation for SAMHSA Grant Applications (PDF | 576 KB)

1. SAMHSA Formatting Requirements
2. Grants.gov Formatting and Validation Requirements
3. eRA Commons Assist Formatting and Validation Requirements

Section C: Confidentiality, Participant Safety, and Protection of Human Subjects/Services Grants (Attachment 6) (PDF | 576 KB)

1. Required Elements for All Applicants for Grants Providing Services
2. Protection of Human Subjects Regulations

Section D: Confidentiality and Participant Protection/Training Grants (Attachment 6) (PDF | 576 KB)

1. Required Elements for All Training/Technical Assistance Applicants
2. Additional Instructions for Consent Forms

Section E: Confidentiality and Participant Protection/Capacity Building Grants (Attachment 6) (PDF | 576 KB)

1. Required Elements for Capacity Building Applicants

Section F: Budget and Justification Narrative (PDF | 576 KB)

1. SAMHSA Budget Template

Section G: Standards for Financial Management and Standard Funding Restrictions and Principles (PDF | 576 KB)

1. Standards for Financial Management
2. Standard Funding Restrictions
3. Standard Principles for Funding Discretionary Awards

Section H: Administrative and National Policy Requirements (PDF | 576 KB)

Section I: SAMHSA Expectations (PDF | 576 KB)

Section J: Intergovernmental Review Requirements (PDF | 576 KB)

Application Guide Archive

• FY 2025 Application Guide (PDF | 424 KB)
• FY 2024 Application Guide (PDF | 535 KB)