Government & Foundation Grants for Social Services
Social-services nonprofits access funding from HHS and its agencies, HUD (housing), USDA (food security), state and local governments, and private foundations. Programs fund human services, housing, food, and community development, and most federal awards require SAM.gov registration.
Where social-services funding comes from
The Department of Health and Human Services is the largest federal grant-maker for human services. HUD funds housing and homelessness programs; USDA funds nutrition. States and localities re-grant much of this, and foundations add mission-aligned philanthropy on top.
Strategy
Diversify across government and foundation sources, document measurable outcomes, and build the financial controls funders expect. Federal grants require SAM.gov registration and 501(c)(3) status; foundations reward mission alignment and community trust.