Identity Numbers
Cover sheets, particularly those supplied by federal and state grantors, request identity numbers. Foundations generally ask only for your 501(c)(3) letter and take the identifying number they need from that document. The identity numbers required by the government include, in some cases, the federal tax ID — as well as a special designation such as the number assigned a school district by the state — or the federal ID of a special-health clinic.
The federal government now requires a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number on its cover sheets. This is a nine-digit number used to identify a business or nonprofit organization. The number provides access to financial information usually found in an organizational audit or other financial records and replaces the need to attach lengthy financial forms to your proposal. To look up your DUNS number go to
Be sure to look up or apply for a DUNS number early in the grantwriting process. While the system does respond quickly to an application or query, on rare occasions it can take up to two weeks to be assigned a number.
If your organization does not have a DUNS number, you can get one for free by calling 1-800-333-0505 or registering online at
