The best starting place is the telephone. The more people you can talk live, the better of you'll be in getting what you need.

In your initial conversation it is not necessary getting into a lot of detail about what you want. Just let them know that you have a serious interest in doing what that office is trying to accomplish.

At this point don't give too many details about what exactly you are doing. Many times the people in a government office will pre-qualify you on the telephone because they believe that they will be saving you, and themselves, time. This is bad idea because you want all the official documentation you can possibly get so that you can sit at home, in your leisure, and see how your project can be included within their objectives. As Matthew Lesko mentioned on TV, most government officials aren't  aware of everything their own office can offer. This is why Matthew Lesko recommend that you get the material, read it closely, and then call back the office and tell them the program you are interested in applying for. Also, let them know that from the material you received you believe you are eligible.