The PROFILE is an online application that collects information used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to award institutional aid funds.  All federal funds are awarded based on the FAFSA, available after December 1 at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Many colleges require that the CSS/Financial Aid Profile is completed in addition to the FAFSA. Check https://profile.collegeboard.org/profile/ppi/participatingInstitutions.aspx or with your prospective colleges to find out if you should complete it.