HOW TO WIN FREE GRANT MONEY

There are millions of dollars available in free grants from the government, private organizations, corporation, public colleges and universities. Grants are available for minorities, women, religious organizations and faith based grants, education, college students, math, science, research, medicine, health care, seniors, social services, law, arts and media, housing and real estate. Most grants are given to non-profit organizations, state and local governments that distribute the money to community needs based programs. Educational grants are given to college students that demonstrate a financial need. Federal Pell Grants are grants for undergraduate students. All grants are free and do not have to be paid back like loans.

Federal Government Grants

With 26 federal grant agencies and over 1,000 government grant programs in existence today, there are many opportunities for grantees to obtain free grant money from the federal government. Federal grants are categorized by subject matter. There are approximately 21 different categories of grant programs including aagriculture, arts, health, housing, business, commerce, humanities, community development, information and statistics, consumer protection and environment, law, justice, legal services, disaster prevention relief assistance, natural resources, education, regional development, employment, training, science and technology, energy, social services, income security, environmental, transportation and food and nutrition. Grantees are expected to fulfill certain obligations that the government sets forth in the grant and are subject to audits after receiving the funds and reporting requirements. The grants.gov website is where you can register and apply for grants while you can also find grant opportunities advertised on the Internet and other non-profit and philanthropic websites.

State and Local Government Community Based Grants

State and local municipal governments provide grants to organizations so that they can help fulfill needs in the community in the areas of arts, culture, philanthropy, education, health, safety, education, food shelter, clothing, activities for youth, employment opportunities and job training. There are government grants for business start-ups and housing developments available as well. You should check with your local and state government websites to find out what grants you qualify for in your area.

Faith Based Grants

Faith based organizations are increasing their funding sources with grants as their income contributions have declined from their congregations and individuals the past few years. They give faith based organizations the opportunity to obtain needed funded for their community outreach programs. You should be aware that government grants cannot be used for religious programs or education, but can be used for programs that benefit the entire community such as food banks, clothing, and shelter programs. Monies from non-profit sand private organizations have a broader use. Always read the funder’s guidelines carefully to make sure you qualify for grants you are applying for, especially pay attention to the excluded programs and organizations so that you are not wasting your time applying for a grant that you won’t be able to obtain.

Local Colleges and Universities

Local colleges and universities have funds available for research and educational expenses. If you are affiliated with a particular institution of higher learning, you may want to check to see what types of programs they have available. Also, college students should check with their student financial aid office to see what grants are available to help them pay for tuition, books and living expenses. There are many different kinds of minority grants, grants for women and other types of educational grants available based upon your financial needs and whether you are an undergraduate or in a master’s or PhD program.

Get Grant Awards

Many organizations are looking for funds. In order to compete and obtain awards, you should focus your programs in areas that benefit an entire community such as educational programs, youth programs, senior programs, job training, technology, literacy programs, family programs and health care programs. You will have a better chance of getting funds. It is also important to apply to multiple funders so that you are not putting all your eggs in one basket.

Obtaining free funds through grants are terrific ways to be able to implement programs and policies that help others through community outreach programs, help you and your family find funds to pay for your college education, assist displaced workers with job training to re-enter the workforce or start a small business. It may take you a little time to research grant opportunities, but you should consider the time as well spent because the rewards are great.