Apply for Free Government Grant

If you are wondering how to apply for free government grants, take heart. While the process may seem overwhelming, there are many resources to help you. Remember, however, that the process can be slow. While the competition is fierce, nonprofits, businesses and individuals receive government grant funding all the time.

Types of Grants

The U.S. government has a large number of funding opportunities, all managed through the various agencies, such as the Department of Health and Human Services or the Environmental Protection Agency. These cover a wide range of areas, from the defense to the arts. Wading through the different government departments can be confusing and time consuming. There are other, easier ways to search.

One of the largest and most reliable databases is the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). This government catalog contains funding opportunities for:

• State and local governments
• Businesses
• Nonprofit organizations
• Special groups
• Individuals

It lists all the federal grants in one location on one database. You may search by type, keyword or, if known, the program number. After finding an opportunity, the applicant then goes to the federal agency for instructions on applying.

The Federal Register is the official publication for Federal governmental agencies and departments. Published daily, the Federal Register lists new grant opportunities as announced. Simply use the search engine to display a list of recent announcements.

In addition to the previous sources, Grants.gov is a valuable resource for locating nonprofit funding opportunities. Besides finding opportunities there, nonprofits may register and then apply and track applications on the website.

Students can find governmental education aid at Student Aid on the Web, a website of the Department of Education. Not only does this website have information about student loans, it also lists grant possibilities.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, works in conjunction with Student Aid on the Web as the place to apply for financial assistance. Here students can apply online and track the status of their application. There are also tips and information on filing a successful application.

Some of the hardest government grants to find are for businesses. While you can apply for a small business loan through the Small Business Administration, these are loans and must be repaid. One source, however, is through the economic stimulus package or American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Find a list of these by going to the Opportunities page at the Recovery.gov website, then clicking on "Find Recovery Act Opportunities."

GovBenefits.gov lists over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs for individuals. While not technically grants, these benefits follow a very similar process and require no repayment. Types of programs include:

• Career development
• Education/training
• Child care/child support
• Counsel/counseling
• Disaster relief
• Disability assistance
• Healthcare
• Energy assistance
• Food/nutrition
• Housing
• Tax assistance

The U.S. government is not the only place you can apply for free government grants. State and local governments also offer funding to nonprofits, businesses and individuals. Visit your state or community website to find opportunities.

After you find a grant, it's time to complete the application. Work hard, as this may make the difference between being funded or rejected.

• Research previous funded proposals. This will give you an idea of the type of awardees the selectors prefer.
• Read and follow the instructions carefully. Contact the funding authority if you have questions.
• Provide all information requested in the application. Many applications are rejected because they are incomplete.
• Meet all deadlines. Failure to meet an application deadline will result in a rejection.
• Write clearly and with good grammar. Proof your work several times to make sure it is well written.

If you are new to grant writing, there are several possibilities to help you hone your skills. Both the CFDA and Grant.gov websites offer information on how to complete an application. Read these thoroughly for valuable instructions and tips.

Community colleges or local nonprofit associations may offer grant writing classes. Courses are also available online, although these can be expensive. Other grant writers are often willing to share their tips and recommendations. It's a good idea to network as much as possible.

Applying for a government grant need not be an overwhelming task. With a little research and hard work, you can have a successful application.

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