Choosing the right free government grants for your situation can be tricky. There are dozens of different types of grants to choose from, many of which only accept a limited number of recipients each year. To find and get the grant you need, it's important to do your homework and make sure you find one that matches your situation as closely as possible.
There are free government grants set aside every year for students who are hoping to attend college. These are primarily based on income and can be obtained by filling out a tuition assistance form on the government website or by visiting the school you wish to attend. Speak with a school official about applying for one of these grants.
Other free government grants are available for a variety of purposes. Small business grants are one example. These are set aside to help certain individuals get started with a small business idea or self employment. nerally these are available to people who aren't aren’t eligible for a business loan, although others may also be considered. There may also be subcategories of this, including small business grants available for mothers or veterans.
Free government grants can also be obtained for things like buying a new home, staring a non profit organization or making repairs to an existing home. Most of these grants are available regardless of income, although some have specific requirements. For this reason, only apply for grants you are eligible for and avoid wasting time on the others.
You can find listings of free government grants online or in books. Requirements for each grant will generally be listed along with the name of the grant. Find one or more that fit your current situation, and then follow instructions to apply. The more accurately you follow the instructions, the more likely you are to be accepted. Failure to fill out forms accurately and by deadline can result in additional paperwork or having to wait for the next submission timeframe.
To ensure that you have the best possible chance at securing a free government grant, you may consider hiring a professional grant writer to handle the proposal. A grant proposal is essentially a letter written to the government agency in a specific format telling them why you should receive the grant money. Grant writers are trained in the correct formatting, as well as in writing a compelling letter that may help sway officials in your favor. Fees for this service vary, but costs will be well worth it if your grant is obtained.
Generally, it is required that you spend government grant money for the purpose it was intended for. This should go without saying, but you may be tempted to spend the money on other things. If you are caught doing so, you may be required to pay back the amount in full. That said, it is sometimes acceptable to use any funds that are left over for other purposes. Talk to a government official or advisor if you are unsure.