Finance
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I get Government Grants?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

It's possible to get government grants to aid you financially in a project or program if you meet specific criteria. First of all, a government grant isn't likely to be given unless many people will benefit from the project for which you want funding. Although grants may be awarded to for-profit businesses willing to expand their services or provide employee development, most people who get government grants are a part of nonprofit organizations. Finding all of the government grant programs that suit you and then applying for the options you like best is often a successful way of receiving grants.

Some grant seekers think that applying for as many opportunities as they can is the best strategy to get government grants, but this isn't likely to be the case. Government grants that match your eligibility are limited and grant paperwork can be time consuming as well as complex. A government grant that you're well suited for and serves your needs best can be well worth applying for; you may be fortunate enough to find several grants to apply for, but usually not a large number.

Man climbing a rope
Man climbing a rope

If you use search terms such as government grant opportunities on the Internet to try to get government grants, use caution to ensure you're receiving authentic information. Only trust grant information that appears on official government websites. Some scams try to get people to pay money to receive information to get a personal government grant when this type of assistance is not offered. The first thing to look for on government grant websites are categories that apply to you. Education, law, arts and health are just some of the many categories of government grants.

Look at the specific opportunities in each of your chosen grant categories. You'll have to pay close attention to closing dates if you want to get government grants. Meeting the exact eligibility requirements is also crucial. Most American government grant listings will specify that a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is needed.

Government grant opportunity listings usually include how many grants will be awarded. For example, government grants for art programs serving low-income youth may list the entire grant amount at $20,000 US Dollars (USD). It will then have the estimated number of awards, such as 20. In this case, each grant would be $1,000 USD, and you can use the information to determine how much of your program costs the funding will cover.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Man climbing a rope
      Man climbing a rope