What is a grant from the United States Government?
A grant from the government is a form of funding awarded to organizations, such as state and local governments, universities, research labs, law enforcement, non-profit organizations, and businesses. The purpose of granting the funds is to fund projects benefiting the population or community. Grants do not have to be repaid, unlike loans.
The government offers specific grant programs for students attending college or career school, and certain scenarios may require that a portion or all of the grant funds be repaid. For example, if you withdraw from school before finishing an enrollment period such as a semester or receive a TEACH Grant and do not complete your service obligation. Furthermore, the government does not offer “free money” for individuals to start a business or cover personal expenses.
For personal financial assistance, the government offers federal benefit programs to help individuals and families in need become self-sufficient or lower their expenses. To search for government grants, visit the free official website, Grants.gov.
What are the four types of grants?
The four types of grants typically available from the U.S. government are Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants.
Federal Pell Grants are typically awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and are not eligible for other forms of student aid.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial needs and are administered through participating schools.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants are for students whose parent or guardian died due to their military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11 and are ineligible for a Federal Pell Grant based on their Expected Family Contribution.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants are awarded to students who are completing or plan to complete course work needed to begin a career in teaching and agree to teach at a school that serves students from low-income families.
Grant Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for government grants and loans for starting or growing a business vary depending on the program. Generally, eligibility for grants is limited to organizations, not individuals. To apply, you may need to register on Grants.gov and complete an application, which should include a successful grant proposal. You may also need to provide a benefit-cost analysis. You can sign up to receive email notifications of new grant opportunities.
For need-based grants, eligibility is usually determined based on your family's economic situation. Additionally, you may need to maintain a certain GPA or meet other criteria to qualify for a merit-based grant. For federal student loans, you will need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to be eligible. Finally, you should read the individual pages for each grant program to learn about additional eligibility and application requirements.
The eligibility requirements for government grants and loans for starting or growing a business vary depending on the specific program. Generally speaking, applicants must be organizations, not individuals. When applying for a grant, it is important to read through the eligibility requirements and application process, as each program may have different requirements and a different application process. Additionally, some grants may require a cost share with the applicant or recipient, so evaluating if you can afford it is important.
To apply for government grants and loans, it is recommended to use the free, official website, Grants.gov. Registering and signing up for email notifications for new grant opportunities is important. Most funding opportunities are for organizations, not individuals, and applicants must provide evidence of their financial situation. Additionally, applicants may be required to submit a benefit-cost analysis and a successful grant proposal.
How to find and apply for government grants and loans?
Step 1: Research grants and loans available
Research grants that are available from the U.S. Department of Education. Grants can come from the federal government, state government, college or career school, or a private or nonprofit organization. Do your research and make sure to meet application deadlines.
Step 2: Choose a grant or loan type
Find a grant that meets your need or supports your project. Read through the eligibility requirements and application process. If the grant has a cost share with the applicant or recipient, evaluate if you can afford it.
Step 3: Gather the necessary documents and information
Read through the eligibility requirements and application process for grants that meet your need or support your project. Evaluate if you can afford any cost share associated with the grant.
Step 4: Apply
Submit the application and any associated documents by the due date to the appropriate grantor. Make sure to use the Grants Gateway to apply correctly.
Step 5: Monitor the status of the application
Track My Application: After submissions, track your application to see the status of your grant. You can use the Grants.gov mobile app to check your status.
If you have already applied, contact the relevant agency or the Grants.gov Contact Center to check on the status of your application.
Step 6: Get advice from a financial advisor
A financial advisor can help you find and apply for government grants and loans by following a few steps.
Step 7: Understand eligibility requirements
To qualify for government grants and loans, you must first submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Depending on the grant or loan program type, you may need to meet certain criteria, including financial need, applicant type (state or non-state, applicant or sub-applicant), applicant history, benefit-cost analysis, and more. Additionally, some grants may require prequalification through the Grants Gateway. After you have submitted a FAFSA, your college or career school will let you know how much you may receive and when. Finally, read through each grant's eligibility requirements and application process before applying.
Step 8: Apply wisely with knowledge of COVID-19 relief programs
Applying for a COVID-19 relief program can help individuals and organizations find and apply for government grants and loans. With the federal government's free official website, GovLoans.gov, individuals and organizations can access loans for agriculture, business, disaster relief, education, housing, and veterans. Additionally, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued OMB Memorandum M-20-17, granting Federal awarding agencies additional flexibilities to provide administrative relief to funding recipients affected by the loss of operational capacity and increased costs due to the COVID-19 national emergency.
This includes exceptions to 2 CFR Part 200, which are time-limited, for the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). These resources provide individuals and organizations with information on how to apply for grants, including the eligibility requirements and application process, as well as what to do before, during, and after an award has been given.
Step 9: Optimize your application in terms of format, content, and placement
Optimizing your application in terms of format, content, and placement can help you to find and apply for government grants and loans by allowing you to quickly and accurately assess whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements of a particular grant. Furthermore, by understanding the requirements of a particular grant, you can easily determine which grants are the most suitable for you and ensure that your application is formatted correctly to meet the application requirements.
Additionally, having a well-structured application with the correct content and placement can ensure that your application is noticed and reviewed quickly. This can increase your chances of being awarded the grant or loan and ensure that the process is as efficient as possible from start to finish.
Step 10: Follow best practices when completing your application
Find a grant that meets your need or supports your project. Read through the eligibility requirements and application process.
Evaluate if you can afford any cost share associated with the grant or loan.
Determine your applicant type (ex., state or non-state, applicant or sub-applicant).
Complete a benefit-cost analysis if needed.
Use the Grants.gov Mobile App to search and submit.
Submit your grant application and associated documents (e.g., reference letters) to Grants.gov by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization on the specified due date.
Create and submit grant applications using the Grants Gateway.
Review Applicant Eligibility, Applicant Registration, Applicant Training, Applicant FAQs, Adobe Software Compatibility, and Submitting UTF-8 Special Characters to ensure you have all the information you need.
Contact the grantor with any questions before submitting your application.
If you need help with loans, grants, and other financial aid, contact Lendtek today, and we will help you.