There's a lot of talk about grants these days, but do you really know what they're about? Is there any way to obtain personal grants? What about grants given by the government? The experts are weighing in and sharing their tips. You need to be aware of the scams out there, too. Unfortunately, there are always others who want to zero in on the most vulnerable.

 

What Are Personal Grants?

This type of grant is a monetary award that is free. In other words, you don't have to pay it back. Personal grants are given out by the federal government or private organizations for eligible expenses or specific purposes. The grant may have to do with education or a community project, etc. Or a personal grant could help a struggling military family. It's difficult to obtain a personal grant because the competition is stiff, and the requirements can be very specific, etc.

Click on this government database to learn more about applying for a personal grant. It can help you increase your chances of becoming a personal grant recipient.

 

How To Find Federal Government Grants

Another method for securing a grant can come through another government website at Benefits.gov. Here, you will find a number of benefit categories, including disaster relief, financial assistance and grants. Click on the state you reside in, and you will see how many grants are available and for what kinds of organizations.

For example, there are grants for education and research, health, fellowships and scholarships, children and a lot more. These grants are used in the communities of a specific state to add improvements to the towns and/or cities located there.

Looking just at California, there are 53 grants available. One of these is the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Grant. The grant fosters an understanding and knowledge of diverse populations in order to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect.

 

How to Apply as an Individual Applicant

If you're interested only as an individual applicant for a grant, then it is recommended that you create an Individual Applicant profile. This will allow you to apply as a specific person and not on behalf of an organization.

You can start on your profile here.

 

Look For Personal Grants in Your State

Sometimes, your best bet is to look locally or closer to home for opportunities to get a personal grant. Again, the computer is your friend in searching for these key websites online.

For instance, if you reside in the state of New Hampshire, you would find a website called USGrants.org. Under your state, and using NH as an example, it would explain that the US government and New Hampshire's Department of Finance have set aside a certain amount of money. These funds would be distributed to various sectors. Some of these include business, education, housing, veterans and personal grants.

As long as you live in the state you are applying to and have a valid citizenship card (green card) or a permanent resident certificate, you're eligible to apply and receive federal grants from your state.

 

Watch Out for Grant Fraud

Whatever you do in pursuing government grants, you want to be alert when it comes to the scam artists out there. Unfortunately, fraud exists even in this type of government award.

Government grant information and the applications that go with them are always free. Do not send money for these common subjects of interest. Also, the names of agencies and foundations that award grants are available for free. You can look for these at any public library or on the Internet.

There will never be a fee associated with applying for a grant through the government or your state. Also, you will not be contacted by the government to make you pay for a grant.

Don't give out your bank information or Social Security number that you do not know.



Grants are available to people and/or organizations important to you in your community. Follow the guidelines above as these are legitimate websites given to assist you. Good luck.