Most of us have seen or heard at some point that ANYONE can get a government grant. They usually add that it is free money - we never have to pay it back. Those statements might be partially true. Probably almost anyone can get a government grant - IF - you qualify. However, the qualifying part isn't really as easy as they'd like you to believe. Not only that, but the grant money may need to be repaid. Sometimes you will need to put up matching funds to prove that you aren't going to squander it.
That being said, if you have a legitimate reason for the grant, and you can write a decent proposal to request it, you may have a shot. Grants are awarded for a wide variety of purposes. You might be surprised at what grant money is available. You will probably have to wade through a fair amount of red tape; after all you are looking for a "government" grant.
There are all sorts of programs out there claiming to guarantee you a government grant. Those are probably the first to avoid. However, there are sources to help you narrow your search. There are so many sources for government grants, from the local government to federal to international, that you may have a better chance if you can find some real help. You may have to pay for that legitimate help, which makes it harder to separate it from the junk out there. But anyone that guarantees you will get one is probably a sham.
- One place you may wish to start is Grants.gov . This website was set up by the government in 2002 to help clarify the grant process.
- You may find that a school or career counselor may have information about government grants. If they're helping people find a career, they will usually try to find information that may help someone start on their chosen path.
- There are also a couple of books that can help you find the grant you need. Oryx's Directory of Research Grants and The Catalog of Federal Education Grants are only two examples. Be aware that often these books are published annually. Using one that is a year or two old may not provide you information on current grants being offered.
- There is even a phone number you can call to find out about available grants. Grant Info Systems, (800) 592-0362 can connect you to someone who can help you find a grant.
- Most grants will ask for a proposal to explain why you need the grant money and what exactly you plan to do with it. If you aren't good at this sort of thing, you might want to consider hiring a professional. They may be worth far more than their cost if they become the difference between success and failure.
Grants are out there. Maybe not to the extent that they have been hyped. But with diligence and hard work, you might find that extra financial help to get you started on that new path.
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