Steps to Apply for Free Government Grants

A grant, according to the Cambridge English dictionary, is a fund given by the government, a university, or a private organization to another organization or person for a special purpose. It helps fund research projects, innovation, and several other programs enumerated in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). It is usually the federal government thatgives grants to state and local governments, researchers, universities, law organizations, and foundationsworking on specific projects for the benefit of a particular segment of the society or of the community as a whole. It is important here to remember that the federal government does not fund individuals for any business purpose.

How to Apply For Free Government Grants

In order to get the grant, it is critical to know the procedure of how to apply for free government grants. In order to do so, the best way is to browse through the federal government’s official website to get authentic information. Once you have scanned through the procedure of how to apply for free government grants, the next step is to download the application form/s. The website showcases details of at least 1,000 government grants that can be applied for provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility

Whilst you are applying for free government grants, it is important to ensure that you are eligible for applying and receiving the federal grant. The first thing to do here to specify whether you are applying as an individual or as an organization. If the basics are not clear, you can end up wasting a lot of time without getting anything in return. Thus, in this case, it is best to focus in on a handful of specific grants. 

There are many types of free government grants available for individuals as well as organizations. Below listed are the categories that can apply for free grants.

Government Organizations

• State governments
• City or township governments
• County governments
• Special district governments
• Native American tribal (federally recognized)governments
• Native American tribal governments (other than federally recognized)

Education Organizations

• Independent school districts
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education

Public Housing Organizations

• Public housing authorities
• Indian housing authorities

Nonprofit Organizations

• Nonprofits holding 501(c)(3) status
• Nonprofits without a 501(c) (3)status

For-Profit Organizations

• Groups other than small businesses

Small Businesses

In order to be able to get the small business grant, companies have to meet the size standards set by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Individuals

As an individual applicant, one cannot apply on behalf of an organization and is eligible for free grants that are open to individuals.

Popular amongst the public, free government grants do not have to be paid back. There are set guidelines of how the federal grant can be sued, and one has to make sure to adhere to the same. Therefore, it is necessary to read through the terms and conditions of the grants before applying for the same.

Foreign Applicants

It is the agency policies along with the authorizing legislation that decides whether a foreign organization or an individual is a right candidate for the grant or not. In order to get the grant, it is important for foreign applicants to duly complete the registration process.

Subjectto theprojected usage of the grant, it is also important to file a U.S. tax return. This process requires a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)and has to be done by the US residents applying for the grant. However, if a foreigner has been funded with the grant, then tax filing is not necessary as it does not become a part of the U.S. source income. Examples of such funding include fellowship grants, scholarships, achievement awardsand targeted grants.

Notifications

When applying for free government grants, it is best to turn on the email notifications to get complete knowledge of the updates. You can also check the federal register to learn about the new federal grants.