What Type of Grants Are There?
Grants can help fund higher education, small businesses start-ups and a variety of other worthwhile efforts. A variety of resources from both private and government sources can help you find the grant you need to achieve your goals.
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Education
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The most well-known type of grants available for individuals are for education, usually higher education. Grants can also be used for other purposes, such as children's private schools. Education grants can vary from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars for "full ride" college scholarships. These grants are available through either private or government sources and usually require the applicant to have a specific background or exceptional scholastic achievement.
Business
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There are many government sources where those looking to start small businesses can obtain grants. These are considered an investment by organizations that grant funding, as they will hopefully stimulate the economy and result in increased tax revenue. Check thelocal office of the Small Business Administration to find out where to apply. The SBA will likely help you find available funding, and will usually provide assistance with planning your small business.
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Arts
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Fortunately for starving artists, there are many grants relating to the arts available to artists, art foundations and arts organizations. Grants are available for just about every variety of the arts, including performing arts, visual arts and the written word. In the U.S., the largest organization granting this type of funding is the National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA is a good place to begin your funding search for almost any area of the arts.
Housing
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Another one of the main varieties of grants available in the U.S. are housing grants. Individuals and organizations can obtain grants for an array of purposes, including community development or buying a first home. Begin your search for a housing grant at your local Housing and Urban Development office. This organization is the main body providing free housing funds to individuals or organizations, and can point you to many other resources as well.
Disaster
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Many grants are available for disaster prevention and relief. These will usually go to organizations involved with disaster preparedness or to the victims of disasters, such as grants provided to citizens of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. You can find out more about these grants by visiting a Federal Emergency Management Agency or Housing and Urban Development office or website.
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