How to Apply for Free Grants to Pay Bills

The web simplifies grant research

Billions of dollars in grant money are available to U.S. citizens through the government each year. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back. They do, however, come with restrictions and obligations. For example, you cannot receive government grant money to help you pay for your monthly movie rental or cell phone bills. Basic-needs bills like housing, electricity and water are more likely eligible for government assistance via grants, assuming the applicant meets the necessary criteria regarding gender, veteran status, ethnicity, maximum yearly income or other demographics.
Companies like Grant Funding Source and Grant Now have set up Web sites where those wishing to apply for grants can go for help finding the grant(s) they want and help applying for the grant(s). Some third-party companies provide software; others provide books and forms. They all charge a fee. The U.S. government has also set up Web sites to help citizens locate and apply for grants, and they are free to use.

Things You'll Need

• Web access
• Computer
• Printer

Instructions

Apply for a grant yourself

1. Visit www.govbenefits.gov. Click on "Benefits" from the menu across the top of the screen, and take the questionnaire offered there. The results of the questionnaire will tell you what grants you are eligible for, keeping you from wasting time reviewing grants you will never get.

2. Now that you know what type of government assistance you're eligible for, determine which grants, if any, would provide funds to help you pay your bills for basic needs.

3. Follow the links provided on the website to download forms and/or apply for the grant online. Applying for a grant is no small project. It requires that you persuasively explain in detail why you are applying and how the objectives of the grant will be met if you are awarded the grant.

4. Wait for your application to be reviewed by a committee whose job it is to review all of the applicants' merits. Only applicants whose situation and use of the funds exemplify the objective of the grant will be awarded the grant.

5. Visit the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), a new website operational April 21, 2009 (link in the Resources section below), for additional information on grants if necessary.

Apply for a grant using the services of a third party

1. Visit Grant Funding Source, Government Grant Solution Finder or Grant Now (links in the Resources section below).

2. Fill out the online forms provided and pay the required fee.

3. Follow the instructions that come with the purchased goods to apply for U.S. government grants.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
• Grant Funding Source
• Government Grant Solution Finder
• Grant Now