How to Get Free Government Grants Without Buying a CD

Contrary to popular belief, the government is not just giving money away.

Federal grants are available to non-commercial organizations and educational institutions, but not to commercial organizations. There also are state and local grants available, as well as grants available through non-profit organizations. According to the Small Business Administration, these grants often require the recipient to match funds or combine the grant with other forms of financing. The grant amounts vary.

Instructions

Small Business Loans and Grants Search Tool (for Small Businesses)

1. Go to the Small Business Loans and Grants Search Tool.

2. Check all options that apply to you.

3. Click the "Search" button to go to the Financing Results page.

4. Click the "Grants" link if the number in parenthesis next to it is not zero. If the number is zero, you do not qualify for any grants.

5. Click the link for each entry under "Grants."

6. Review each result individually to ensure that you qualify for the grant.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply for each grant.

Federal Grants (for non-commercial organizations and educational institutions)

1. Go to the federal government grants website.

2. Click the "Find Grant Opportunities" link.

3. Search for grant opportunities following on-screen instructions.

4. Write down the name and grant numbers of the grants for which you would like to apply.

5. Click "Get Registered" and following the on-screen instructions. Register as either an individual or organization.

6. Click the "Register with Grants.gov" button.

7. Enter the grant number you wrote down earlier in the "Funding Opportunity Number" box and click the "Register" button.

8. Enter all the requested information following on-screen instructions on the Applicant Registration page. Click "Continue" to go to the next page.

9. Review the information you just entered for accuracy and click the "Submit" button to get the "You are successfully registered" message.

10. Click the "Continue" button to go to the "Login" page.

11. Log in using the username and password you just created.

12. Click the "Home" link in the upper-left corner.

13. Search for grants using the "Find Grant Opportunities" link on the left side of the page. Follow the on-screen instructions.

14. Apply for grants using the "Apply for Grants" link on the left side of the page. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek grants through relevant non-profit organizations.

References

• Grants.gov: Find Grant Opportunities
• Grants.gov: Get Registered
• SBA.gov: Small Business Grants

Resources

• Business.gov: Official Business Link to the US Government
• Grants.gov: Home
• CFDA.gov: Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance