How to Find Grants and Apply for Financial Assistance

Grants can fund education, research, small businesses, community programs, creative work, and nonprofits. They are not guaranteed financial assistance: applicants must meet eligibility rules and explain exactly how the funds will be used.
 

Types of Grants

• Federal grants come from U.S. agencies and usually support public-purpose projects. Most opportunities on Grants.gov are for organizations, though some are open to individuals. Organizations generally must register with SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) before applying.

• State and local grants may fund housing, workforce development, business growth, education, arts, and neighborhood projects. Start with your state’s official site through USA.gov’s state government directory, or your local economic-development or housing agency.

• Private foundation grants support nonprofits, schools, researchers, artists, and community initiatives. Use Candid’s grant-seeker resources or Foundation Directory to research funders.

• Corporate grants are offered by companies whose giving aligns with their mission or local priorities. Check the company’s official foundation or community-giving page.

• Small-business funding is limited: the SBA grants page lists specific grant programs, while many small businesses use SBA loans instead.

• Crowdfunding through platforms such as GoFundMe or Kickstarter can raise money, but it is not a grant, is not guaranteed, and may involve fees.

Find the Right Fit

Before searching, define how much money you need, what it will fund, who will benefit, your location, your deadline, and whether you are applying as an individual, business, nonprofit, school, or government entity.

Search federal opportunities on Grants.gov, review the eligibility guidance, and use Candid for nonprofit and individual funding research. Avoid ads promising “free government grant money” for personal bills or debt; Grants.gov does not provide personal financial assistance.
 

Prepare Your Application

Read the entire grant announcement first. Note eligibility rules, allowable expenses, required documents, matching-fund requirements, submission method, deadline, and reporting obligations.

Gather materials early, such as identification, tax records, financial statements, a project budget, resumes, letters of support, or proof of nonprofit status. For federal applications, follow the Grants.gov applicant registration guide and begin registration early, since SAM.gov registration can take time.
 

Write a Strong Proposal

A strong proposal clearly explains:

• The need: Describe the problem, who it affects, and use specific evidence.

• The plan: State what will happen, when, and who is responsible.

• Outcomes: Use measurable goals, such as people served, workshops held, or homes repaired.

• The budget: List realistic expenses and explain why each is necessary. Do not request unallowable costs.

• Compliance: Follow word limits, formatting rules, attachment requirements, and deadlines.
   

Submit and Follow Up

Review names, dates, calculations, attachments, and contact information before submitting. Save copies and confirmation receipts. Decisions may take weeks or months; if rejected, use feedback to improve future applications.
 

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Applying without confirming eligibility

• Assuming a grant is guaranteed

• Sending the same generic proposal everywhere

• Requesting ineligible expenses

• Missing deadlines or attachments

• Paying anyone who promises guaranteed approval, review the SBA’s fraud-prevention guidance before sharing information or paying fees.

The best applications are tailored to the right funder, need, and project, not sent to every available opportunity.

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