Everything You Need to Know About Government Grants

Even if you’re not familiar with grants, chances are you have heard of the term, ‘government grants’. Grants are financial gifts that do not need to be reimbursed that are made available for specific projects or programs. That is why they’re so popular and why people and organizations seek out grant funding. In addition, grants come from different government sources. Government funding is available for nonprofit agencies, tribes and businesses, as well as state and local governments and their agencies. 

Federal Government Grants

According to HHS.gov, The Federal Government offers two types of grants:

• Grants awarded by a Federal Government agency that are delivered directly to an organization for a specific need are known as “discretionary grants”.
• Other kinds of federal grants disperse funds to states, cities or counties. After being received by the agency or department, the recipient then distributes the funds to community groups, charities and other social service providers, These types of grants are known as ‘formula” and “block” grants.

You may be familiar the leading federal grant sites:
Benefits.gov, a federal benefits program for individuals.
SBA.gov which includes a guide for small businesses winning contracts with the federal government.
Grants.gov a directory of government grants.

State Government Grants

State government grants are available to nonprofits, for-profit businesses, local governments and agencies. However, many of these grants distribute through various programs and agencies. You must meet individual eligibility requirements to apply for state grants.

Local Government Grants

There are also grants available from local governments and their agencies. In addition, grants can be from county, city or town governments and their agencies. These grants are available to small businesses, individuals, nonprofits and other local governments and agencies.                                                                                                                                        

Some of the Government Grants Currently Available on GrantWatch.com

GrantWatch has a large selection of government grants available on their site in an easy to read format. In addition, their directory includes a vast amount of grants from foundations as well funding from corporations. Here are 8 government grants currently accepting applications:

1. Funding available to nonprofits, educational institutions, agencies, governments, and tribes for habitat conservation projects.
2. Grants and vouchers are available to reduce carbon emissions and create clean energy sector jobs.
3. Grants and cooperative agreements are available to help reduce and prevent violent crime.
4. Opportunities to improve the response of law officers when they come into contact with individuals with mental illness.
5. Grants are available for projects that develop a better understanding of domestic terrorism and provide strategies for intervention and prevention.
6. Prizes and in-kind support is available for initiatives to benefit rural and remote communities.
7. Grants to are available to assess and promote programs and activities related to health and nutrition.
8. Finally, grants are available to nonprofits to support smoking cessation programs.

Caution: Be wary of online scams and social media solicitations that promise free government money. There is no such thing as a guaranteed grant.

Looking for grants? With close to 8,000 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view full details of current and verified grants.  For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page.