What Types of Grants Can Individuals Apply For?

When individuals apply for grant funding, the path can feel less obvious than it does for nonprofits or businesses. Still, the opportunities are there, waiting to be found. Individuals can and do secure funding for education, research, creative work, and even urgent personal needs.

The GrantWatch mission has always centered on helping grant seekers connect with the right funding sources. While much of the spotlight shines on nonprofits and businesses, individuals are very much part of that story.

With over 11,000 grants available, GrantWatch offers a wide range of funding opportunities, including those open to individuals. The platform makes it easier to filter, search, and identify grants that match real needs. That kind of clarity really matters. It saves time and helps applicants focus on opportunities that are actually within reach. For individuals who are serious about finding funding, having access to a centralized, organized database can make all the difference.

Grants Individuals Can Apply For

1. Education Grants 🎓

These are the most common. They help cover tuition, books, training, and sometimes living expenses.
Examples include need-based aid, merit scholarships, and field-specific awards (like nursing, teaching, or STEM programs).

Grants to USA Nurse Anesthesiology Residents for Educational Needs

$1,500 for nurse anesthesiology residents nearing graduation, supporting education costs after natural disaster-related financial hardship.

Grants to USA Teachers, Students, and Others to Improve Education

Teachers, students, and community members may apply to improve education through innovative, creative classroom programs that enhance student learning and opportunity.

2. Research & Fellowship Grants 🔬

Designed for students, academics, and independent researchers.
They fund studies, creative inquiry, travel for fieldwork, or specialized projects. Fellowships often include a stipend plus project funding.

USA Fellowships to Individuals Studying Public Policy and Politics

Fellowships for young people interested in public policy and politics, offering Washington, D.C. internships, monthly stipends, seminars, networking, and hands-on professional experience.

Grants to USA PhD Students to Participate in a Residency

PhD students may receive funds to support research residencies at outside academic institutions, enabling access to unique data, collaboration with mentors, and accelerated research innovation.

3. Arts & Creative Grants 🎨

For writers, musicians, filmmakers, and visual artists.
These support the creation of original work, exhibitions, performances, or residencies where artists get time and space to create.

USA Grants to Individuals for Historic Preservation Activities

Up to $3,000 for individuals supporting historic preservation projects focused on tools, crafts, and trades, including research that supplements fellowships or scholarships.

Grants to USA Individuals in the Music Industry for Urgent Needs

Up to $5,000 for music industry professionals to support urgent needs like housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and crisis relief for those facing financial hardship.

4. Small Business & Entrepreneur Grants 💼

Some programs support individuals launching or growing businesses—especially startups, minority-owned businesses, veterans, and women entrepreneurs. These may fund equipment, marketing, or early operations.

In-Kind Support to USA Entrepreneurs to Establish or Expand Their Businesses

In-kind support for business owners and entrepreneurs of African descent to start or grow early-stage businesses, including software subscriptions, consulting, and creative support credits.

Opportunity for USA Individuals to Participate in a Pitch Competition

Pitch competition for individuals and startups in the USA, Canada, and internationally, offering multi-stage selection, Global Finals access, networking opportunities, and cash prizes for category winners.

5. Emergency and Hardship Assistance Grants 🏠

Less common but very real. These help individuals facing eviction risk, disaster recovery, disability-related home modifications, or urgent financial hardship.

Grants to USA Children from Low-Income Families for Medical Treatments

Up to $5,000 for children and youth ages 16 and under from low-income families to help cover medically necessary treatments provided by licensed professionals.

Financial Aid to USA Individuals for Pet Care Costs While in a Domestic Violence Shelter

Financial assistance for USA individuals in domestic violence shelters to cover pet boarding and veterinary care, including required vaccinations, helping survivors stay safe without leaving pets behind.

Grants to USA Active-Duty Service Members and their Families for Financial Assistance

Up to $2,500 for active-duty and activated Guard/Reserve service members and families, providing direct payments to creditors for essential expenses during financial hardship tied to military service.

6. Workforce Development & Training Grants 🧰

Often tied to job centers or government programs. They fund certifications, apprenticeships, or retraining for new careers.

Grants to USA Pet Support Professionals to Support Animal Well-Being

Animal support professionals, shelter workers, rescue volunteers, and leaders can strengthen animal welfare and the human-animal bond with this grant. It includes weekly drawings and monthly awards.

Grant to a USA Researcher to Study the Agricultural Scientific Workforce

Grant for a researcher to analyze agricultural scientific workforce data, identifying workforce gaps in food, agriculture, and natural resources to guide future program development.

7. Community & Civic Participation Grants 🌍

These support individuals leading local initiatives, volunteering projects, or community-based innovation work.

USA Grants to Enhance the Quality of Life or Address Medical Needs

Disadvantaged first responders and veterans with rare medical conditions, and military families can improve quality of life with mobility aids, therapy equipment, service dogs, and accessible vehicles.

Fellowships to Educators to Teach in Summer Programs in Israel

Qualifying educators can teach in summer programs in Israel. Grant offers professional development, accommodations, stipends, travel support, insurance, and community engagement opportunities.

In-Kind Donations of Vehicles to USA Families with a Family Member with a Disability

In-kind vehicle donations for families who need adapted transportation for a disabled family member. Donations offer accessible vehicles for children, adults, veterans, or public servants with disabilities.

One Last Twist

One important twist: most “grants for individuals” come through institutions, schools, nonprofits, government agencies, or foundations, rather than being wide-open applications.

About GrantWatch

Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants series: The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, and The Queen of Grants 2: GrantTalk Secrets for the New Era of Writing, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest advanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 11,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 61 funding categories. Additionally, it lists grants for nonprofits, grants for small businesses, grants for government agencies, and grants for Individuals.

GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grants. This post contains affiliate links.

Libby is also the author of several children’s books and companion coloring books, available at libbyhikind.com.