How to Apply for Grants

Learning how to apply for grants starts with one fact: most government grants go to organizations, not to individual people. A grant is money you usually don’t have to pay back, which is also why scammers use the word so much. Help for individuals usually comes through benefit programs, student aid, disaster assistance, and local agencies instead.

1. Start with what you need the money for

• For rent, utilities, food, or other bills, start with benefit programs and local assistance rather than grant databases.
• For college or job training, start with federal student aid, which you apply for through the FAFSA.
• After a disaster, start with FEMA if your area has a federal disaster declaration.
• For a small business, start with your state or city economic development office. However, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) does not give grants to start or expand a business.
• For home repairs, start with your state or local housing agency. Some of these programs pay for safety repairs for low-income, older, or disabled homeowners.

Each program sets its own rules, usually based on your income, household size, location, and what you will spend the money on.

2. How to apply for grants through official sources

None of the sites below charge you to search or apply, because government agencies and established nonprofits run them.

• USA.gov Benefit Finder: answer a few questions to see federal benefits you may qualify for.
• State social services: find your state agency for food, cash, energy, and housing help.
• 211: call or text 211 to reach a local specialist who knows the programs in your area.
• FAFSA and Federal Pell Grants: the application for federal student aid, including grants for undergraduates with financial need.
• SBA grants page: explains which business grants exist and who they are for.
• Grants.gov: the federal grant database. According to Grants.gov, most of its funding opportunities are for organizations, few are open to individuals, and none provide personal financial assistance.

3. Get your documents ready before you apply

A big part of how to apply for grants is paperwork. Most applications ask for the same basic information, and having it in one folder makes each application faster.

• Photo ID and Social Security numbers for your household
• Proof of income, such as pay stubs, a benefits letter, or proof of unemployment
• Proof of address, such as a lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill
• The number of people in your household and their ages
• Recent bills or notices if you are asking for help with a specific cost

Some programs ask for less. Still, if you gather everything once, each application after the first goes faster.

4. Write a short, honest statement of need

Some programs ask you to explain why you are applying. In that case, a few clear sentences are enough: what happened, what you need help with, and how the help would keep you stable. For example:

“I am applying for help with my electric bill. My hours at work were cut in March, and I have fallen two months behind. Help with this bill would let me keep the power on while I look for more hours.”

Stick to the facts, since many programs check what you tell them.

5. Apply to more than one program

Part of knowing how to apply for grants is planning for a no. Programs run out of money and turn down some applicants, so apply to each program you qualify for. For example, a local nonprofit, your state agency, and your utility company’s own assistance program may all help with the same bill.

6. Keep track of every application

Keep a simple list with:

• The program name and how to contact it
• The date you applied
• Any confirmation number
• Deadlines and documents you still need to send

Some programs take weeks to decide, so write down the date they give you. If you haven’t heard back by then, call and ask about the status.

How to apply for grants without getting scammed

The Federal Trade Commission warns that offers of free money from government grants are scams. In particular, walk away if someone:

• Asks you to pay a fee to apply, to “process” the grant, or to get a list of grants
• Contacts you out of the blue by call, text, email, or social media to say you qualify
• Guarantees approval
• Asks for your bank account number so they can “deposit” the grant

Next steps

Now that you know how to apply for grants, learn which kinds exist and who they are for in Grant Programs: How They Work. In the meantime, if money is tight, the Monthly Budget Planner can help you see which bills to cover first.

This article is general education, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Your situation may differ, so check the details with the lender, agency, or a qualified professional before you act. How we research and review articles.