There are various free grants available in the USA, provided by the federal government, state governments, and private organizations. These grants are available to individuals, businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions. Below is a list of some of the most common types of free grants and where to find them:
Federal Government Grants
- Grants.gov
- Description: The central portal for finding and applying for federal grants across different sectors such as education, health, energy, and research.
- Website: https://www.grants.gov
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
- Description: A competitive program to encourage small businesses to engage in federal research and development with the potential for commercialization.
- Website: https://www.sbir.gov
- Pell Grants
- Description: Federal grants for students who demonstrate financial need to attend an accredited college or university.
- Website: https://studentaid.gov
- Department of Education – Federal Student Aid
- Description: Grants and loans for students to attend post-secondary education, including Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG).
- Website: https://studentaid.gov
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Grants
- Description: Grants for research and education in science and engineering.
- Website: https://www.nsf.gov
State Government Grants
- State Grant Agencies: Many U.S. states have grant programs for small businesses, individuals, and educational initiatives. You can find state-specific grants by visiting your state’s official government website and searching for “grants.”
- Example States:
- California Grants Portal: https://www.grants.ca.gov
- Texas Grants: https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/grants
- Example States:
Grants for Nonprofits and Community-Based Projects
- Foundation Grants to Individuals
- Description: This database from the Foundation Center offers information on foundations that provide grants to individuals, including for education, arts, health, and more.
- Website: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org
- The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
- Description: Offers grants to nonprofit organizations serving low-income populations in the U.S.
- Website: https://hjweinbergfoundation.org
Grants for Research and Development
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants
- Description: NIH offers a wide range of grants for biomedical research and healthcare-related initiatives.
- Website: https://www.nih.gov
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grants
- Description: Offers grants for clean energy and scientific research, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Website: https://www.energy.gov
Specific Grants for Low-Income Individuals and Families
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Description: Federal funding to help low-income households with energy costs, including heating and cooling assistance.
- Website: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/energy-assistance
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Description: Food assistance grants for low-income families, providing financial support to buy groceries.
- Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap
- Housing Grants and Assistance
- Description: Programs like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offer grants and assistance for low-income individuals to secure housing.
- Website: https://www.hud.gov
For Veterans
- Veterans Administration (VA) Grants
- Description: Grants for veterans, including financial support for education, business start-ups, and health services.
- Website: https://www.va.gov
Grants for Arts and Culture
- National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
- Description: Provides grants for nonprofit arts organizations, artists, and cultural institutions.
- Website: https://www.arts.gov
- National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
- Description: Funds research and educational projects related to the humanities.
- Website: https://www.neh.gov
Other Useful Websites to Find Grants
- The Grantsmanship Center
- Description: A resource for nonprofit organizations seeking grants and providing training in grant writing.
- Website: https://www.tgci.com
- GrantWatch
- Description: A comprehensive listing of current grants for individuals, businesses, and organizations.
- Website: https://www.grantwatch.com
Tips for Applying for Grants:
- Eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
- Application Process: Review the grant guidelines and ensure all required documents are submitted.
- Deadlines: Pay attention to deadlines, as they are strictly enforced.
- Grant Writing Assistance: Some grants may require you to write a proposal; many organizations provide guides or workshops on how to craft a strong application.
These are just a few examples of free grants available in the U.S. Keep in mind that the availability of grants can vary by year and eligibility criteria. Always visit the respective websites for the latest information.