I get a lot of e-mail from individuals who are looking for grants (or what many people call "free money"). Most of the individual grants that are given by foundations are for scholarships and educational support, research and the arts; however, there are some individual grants that don't fall into these categories.
Much of the information contained in the books that advertise free money from the government (government grants) is really information on government entitlement programs. These programs are government benefits that eligible individuals are entitled by law to receive. Some of these benefits may be in the form of outright cash that people can use to pay for housing, food, healthcare, utilities, etc. Other benefits take the form of goods or services. In all cases, however, you must meet certain eligibility criteria to receive the "free money" or benefits. Is it really free money? Well, sort of. You don't have to pay anything when you apply for or receive the benefits. But part of the money that you pay every year in the form of taxes goes to fund these programs.
Here's where you can find more information:
- The Foundation Center's Foundation Grants to Individuals Online. For about $10, you can get a one-month subscription to search this online database. And yes, it is legitimate and reputable.
- Michigan State University's website on Funding for Individuals. This is an online resource organized by category.
- Benefits.gov. Here you can search for free government money and other benefits for which you may be eligible.
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