Government Grants

First, there are some basic differences between grants and loans. You are required to pay back a loan, often with interest. You are not required to pay back a grant, but there are very few grants available to individuals. Most grants are awarded to universities, researchers, cities, states, counties, and non-profit organizations. Loans are generally the best bet for individuals.

Don't try to call the United States Department of Grants. There isn't one. Federal agencies may have different rules for who is eligible for grants and loans and how to apply.

Grants also require you to fill out forms, generally on a quarterly basis, that tell how much money you have spent and what you have spent it on, as well as how you are progressing on the work you promised to do.

A better approach for most consumers is to visit GovBenefits.gov. You check off which categories you fit into (for example, veteran) and then answer a series of questions. GovBenefits will identify loans and sources of financial assistance for which you may be eligible and tell you how and where to apply. You may be surprised what you are eligible for- there are forms of assistance available for a variety of personal situations including disaster victims, farmers, or people with teaching experience.