Government Grants for Individuals: Frequently Asked Questions

If you are one of the millions of Americans in financial distress, you may look for ways to improve your income. Most individuals look for second part-time jobs or reduce their spending. Due to late night infomercials and online advertisements, many are now turning to government grants. If you are researching personal government grants for individuals, you likely have many questions. Continue reading on to get your answers.

Question: Are government grants available for individuals?
Answer: Yes. There are governments available for individuals like you, but they are few and far in between. The most common recipients of government grants are state and local governments, school districts, colleges and universities, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. However, since there are some government grants available for individuals, it will not hurt to look.

Question: Is there such a thing as debt relief government grants?
Answer: No, not usually. Government grants serve a purpose. That purpose is typically to improve the economy, health, and agriculture of America as a whole. Yes, the government wants people to be financially stable and debt free, but money is rarely handed out with no-strings attached to accomplish this goal.

Question: Are government grants really free money?
Answer: Yes and no. Those who get grants do receive free money. This money does not need to be repaid. Unfortunately, it isn't as easy, simple, or as nice as it sounds. As previously stated, government grants serve a purpose. Some grants are available to individuals who want to conserve energy or water. Should you win one of these grants, you cannot use it to repay your debt or buy a new car. Grantors outline in detail what their funds must be used for. You must follow these guidelines.

Question: What happens to individuals who misuse government grants?
Answer: Nothing good. Unfortunately, the poor economy has many Americans in financial distress. Crime is on the rise in many areas. Some individuals break into businesses to steal food, money, and other items they believe to be necessities. Some individuals go as far to lie or misrepresent themselves to obtain free government grants. Do not do this, no matter how much you need money. Those found to be misusing government grants are likely to face theft charges and must repay the misspent and stolen money.

Question: How should I find government grants?
Answer: Although government grants are rare for individuals, expect for Federal Pell Grants for qualifying college students, they do exist. If you want to search the available list of government grants, visit Grants.gov. This is a government-operated website that is free to use. It contains up-to-date and accurate information. Perform an advanced search for open grants with individuals as eligible recipients. Closely examine the grant. Searching and browsing can be done without an account, but you must register for one to apply for funding.

Question: What if someone contacts me about a government grant?
Answer: You should walk away. Government grants do not come to you; you must find them. Do not fall victim to a common grant scam. This is when someone contacts you by phone or email. They believe you are eligible to receive a grant. They will even help you apply for that grant with a processing fee. However, before you get any information, you are asked to provide your bank account numbers. Do not do this! Remember, government grants do not come directly to you. The scammer will take their processing fee, but they now have your bank account information. They could drain your account before you catch onto their fraud.