Tips to Get US Government Grants

There are many types of projects and platform that the U.S. government can fund. Every year Congress sets the funds for grants, An Overview of U.S. Government Grants, small business loans, financial assistance and student loans.

Once the proposed budget for these grants was approved, it will be announced or published in the Federal Register. You will be able to see detailed information of the types of grants, required projects, and eligible persons and entities who can apply for the grants in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.

So here are some useful tips that could help if you want to receive official federal grant money for your project proposals or for financing a small business.

Understand Grants vs Loans

It is important to understand the difference between grants and federal loans. You can avoid wasting your time applying for a grant when you should be applying for a small business loan.

Federal grants are created to fund public projects. For example, there are funds for housing development projects, empowering women, or development initiatives for Native American tribal groups. Your project proposal therefore should be related and directly addresses the needs of these sectors.

If you want specific government grant assistance for your small business, then you have to look in the database of U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA lists possible donors and funding agencies that can extend loans or grants for small businesses.

So if you are actively looking for official grants, make sure that you know where to look. It is a total waste of valuable time, resources, and effort if you start applying for grants only to find out that you are not eligible for it.

Prepare Documentations of Your Project

If you believe that your envisioned project passes the criteria to receive federal grant, then the next step you have to do is prepare your documentations.

First, you should carefully compose a detailed project proposal. The proposal should include the project framework, target beneficiaries, detailed budget, proponent information, and viability and sustainability justification.

You should also prepare the necessary organizational documents required by the donor federal agency. For example, you have to submit your organization’s profile, relevant experiences, tax information, track record in implementing government projects, and other documentations that the federal agency may require.

You also have to fill up official forms to apply for the grant, have them notarized so you can attach it to your project documentation. This is a very tedious process and will require patience and many hours preparing the paper work.

No Easy Way to Get Federal Grants

There is no easy way to get a federal grant. There are federal laws stipulating the processes and requirements needed in order to get government grants. Do not be fooled by scam artists who will tell you that it is very easy to acquire government grants for all your financial needs.

However, if you persevere and accomplish all the necessary documents required by a federal agency, then there is a great chance that your project proposal could get the nod of the review boards.

Federal grants are tax payers money provided to organizations, state agencies, and individuals that will implement projects for the public good. Make sure to use these grants wisely so you can avoid legal issues when the federal government audits your project.