* Government Grants and Loans for Individuals

Many people look to the government to find out how to apply for a grant or to get "free money," which they have seen advertised on television or in various publications. Grants usually go to state and local governments or nonprofit organizations, which then use the money to run local programs. It may be difficult for an individual to qualify for a federal grant. USA.gov has information about legitimate grant and loan opportunities.

View information on Government Benefits, Grants, and Financial Aid

Search the following resources:

• Benefits.gov helps individuals looking for government grants and loans. Complete a confidential questionnaire and receive a list of programs that may apply to your situation.
• GovLoans.gov helps individuals looking for government loans. It directs you to the loan information that best meets your needs.
• Disability.gov provides information and resources to people concerned with disability issues.
• Grants.gov helps states and organizations looking for grants.
• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) provides a summary that explains eligibility requirements, agency contact information, and application instructions for each program listed. Order the CFDA
• State social service agencies help with immediate needs for items such as food, clothing, healthcare, or emergency funds. Even if you are ineligible for benefits, these agencies may be able to provide referrals to community organizations that might offer help.

"Free" Grants and Grant Scams
All of the websites we reference are government sites and not affiliated in any way with commercial websites that offer grant information, often for a fee. If you have received information stating you qualify for a "free grant," view the consumer alert on free grants from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you have been a victim of a grant scam, contact the FTC by calling 1.877.FTC.HELP (382.4357).

In addition, if you have purchased a book or paid a fee to get grant information and are not satisfied, contact your state consumer protection office for help.

Further information about grants, loans, and government benefits, by category, is available:

Arts and Humanities

• Federal Grants for the Arts and Humanities

Business

• Starting a Business
• Expanding a Business
• Buying Investment Property

Housing

• Housing Help: Purchasing
• Housing Help: Home Repairs/Modifications
• Housing Help: Rent Payments
• Housing Help: Mortgage Payments
• Rebuilding after a Natural Disaster

Rural Residents

• Buying and Operating a Farm
• Crop and Livestock Insurance
• Federal Loans for Farmers

Personal Needs

• Help with Medical Bills
• Help with Prescription Drug Costs
• Help with Utility Bills

Students

• Applying for Financial Aid
• Medical School Loans
• Tuition Help: Job Retraining and Vocational Education

Need More Information? Try These Additional Resources:

• Government Grants and Loans for States and Organizations
• Credit Counseling
• Small Business Administration (SBA): Loans and Grants Search Tool
• Local and State Government Information
• A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The short link for this FAQ is http://1.usa.gov/mcICrT