The federal Pell grant program provides money for financially dependent students looking to fund an education. Students may use this grant for only one institution at a time, and grant amounts are contingent upon a student's family contribution, the cost of attendance and the student's enrollment status. Once the award has been determined, the Pell grant program sends the money directly to the student's institution. The financial aid office of that institution then distributes the money to the student, usually once a semester.
If the federal Pell grant is not for you, consider applying for another grant through the U.S. Department of Education website. ED.gov has grants for specific areas of interest, such as science, dance and literature. This website also features grants for those on athletic scholarships, minorities and disabled students.
Many small-business owners qualify for government-subsidized grants. Businesses with a public interest, social justice or academic focus or categorized as a 501(c)(3) businesses, are most often recipients of these highly competitive grants. As part of the application process, grant reviewers expect a detailed business proposal for the use of funds. Public schools, NASA and the Department of Energy are examples of recent winners.
Up-and-coming businesses benefit from entering local and national contests featuring subsidized grants. Besides the possibility of winning, you also make many other business connections. Contact your local SCORE office to find contest-based subsidized grants available to you.
Many states offer subsidized grants for senior homeowners, business owners or students. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program, one example of a subsidized grant, helps seniors pay for winter heating bills. The LIHEAP is partially funded by the government.
Most college students are eligible to apply for subsidized grants through their university. Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. Finally, small-business owners can locate many subsidized grants at their local government office.