Gather all documents that prove your income. You'll want W-2s and your tax return from the last year all handy while you apply. If you are younger than 24 years old, not married or a ward of the court, you will need to get these documents and information from your legal guardians as well.
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You'd have a hard time finding a federal grant that didn't require this step, so fill it out before you begin your grant search. The FAFSA is also the only way to get the need-based Pell grant.
The FAFSA will require you to give identifying information such as your name, address and Social Security number, as well as information about your income and possibly your parents' income for the previous fiscal year.
Review your Student Aid Report that you will receive a few weeks after you submit your FAFSA. This report will contain your family's expected contribution, which is how much the government expects you to pay out of pocket towards your education. If this number is especially low, then you are eligible for the need-based Pell grant and other forms of both state and federal financial aid.
Find and research merit-based grants. You can typically locate these through a state agency, though there are several very competitive grants available federally, such as the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, the National Science Scholars Program and the Leveraging Educational Assistance Program. You can contact a nearby college for a list of available government grants. Most merit-based grants have a specific list of qualifications that may include age, academic discipline, gender and ethnic identity.
Gather the necessary materials for your grant applications. Merit-based grants will typically require a record of your academic history through transcripts. If you are an incoming freshman, then they will want your high school transcripts. If you are a few years into college, they will ask for transcripts from every postsecondary institution you've attended. This applies to all schools, including study abroad schools and summer schools.
Grant applications will most likely also require an accompanying essay and letters of recommendation. When asking for letters of recommendation, be sure to ask at least two months before the deadlines and give the recommenders a complete list of where to send the recommendations. Have your essay proofread by at least two people, and be sure that you follow any prompts or directions.
Submit your application by the deadline. Even with one component of your application late, you may be ineligible for the grant.