Low-income students at accredited schools can receive federal Pell Grants toward the cost of their education. You must first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit your results to your school. Your award will depend on factors like your family's expected contribution, the cost of attending the school and your enrollment status (full or part time), Awards are given through your school and range from under $500 to more than $4,000 per year. If you remain eligible, you can renew the award. Alternatively, if you initially were ineligible but your financial situation has changed, then you should apply for financial aid.
Another major grant for education is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program (FSEOG). Unlike the Pell Grant, only undergraduate students can apply for an FSEOG. The grant is need based, which means that eligible students must demonstrate financial need. Grants vary but the average award is about $800 per year.
Businesses also are eligible for federal grants. For instance, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Education are just a few sources. Each grant application will specify its intended goal and application requirements. The award amounts and duration vary significantly. A list of federal grants for businesses and organizations (not for students pursing their education) is available online at Grants.gov. Information about grants is available for free to the public, so be wary of scams that offer to sell you information.
There are many federal grants available to nonprofit organizations. Some grants might simply support the organization's current mission, while other grants might require new services to be offered. For instance, a federal grant application submitted by organizations in Delaware seeks to fund an outreach coordinator position. Federal funding will allow a Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coordinator to support communities by spreading awareness about available health programs.
Grant application requirements are not universal. Make sure that you submit a complete application before the deadline. Although the FAFSA and federal Pell Grants accept applications on a rolling basis, send your application early (e.g., before school begins) to ensure that your award is granted. Sometimes, schools have limited federal funding and cannot supply Pell Grants to late applicants, despite their eligibility.
If you work for a business or organization that has received a federal grant, follow up with the grant requirements, such as to submit quarterly progress reports.