Pick up a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form at your local library, high school, or university. The nationwide submission deadline is June 30, while each state has its own (sometimes earlier) deadline.
Completely and accurately fill out the FAFSA form. If the student's or family's annual income is $40,000 or less and the application is returned before the deadline, chances are good for receiving the Federal Pell Grant.
Contact your current or prospective school's financial aid department. Securing a meeting with a student adviser will ensure you are informed of the most up-to-date funding opportunities the school has to offer, including merit and need-based grants.
Schedule an appointment with your specific academic department or school; for example, the Anthropology department within a School of Liberal Arts. Here you will find more specialized grants tailor-made for your academic goals. These grants in particular often go unclaimed due to low application rates.
Enhance your chance of getting grants by sending applications in well ahead of their deadlines. Include copies of transcripts with each one, even if this is not a requirement--you may also be eligible for related scholarship awards.