Writing A Proposal

Do you want to apply for a government grant? If so, you need to avoid scams and untrustworthy websites that provide you with old and outdated information, yet have no problem charging you a fee. Government grants do exist for all different types of individuals and organizations, but you need to know how to find them. So, how do you find legitimate grants? In 8 easy steps!

1 – Have the Needed Supplies

To find legitimate government grant opportunities, you need a computer and internet access. A computer printer is not required, but you want to have that or a notebook handy to record your findings and to gather additional information.

2 – Visit Grants.gov

Grants.gov is the leading website for up-to-date and free information on government grants. Many experts claim it is your one stop resource for obtaining this free money.

3 – Browse the Website

When browsing the website, visit the frequently asked questions section, the help section, and so forth. For first time grant seekers, this is mostly just to familiarize yourself with the process as well as give you comfort and peace of mind. Grants.gov is a legitimate website, not a scam or a program you must pay to use. It is a government operated website that is safe. Still, browsing the website will let you see for yourself.

4 – Perform an Advanced Search for Grants

Click on the link to perform an advanced search. This link can be found under the heading of “Find Grant Opportunities,” from the main menu bar. There are other methods of finding grants, but this is your best option. You are able to customize your search to include open grants only. Searching for grants based on agency and category is nice, but you can get a list that goes back two years or more. An advanced search saves time.

5 – Customize Your Search

After clicking on the advanced grant search link, customize your search. Do not limit yourself. Opt to get information on open grant opportunities only. Then, scroll down the page to the eligibility sections and select the best choice. If you are an individual, select individual. If you are in charge of running an IRS recognized non-profit organization, select that. You can further customize your search, but you may mistakenly miss quality grants. It is best to have a larger list that you can sort through.

6 – Hit the Search Button

Once your information is properly entered in, hit the search button at the bottom of the page. A new webpage will appear with all grants listed. Since you customized your search, you are eligible for these grants.

7 – Review the Results

As previously stated, your search page will include grants you are eligible to apply for, but that does not mean you should. For example, if your run a small agricultural farm, a grant that wants to study and monitor autism is not the perfect fit for you. When reviewing your results, play close attention to the close date.

8 - Apply for Government Grants

If you find information on open government grants that you are eligible to apply for and you honestly feel you have a chance of receiving, apply. You have nothing to lose. As for the application process, it varies. Read and follow all information provided to you. Some grants require a simple application, others want an application and a short grant proposal, some want full grant proposals, and so forth.

As you can see, it is easy to find legitimate government grants on the Grants.gov website. In addition to performing the 8 above mentioned steps, signup for email alters. New grants appear on the website throughout the year. You may be unable to check for daily, weekly, or even monthly updates. In that case, email notification of applicable grants is advised.

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