Grants are a great way to receive financial assistance and build credibility. There are many types of grants to provide aid to specific situations. Each grant has different requirements and eligibility factors to take into consideration. Here are steps to help you through the grant process.

1.) Understand Your Need 

There are many different types of grants available ranging from education and research to utility bills and health care. Because of this, it is important to understand what you need in order to find the specific grant meant for you. Ask yourself, what do you need help affording? If you were to receive money, which area of your life would it be allocated to? For example, do you need help paying off debt, affording college, etc.? This is important because the grant you receive will have a specific use; it can not be used for whatever you want. After you narrow down your needs to one specific topic, it’s time to begin your search.

2.) Search

There are many sites that provide grant opportunities, but the most reliable source is government funding. This site: site, provides thousands of grants to search for. Type in the search bar what type of grant you are looking for and read the descriptions to see which grant is best for your situation. Another way to search for grants is to do a google search. Type in the search bar the specific grant you are looking for and see what comes up. This way is less reliable and may subject you to scams.

3.) Meet the Requirements 

Each grant your thinking about applying for has its own set of requirements you must meet in order to be considered for the grant. After you find a grant that best suits your needs, make sure to read all of the eligibility criteria. If you are missing even one of the requirements, do not apply. You will not be considered. Instead, conduct another search and find a grant in which you are eligible for.

4.) Apply and Submit

In order to apply for a grant, you must register first. You can do so here here. After registration is finalized, complete the application. This will involve attaching required identification documents as well as writing a proposal. For tips on writing a proposal click here. Make sure to check your entire proposal for grammatical errors. Once this is completed, submit the application.

5.) Track Application

After submitting your application you will receive tracking numbers. It’s important to stay on top of your application in order to see when it is reviewed. You can track your application here.

These five steps will facilitate the grant process and help you receive the funds you need. Some key takeaways to remember:

• Apply to reliable sources
• Ensure you are eligible before applying 
• Stay on top of your application by tracking it