Government grants are often talked about, but not many people know what they are or whether they are entitled to one or not. Most people don’t know that anyone can apply for a grant, as long as they are eighteen years of age, or older.
Grants can range in value from $100 to $50,000. And grants don’t have to be paid back…ever. So, what are you waiting for?
The first thing you need to realize is that a grant is not a loan. If you try to get a loan through a conventional bank, it can be very time consuming and will require a lot of paperwork and administration. You also have to make sure that you pay back the money that you borrow.
The Government Agencies that issue grants work a little differently. These agencies don't have to operate under the same strict requirements as the banks do.
The good thing about a grant is that you decide how much money you require (keeping in mind that this should be a lawful amount that meets with the criteria and requirements set be the Government Agencies). Once you have received the money, it is yours to keep. It is also non-taxable and interest free. You can’t get much better than that, can you?
Well actually, you can. The best thing about applying for a grant is that none of these initiatives require you to go through a credit check. Neither do you need any security deposits, collateral, or co-signers. In fact, as long as you are a tax paying, U.S. citizen, you can apply for this money even if you are bankrupt or have bad credit.
The amount of money given away in Government grants is absolutely staggering. This year alone, over $30 billion dollars worth of free money will be given away by Grant Agencies. And you could be one of the people who receive it!
You can obtain a grant for many different reasons. One such reason for a grant is for personal use. A grant like this can be used to help you buy a new home if your family has a low income, to cover general living expenses, school supplies, legal services, housing assistance, and medical assistance, to name but a few.
You can also apply for a grant for business reasons. This could be to help you start up your own business. The grant could fund buying office equipment, supplies, premises, and stock.
Another area you can use your grant for is education and scholarships. Whether it’s for university, business school, private, or medical school, there is a grant out there to suit almost everyone.
Getting a grant is not as difficult as you may think. In fact, many people don’t know that the Government is under congressional mandate to give away this free money. All that is required of you is that you put forward a grant proposal that is presented properly.
So, go on. What are you waiting for? Make sure you grab your slice of the American Pie.
By Fiona McLaren