Many people look to the government hoping to find out how to apply for a grant or to get "free money." However, grants usually go to state and local governments or nonprofit organizations, who then use the money to operate assistance programs locally. USA has information about grants and loans.

Individuals looking for government grants and loans should visit GovBenefits.gov. GovBenefits is the official government benefits web site, encompassing more than 400 federal and 600 state programs funded by various agencies. This site allows you to complete a confidential questionnaire and receive a list of programs that may apply to your situation.

States and organizations looking for grants should visit Grants.gov.

Another source of information is the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), which is a directory of over 15 types of federal assistance, including grants and loans. There are about 1,500 programs listed in the CFDA. Each program has a summary which explains program eligibility requirements, agency contact information, and application instructions. A printed copy of the CFDA can also be ordered.

Please note: All of the web sites we reference are government sites and are not affiliated in any way with commercial web sites that offer grant information, often for a fee. If you have received information stating you qualify for a "free grant," you may wish to view the consumer alert on free grants from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you have been a victim of a grant scam, you can contact the FTC by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

In addition, if you have purchased a book or otherwise paid a fee to obtain grant information and are not satisfied, you may wish to contact your state consumer protection office for assistance.