While it is difficult to get free money, you can get cash and not have to repay it in some instances. When facing financial challenges, you can apply for personal grants from private organizations or the federal government. However, it is essential to note that granters give out funds for specific purposes, so you should only apply if you qualify.

When you get the grant, you will not have to refund it because it is not a loan. Since many people apply for personal grants, granting organizations provide applicants with strict requirements and eligibility. You can try your luck if you have the qualifications because the application process is relatively easy.
 

Examples of Grants You Can Apply For

You can apply for several grants; you only need to choose one that matches your eligibility and needs. For example, you can find grants to pay education expenses, buy a home, healthcare, and child support.
 

Personal Grants Application Process

Different grants have different requirements and application processes. Therefore, you have to apply for each grant depending on its necessities. Grants have fierce competition because of the many recipients and limited funds available, so you must provide a well-detailed application. Here’s what you need to do:
 

1. Look for Grants that You Qualify For

While looking for government grants, you can check for those you qualify for from USGrants.org, which is a non-governmental portal. You can also apply for funding from the Benefits.gov site. However, the Benefits.gov page provides grants and non-grants programs, so you must read carefully to be sure what you are applying for.

If you want to apply for grants from a private organization, you can effortlessly search for the grants you need. Then, confirm if they are grants because the funders sometimes refer to them as “funds” or “financial assistance.” You might apply thinking it is a grant, only to learn that the funding needs to be repaid. You may also visit the portals such as GrantStation.com, which compiles private organizations and government grants.
 

2. Carefully Check the Application Criteria

Grants come with comprehensive qualification criteria, so you should carefully read the requirements to avoid wasting time applying for a grant you don’t qualify for. Granters may provide applicants with restrictions such as geographical location, age, and financial need, among many others. Also, check for the application deadline before you start filling out the application documents.
 

3. Do Enough Research

Before applying for any grant, do thorough research about the granting organization. Avoid organizations asking you to pay for the application or any other purpose. You shouldn’t pay any money to apply for a grant.
 

4. Follow the Right Application Procedure

Each grant has a unique application procedure. Therefore, please find out the application steps and carefully follow them to improve your winning chances. Some grants may require you to submit certain documents or proof of financial need during the application. The granter may also ask you to provide a written proposal explaining how you intend to spend the funds.

Make your proposal compelling by including data, tables, and graphics that you may find necessary for the particular application. Then proofread the proposal and get someone to review it to rule out errors and omissions before you send it.
 

5. Submit the Application and Wait

When you submit your application, the next thing should be waiting to find out if you get short-listed. Don’t be in a hurry because some selection processes take months before choosing the winners. If you win, the granting organization may require you to provide proof that you used the money for the intended purpose. Also, check the IRS to know if you’ll need to pay tax for the grant you receive.

If you are struggling with financial needs, you can apply for a personal grant from the government or private organization. If you are lucky to get the funding, you will enjoy the rare opportunity of getting money that doesn’t require repayment. However, many people apply for personal grants, making getting funding challenging.

Also, the selection process of qualifying applicants is rigorous, so you must be extra careful to ensure you provide the correct details and documents during the application. You will then have to wait for the short-listing committee to complete the lengthy selection process to determine if you qualify. So, a personal grant application is not an easy or quick way to get cash.