Financial Assistance Grants From Government

Financial Assistance Grants From Government are financial assistance that have been allocated to individuals and organizations.The  government financial grants are provided to help projects and programs that need development. These grants can be used for purposes like healthcare, housing, education of individuals or their families. The government provides various types of financial assistance grants and eligibility for these grants differ according to the program. Although some of the eligibility criterias of these programs are common and may include being a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen, have financial need or meet the specific professional or academic qualifications as required. There are also $7000 Government Grants that can be used for various purposes like education, health, small businesses and much more.

What is financial assistance from the Government?

Any type of assistance monetarily to an organization or a person is financial assistance. These financial assistance can be in the form of loans, guarantees, subsidies, cost sharing agreements or welfare payments. Struggling companies receiving tax allowance, government bailouts and grants are also examples of financial assistance.

Financial assistance from the government can be termed as the monetary aid provided by the government to families, individuals or businesses. These assistance can include loans, grants, tax credits or other forms of assistance. You can also find government grants that need not to be paid back, but remember you need to meet the specific eligibility required as set by the program.

Eligibility Requirements To Get Financial Assistance Grants From Government

To Secure a financial assistance from the government of the United States eligibility varies depending upon the program. However, some common eligibility requirements include :

• Being a U.S. permanent citizen.
• Demonstrating financial need.
• Meeting the required specific academic or professional qualifications

In addition to these requirements, programs may have some additional eligibility criterias that may include being a student, being a single parent or having some kind of disability. Applicants who need more information on these eligibility criterias can visit the respective programs website or contact the program administrator.

Documents Required To Get Financial Assistance Grants From Government

The documents required  generally vary depending upon the specific nature of the  grant program. Although, different here stated below are some common eligibility requirements:

• Proof of citizenship or permanent residency
• Proof of financial need, such as income tax returns or a bank statement
• A completed grant application, this includes information about the applicant, the project or program that has been proposed, and a budget
• Letters of support, from such individuals or organizations that can support the applicant’s project or program

Some programs require additional documents that may include a business plan, a resume or a research proposal.

List of Financial Assistance Grants From The Government

The government provides various assistance to the individuals to support education, health, nutrition and housing.

Financial Assistance for Education from the government

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs) is a grant program that is generally awarded  to undergraduate students who are in financial need. FSEOGs do not have to be repaid.

The amount of FSEOG money the applicant receives depends upon the financial need of the applicant as well aws the funds available at their school.The maximum FSEOG award for the year is $4,000.Applicants interested for FSEOG must complete the Free Application for Federal Student(FAFSA). It is available online at fafsa.gov .

Work Study Grants

This program known as Work-Study Grant is unique because it is a Federal financial aid program that provides part-time jobs for graduates and undergraduate students who are financially weak. These programs are both on campus or off campus and may not be related to an applicant’s field of study.

Applicants interested in applying for such Work-Study programs can contact their respective financial aid office. The financial aid office helps an applicant determine whether they are eligible for this Work-Study program by helping applicants find a job.

Federal Pell Grant

This grant is a Federal Financial aid package intended for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.This grant is an important source for low income students. The best part about the Pell grant is that students don’t have to repay it.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC), defines the amount of money from the Pell grant given to the students. This is calculated based on the applicant’s family income and assets.The maximum amount awarded for the year is $7,395 for the Pell grant. To apply for the Pell grant Applicants must fill out the free  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at fafsa.gov.

Financial Assistance for Food from the government

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program is a program designed to provide food benefits to all eligible low-income individuals and families. This program is the largest federal nutrition assistance program in the United States. It works by an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card can be used like a debit card to purchase food in authorized retail food stores.

The amount received by benefactors from SNAP depends upon factors like income, household size and expenses. Interested applicants have to contact their local SNAP office or locate their local SNAP office by visiting the SNAP website or calling the SNAP hotline at 1-800-221-1895.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a federal nutrition program that is intended to provide supplemental food and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. The WIC aims to provide food like Eggs, milk, Cheese, Fruits and vegetables, Cereal, Whole-wheat bread, Peanut butter, Infant formula, Baby food etc according to the individuals need.

Applicants for WIC,need to contact your local WIC office. One can find their local WIC office by visiting the WIC website or by calling the WIC hotline at 1-800-942-3424.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a program that provides nutrition assistance providing monthly food packages to low-income seniors aged 60 and over. The CSFP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and is operated in partnership with state and local agencies.  Applicants for  CSFP,need to contact your local CSFP agency. One can find their local CSFP agency by visiting the CSFP website or by calling the CSFP hotline at 1-866-348-6363.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program designed to help supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance.This program is completely free of cost.TEFAP  purchases food from farmers and then the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and distribute it to the state distributing agencies send them to the food banks and soup kitchens then receive these food items and then distribute it to eligible families and individuals.

The food applicants receive from TEFAP depends upon the household size and income.The packages from TEFAP include shelf-stable foods and various canned items like canned fruits and vegetables, canned meat, canned fish, peanut butter, cereal, pasta, and rice. Application for TEFAP can be done by contacting local food banks or soup kitchens. Applicants can find their local food bank or soup kitchen by visiting the TEFAP website or by calling the TEFAP hotline at 1-866-348-6363.

Financial Assistance for Housing from the government

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are programs which are a federal housing assistance program helping very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) administer vouchers on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Applicants interested in applying for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, have to contact their local PHA. Applicants can find your local PHA by visiting the HUD website or by calling the HUD hotline at 1-800-950-2210.

Public Housing

This program operated by a government agency is a type of housing program provided to  low-income families and individuals who cannot afford to rent or buy housing on their own.

Applicants interested in applying for public housing,have to contact their local public housing authority (PHA). The PHA will provide the applicants with an application and information about the eligibility requirements.

The Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)

The Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is a federal program providing tax credits to investors who invest in rehabilitation or construction of affordable rental housing for low-income households. The LIHTC is a very important source responsible for funding affordable housing in the United States

Applicants who wish to qualify for the LIHTC, must meet certain requirements, including:

• At least 20% of the units must be rented to households with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI).
• At least 40% of the units must be rented to households with incomes at or below 60% of the AMI.
• The project has to remain affordable for at least 15 years.

Applicants interested in learning more about the LIHTC, one can visit the website of the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) to know more details.

The Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

The Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) is a federal block grant program that aims to provide funding to state and localities who create affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. Interested applicants who wish to learn more about the HOME program, can visit the website of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to know more.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federal program intended to provide grants to communities intending to develop viable urban communities by providing suitable living environments,decent housing  and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

Interested applicants for CDBG, can visit the website of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or call the HUD hotline at 1-800-950-2210 to learn more.

Financial Assistance for Health from the government

Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program intending to  provide health coverage to low-income individuals and families. Medicaid is the largest source of health insurance coverage in the United States. It provides coverage to over 80 million people. Interested applicants for Medicaid, can contact their state Medicaid agency. One can find their state Medicaid agency by visiting the Medicaid website or by calling the Medicaid hotline at 1-800-677-1116.

Medicare

Medicare is a federal  health insurance program  catering to people of age 65 or older and young people with disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Medicare has four parts:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps them cover the cost of inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
• Part B (Medical Insurance) helps in covering the cost of doctor’s visits, outpatient hospital care, preventive care, and some prescription drugs.
• Part C (Medicare Advantage) helps people get their Medicare benefits through private health insurance companies. Medicare Advantage plans often offer additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.

Interested candidates can learn more about Medicare, by visiting the Medicare website or calling the Medicare hotline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) program from the federal government that provides health insurance to low- and moderate-income children. CHIP is different from Medicaid, but it has similarities .

Interested candidates for CHIP, can contact their state CHIP agency. One can find their state CHIP agency by visiting the CHIP website or by calling the CHIP hotline at 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).

How To Apply For Financial Assistance Grants From Government?

Applicants interested to apply for the grants from the government need follow the steps below:

• Find the right grant program. There are various grants the government provides, applicants can look up on the Grants.gov website to search for the available grant programs that meet their requirements and are relevant to them.
• Reading the application guidelines carefully. Once applicants find their suitable grant program, they need to read the application guidelines carefully. These guidelines inform applicants to know the application process and submit it.
• Gather the required documentation. Grant applications need  documents that applicants must submit to support their claim. These documents mostly include letters of support, financial statements and resumes. Applicants must start their documentation process early and must have enough time to submit all documents with their application.
• Complete the application. Once applicants gather all of their documents they can begin to complete their application and answer all of the questions accurately.
• Submit the application. Applicants who have completed their application must submit their applications on time and must ensure all instructions provided in the guidelines must be followed.

Additional Tips To Get Financial Assistance From the Government

Some additional tips for applicants willing to apply for the financial assistance grants from the government are:

Start early. The application for these grants can be time-consuming hence, it is important for applicants to start early. This gives an applicant enough time to gather all required documents and have a strong proposal.

Get help from others.  A lot of resources are available to applicants who need help with the application process and can contact the grant program administrator for assistance. They can also seek help from a grant writer or a financial counselor.

Be persistent. Applicants have to be persistent and must not give up if they don’t receive grants in their first try. There are a lot of grants available and new opportunities are announced all the time. Applicants must be vigilant about these and keep trying till they are successful.

Bottom Line

Financial assistance grants from the government  are extremely important for those individuals , businesses or organizations that are in need of financial support. They use such grants for a range of necessary activities which include providing housing, healthcare, business development and education to the needy.  Financial assistance grants from the government  help out organizations and individuals in getting the financial help in attaining their targets. To increase their chances of getting a grant, applicants can follow the steps stated above. We have also provided comprehensive information about foundation grants and non profit grants that can be of great help to you. Thanks for going through this article till the end, I hope the article is of great use to you. To know more about application procedure and eligibility requirements of various grants check out Grantsbuddy.

Frequently Asked Questions