When to Apply
Since most government grants are not available year round, a grant seeker must apply when a particular grant program is announced by a government agency. When funds are made available, the agency places an announcement in the Federal Register, which is published each weekday. Federal grant announcements are also published on agency websites, many of which now allow grant seekers to submit grant applications electronically. In addition, those in search of grant funds can check out the government's Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance for more information on specific grants.
Funding for Businesses and Special Projects or Programs
While the Federal government gives out more than $150 billion in grants each year, in many cases, the money is distributed to individual states, which then redistribute the funds to businesses and programs, which will in some way benefit the public. Seeking a government grant requires a lot of time with no guarantee that the organization or individual applying will receive the grant. If grant monies are awarded, all grant funds must be spent exactly as described in the grant application.
Submitting an Application
Grant projects approved by the government begin to be announced once the Federal budget has been approved. At that time, eligible individuals or organizations may then apply for a specific grant that has been announced to the public. The grant announcement will specify how applicants can apply, where to get an application packet and the deadline date on which the application is due. In order to qualify to apply for a particular grant, the applicant must meet the grant's eligibility requirements. Instructions on apply will include how funds received from the grant may be used, specific information to be included on the application and the reporting methods expected from grant recipients. When submitting an application, those seeking funds must develop goals for use of the funds to be detailed in the application, along with a time frame for the steps of a proposed project or program to be completed. Failure to complete a project or program on time and in the manner specified in the grant proposal can result in serious penalties.
Grant Recipients
Even though the Federal government traditionally awards grant monies to government agencies and other community organizations that help those in need, a good deal of funding is provided to the nation's states, counties or cities to distribute as block grants to other charities and social service agencies planning projects, which will benefit communities at large. In these cases, the governmental body redistributing the grant money is responsible for conducting annual audits and may set its own guidelines and regulations for use of the funds. But no matter how grant funds are allocated, grant recipients must follow strict requirements throughout the duration of the program or project, clearly accounting for all expenses.
