What Are the Grants Available in the United States
Grants can be a lifeline. Whether you’re starting a business, going back to school, running a nonprofit, or just trying to keep your head above water, there are funds set aside that don’t need to be paid back. The hard part? Knowing where to look.
In the United States, grants come from federal agencies, state governments, private foundations, and more. They cover a wide range of needs—education, housing, healthcare, research, community development, and small business support. But many people never apply, often because they’re unsure what’s out there or how to start.
Types of Grants You Can Apply For
- Federal grants for education, research, and economic support
- State and local grants tailored to specific regional programs
- Business grants for startups, women- and minority-owned enterprises
- Education grants for college students and career training
- Housing and utility support for low-income families
- Nonprofit funding for organizations making community impact
Federal Grants
The U.S. government offers a wide variety of grant programs. These are typically administered through agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Education (ED), Department of Agriculture (USDA), and others. Most of these are listed on Grants.gov, which is the main portal for federal funding.
Some well-known federal grant programs include:
Pell Grants – Need-based financial aid for undergraduate students
NSF Research Grants – Support for scientific research and innovation
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) – Help for cities and towns improving housing and economic opportunity
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) – Encourages small businesses to engage in federal research with commercial potential
Federal grants often require detailed applications and are sometimes only open to nonprofits, educational institutions, or public agencies. Still, individuals can apply for education, housing, or disaster relief funds depending on the program.
State and Local Grants
Every state runs its own grant programs based on local needs and budgets. Some offer small business assistance, housing help, or community development grants. These can be easier to access than federal funds and often have simpler requirements.
For example:
California Dream Act Grant helps eligible undocumented students with college costs
Texas Workforce Commission Grants support workforce training and development
New York State Arts Grants fund creative projects across the state
You can usually find state-level opportunities by visiting your state’s official government website or checking with local development agencies and community foundations.
Education Grants
Education is one of the largest areas of grant funding. Whether you’re a high school graduate, a parent going back to school, or someone looking for vocational training, there may be help available.
Pell Grants – As mentioned above, this is a major source of aid for low-income students pursuing an undergraduate degree
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) – Additional funds for students with the greatest financial need
TEACH Grant – Available to students who plan to become teachers in high-need fields and low-income schools
State Grants – Many states also offer programs that don’t require repayment, such as the Cal Grant in California or TAP in New York
Don’t forget to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year—it’s the gateway to most education grants.
Business Grants
Starting or growing a business often requires more funding than you can raise alone. Grants can help with startup costs, research, or reaching underserved markets.
Here are some business-focused programs to know:
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) – Encourage scientific excellence and innovation
Amber Grant – Awards monthly grants to women entrepreneurs
State Development Agencies – Offer grants and technical assistance to local businesses, especially in rural or underserved areas
Nav’s Small Business Grant – Private grant that supports U.S. small businesses with up to $10,000 in funding
Keep in mind that most business grants are competitive and require a solid plan, detailed application, and sometimes a pitch. But for those who qualify, they can provide the push to turn a great idea into reality.
Housing and Utility Assistance
Grants can also help individuals and families with basic needs like housing, rent, and utilities. These programs are often managed at the state or county level, but many are federally funded.
Examples include:
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Helps families cover heating and cooling bills
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers – Rent support for low-income households
Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) – Help with homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, and shelter operations
Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) – Support for mortgage relief during financial hardship
Local housing authorities or community action agencies can help you apply for these kinds of grants.
Nonprofit and Community Grants
If you’re working on a project that benefits your community, there may be grants to support it. These are often given by foundations, corporate giving programs, or government agencies.
Look for opportunities through:
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) – Supports art and cultural initiatives
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – Funds health-related projects
The Walmart Foundation – Offers community grants to nonprofits
Local Community Foundations – Many towns and counties have their own foundations that support education, environment, youth programs, and more
Most of these require a detailed proposal, budget, and clear plan for how the funds will be used. Strong storytelling and measurable goals help your application stand out.
Where to Start
Applying for grants can feel overwhelming at first. But there are many resources to guide you:
Grants.gov – The go-to site for federal grants
Benefits.gov – Helps match individuals with relevant federal assistance programs
Foundation Directory Online – Database of private and public foundations
SBA.gov – Information for small business owners and entrepreneurs
State and local websites – For regional programs and updates
Make sure to read all the requirements before applying. Some grants are open to anyone; others are only for nonprofits, veterans, or people in specific income brackets or industries.
Grants can open doors—whether you’re heading back to school, launching a business, or trying to meet everyday needs. The key is knowing where to look and being willing to put in the work. With the right resources and a little persistence, the support you need might already be out there.
