What Type of Grants Should I Apply For? A Guide For Grant-Seekers

Grants are awarded for community enrichment projects like homeless shelters, environmental preservation, a way to get a startup business off the ground, or even to help a single parent go back to school. However, as popular as grants are, grant-seekers are oftentimes still not sure what type of grants they should apply for. It is critical to determine your grant-seeker status before you apply for grants. For instance, did you know a grant-seeker should only apply to grants they are eligible for? This is the 1st step to ensure funding will be awarded. GrantWatch is here to help you home in on the type of grants that best suit your needs.

Check Your Eligibility First

The first step is to decide what type of grant-seeker are you. You must ensure your eligibility when researching grants. For example, are you applying on behalf of a nonprofit organization, a business, or as an individual? As a grant-seeker, you should start by completing your Grant Readiness Assessment today. This will help you to determine what type of grants you should apply for. Don’t waste your valuable time or hire a grant writer if you are not eligible for funding opportunities. In the long run, submitting a grant proposal for a grant that you are not even qualified for will only lead to your grant application being denied. In this case, you will not receive the grant, so why frustrate yourself?

Types of Grants

So, you’re eligible and ready to apply for a grant. Lucky for you, there are so many grants to choose from. Grants can fund critical disaster relief projects, innovative medical research, and many other helpful programs enriching communities. However, there are also grants for businesses and individuals. Oftentimes grant-seekers become overwhelmed looking for a grant that is hyper-specific to them, only to come up empty-handed. The best way to ensure you find a grant that showcases your unique abilities is to cast a large net. GrantWatch is here to help you along your grant-seeking journey. Below are some categories of grants you might be missing out on:

In-Kind Support Grants

Some grants provide alternative assistance in non-monetary forms. Many programs provide services for their communities. Because of this, organizations offer items like gift cards or services rather than direct funding. For example, valuable donations of equipment for your childcare business or nonprofit thrift store are covered under In-Kind Support grants.

Capital Funding Grants

If you are starting a business or a nonprofit, general grants like Financial Assistance and Capital Funding grants can help. These grants help to offset almost any operating expense for your organization. In addition, capital funding grants are less restrictive than program support grants. However, keep in mind, competition is fierce. In reality, it is imperative to apply early and frequently for these types of grants.

BIPOC Grants

BIPOC grants are available to support many organizations and individuals. The term BIPOC has emerged as a term replacing “people of color,” or POC. This is a term meant to bring together people of color while also elevating Black and Indigenous voices. If you meet the eligibility requirements for a BIPOC grant this might be the way to secure the funding you need.

Teacher Grants

I know what you are thinking. Yes! Teacher grants are funding just for the teacher! Many of us have heard of Education grants and Scholarship grants. However, many individuals do not know how to take advantage of grants for teachers. We all know at least one teacher who spends 20% of their income on supplies for their students. Grants that fall under categories like Quality of Life and Teacher are the type of grants established to help teachers and other individuals receive the help they need to continue their good work.

Childcare & Preschool Grants

Access to affordable and safe childcare is a fundamental necessity for families. Foundations and government agencies want to help fund and provide adequate childcare and offer these types of grants frequently. Grants listed in categories like Preschool and Operating Support help fund childcare services. If awarded, this funding will help you open a preschool for your rapidly growing rural community. Childcare is a part of any thriving economy, and it is an important service. So go find a grant that will help you with your passion to provide childcare for the community.

Elderly & Mental Health

Many groups are helping the elderly or those with mental health needs receive the care and socialization they require. To illustrate, are you working with the library to host a bingo night for seniors in your community? If so, you should be applying for grants regularly. Categories like Aging and Senior grants or Mental Health will help you with your project. You could even have the library offer a letter of support to increase your chances of being awarded.

Faith-Based Community Support

Various faith-based organizations actively offer enriching support to their communities. For example, a church with a weekly soup kitchen or a temple providing clothing for the homeless. The good news is, if this is you, there are special grants for you too. Start your search in the Faith-Based and Community Services categories. These grants will offer your faith-based nonprofit funding for your various outreach programs.

At-Risk Youth Outreach

Many organizations help their communities by offering students support for college applications and athletic training. These are services protecting students from gang violence, the continuing cycle of poverty, and even imprisonment. If this sounds like it might fit you or your organization, consider looking at At-Risk Youth grants for your organization.

Business Grants

It’s no surprise that a new business would be excited to be awarded a grant, however, as a for-profit organization you will have a much more competitive and cut-throat grant-seeking process than a typical nonprofit. Not to worry, there are grants to help a start-up business or an established one. If you are a for-profit business you will seek funding in categories like Entrepreneurs and Startups, Business, or even Awards to find the type of grants you need for your business.

Housing & Development Grants

Oftentimes local governments don’t have the funding for community development. Are you improving the living conditions for those in rural communities or seeking a grant to help you develop land? You need Community and Economic Development grants. You can also research Housing grants that will help you provide affordable housing for those community members in need.

Individual Grants

Nonprofits tend to be awarded grants more than any other group of grant-seekers. However, many individuals are also eligible for grant funding. Typically, Individual grants are available to certain income brackets, locations, and professions. This includes grants for individuals such as researchers, scientists, artists, and veterans. As an individual, you can also apply for hardship grants. During challenging times, many individuals experience financial difficulties. Keep in mind, some grants are not awarded to individuals, so make sure to do your research beforehand.

Find the Type of Grant You Are Eligible For

As you can see, understanding the type of grants that can help secure funding for your special interests is critical. You will achieve the best results during your grant-seeking journey if you utilize the easy-to-use GrantWatch grant database. With this ground-breaking tool, you can confirm the eligibility requirements for grants no matter where you are in your grant-seeking journey.

The team at GrantWatch hopes this article has been informative and helpful. We strongly advise utilizing our grant database to increase your chances of finding the perfect grant for your particular needs.

GrantNews Notes

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