Thousands of dollars in US state government grants go unclaimed every year. That being said, you need to make sure you qualify for the right free government grants, and you need to understand the nuances of filling out paperwork to earn these grants. State government grant information usually includes paperwork to fill out online, or that you can download, but learning how to fill out grant paperwork correctly can help your free government grants sail through approval boards for quicker funds in your hands.

Making the most of US state government grants is easy if you follow these simple steps:

1. Learn how to fill out grant forms quickly and effectively.
2. Watch out for scams about free money government grants.
3. Think outside the box when it comes to looking for free information on government grants and other funding solutions.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take a class to learn about effective grant writing

Grant writing is more than just filling out forms and mailing them in. The best grant writers command top salaries because they know how to write effective grant proposals that will ensure grant monies are awarded. You can take online classes to learn more about free money government grants and how to write proposals that will win free state government grants.

I recommend: U. S. Government Grants offers information about free government grants and grant writing through workshops and online classes. Perdue University offers a tutorial that walks you through all the steps of preparing a proposal for free state grants.

Avoid scams and avoid paying for state government grant information

Many companies and consultants use the term 'free government grants' to lure others into buying their literature, software or other informational products. By definition, a grant implies free government funds. Be wary of purchasing costly merchandise that boast of access to free government grants, they could be scams that take your money and leave you with information you could find free online.

I recommend: Grant Reviews Online reviews the top free list of government grants online, so you won't waste your money on information that's available free, anyway. Fraud.org offers an article on avoiding bogus state government grant info that you might get over the phone or by fax or the Internet.

Dig for alternatives to state government grant info - like private grant funding sources

Sure, government grants never repay, so they are a type of free money, but when you're looking for a state government grant database, think outside the traditional places to look for free government grants. Instead, look for search options that give you access to private funding sources, too, and specific items like free government grants for women, minorities, and other funding solutions.

I recommend: Community of Science (COS) offers a comprehensive database you can search to find publicly and privately funded grant opportunities. The Foundation Center offers an online searchable database for locating private and public foundations that offer grant funding for organizations and individuals.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It might seem like getting money for 'nothing' is too good to be true. However, there are free government grants available for a variety of businesses and individuals. Don't forget grant opportunities like fellowships and study grants, too, that can help a student finish up that degree with the help of a federal, state, or local grant or fellowship.

US state government grants are offered in every industry to all types of individuals and businesses in the interest of helping fund start-up and operating costs. Grants are a gift and therefore do not have to be paid back. While it does take some work to get a government grant, the rewards can by far outweigh the trouble.

Finding and applying for free state grants can be time-consuming and overwhelming. First, you need to find the state government grants for which you qualify, which will keep you from wasting precious time. Next, gather the applications and requirements before putting it all together.

1. Find the grants for which you and your business qualify.

2. Gather the appropriate application instructions.

3. Put together an amazing grant application kit and proposal.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the free government grants for you

Make a list of the different categories into which you and your business fit including your gender, your race, information about your business (if you are a small business owner), area in which you live, and the purpose of the money you seek (for start-up, equipment, office space or other expenses). While there are plenty of general funds grants for which to apply, the more specific you can be, the better the chance of getting the grants for which there is less competition for the money.

I recommend: You will need to find and purchase a government grant guide. You can also visit your library, but considering the amount of photocopying you would need to do, it's better to invest in a guide. Free Daily Dollars offers a free CD (you pay $1.99 shipping) of government grants to never repay. For instant access of free government grants, check out Uncle Sam's Money.

Gather applications for government grants

The application processes for free money government grants can be lengthy, but are necessary to have a chance at free government grant money. Most government grants have a web site with information and offer their applications online to print as PDF files. If you can't download the pdf, download and install Adobe Acrobat 9.0 first. If you are concerned about a grant being a scam, check out Scammer Alert!

I recommend: Grants.gov is a free government grant web site that allows you to search among their 26 federal grantmaking agencies to find the right government grant for your needs. You can register and apply for free government grants online. USA.gov offers an alphabetical listing of state government grants that are available according to area of need, such as adoption assistance, they also have forms on the site you can view, print or download.

Put together your U.S. grant application kit

You will need the application forms offered by the individual free state grants, as well as a copy of your business plan and other possible forms or records. For the best application kit possible, invest in the help of a government grants consultant.

I recommend: Fundsnet Services Online offers services to help you write your grant proposals and getting the funding you need. They also have an alphabetical listing of foundations who accept grants on their site. SP Consultants is one example of a business specializing in helping grant writers or grant seekers. They offer state government grant information, provide a free list of government grants and help you apply for free government grants.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always make copies of all documents you are sending off. This is for your records as well as serving as backup should your packet get lost in the mail.

If you're a business consultant who'd like to specialize in small business consulting, learning how to assist your clients in applying for free government grants is an excellent place to begin. Most small businesses need government grants they never repay. The federal government recognizes this and that's why it provides billions of dollars in free government grants for women starting their businesses, or more minorities or any entrepreneur just getting started.

Whether your client is seeking federal or state government grants, you will need to perform some basic research on government grants in general. You'll also have to become quite adept at completing what usually are lengthy grant applications. Take the following steps as you begin your US state government grants education and training:

1. Do background research on free state grants.

2. Find out what it takes to prepare a winning proposal for free state government grants.

3. Teach your clients state government grant information they’ll use after they receive the grant.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get background information on how to apply for free government grants

Learn which state agency reviews grant applications, whether your client qualifies for grants and what kind, and what government grants are currently available.

I recommend: Venture Worthy provides free, online advice about the grants available for small businesses in particular. The Applicant User Guide on Grants.gov walks you through the process of applying for grants.

Learn how to prepare applications for free state government grants

Find out how to write an executive summary, a project description and a page explaining the funding requirements for your proposal.

I recommend: Non Profit Guides educates you with step by step instructions on how to write winning grants. Even if you’re not a non-profit organization, you can follow their tips. Foundation Center.org breaks down all parts of the grant writing proposal, from research to its budget and conclusion.

Arm yourself with state government grant information necessary to comply with free government grants

When your clients apply for free government grants, there are sometimes special guidelines that your client must follow. When you understand the strings attached to these grants, you can teach your clients to comply. Displaying an understanding of this during the grant application process will greatly increase your clients' chance of receiving free government grants.

I recommend: Grant Writing USA offers grant management seminars that will help you teach your clients how to comply with the guidelines and requirements that accompany many free government grants. The EPA offers training programs that you can recommend to your non-profit clients to help them properly manage their grants. The American Association of Grant Professionals National Conference is a great way for you to get the grant management training your company needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you pursue your US state government grants education and training, you'll quickly learn that not all agencies who say they offer grants are reputable. Contact your state's treasury department or office of business development to verify whether the grant is from a trustworthy source.