If you don't have enough money, apply for a personal need grant.People apply for a personal need grant because of tuition assistance.The United States government and private charitable organizations offer other forms of support.Grants can be used to help with utility bills, food or shelter, or medical care.
Step 1: Make a list of your needs.
Grants can be awarded to help people with disabilities or to fund specific activities.Identifying the help you need will help organizations find you.
Step 2: You can visit grants databases.
The database www.grants.gov is used by the U.S. government to collect information on grants.The website is hard to use.A search for food assistance will bring up almost 30 pages of results.You have to scroll through the results to find something relevant.Most of the grants on www.grant.gov are for organizations and non-profits.
Step 3: You can search the web.
Several websites mentioned non-profits who may assist with electric, heat, or utility bills after a search for "help paying utility".To find out what the grant is for, type "grant assistance" and then "weatherization" into the browser.The National Fuel Funds Network is one of the nonprofits who assist with utilities.
Step 4: Take a look at major charitable organizations.
The 50 largest charities in the United States give over 20 billion dollars to the public each year.The United Way, Food for the Poor, and Brother's Brother Foundation are some of the major charitable organizations.
Step 5: Get in touch with companies and businesses.
Many companies you owe money to, such as utility companies or hospitals, have programs in place to give grants to people in need.Contact them early if you have trouble paying your bill.The information should be sent with the bill.Follow up by calling the billing department.Hospitals may have financial counselors on staff who can meet with you to discuss repayment options.
Step 6: Ask about religious organizations.
Churches, mosques, and temples are some of the largest providers of public assistance.Half of all charitable giving goes to religious organizations.Local houses of worship provide assistance to the needy, even though the Salvation Army is a famous charity.There are grants that a house of worship may award.
Step 7: Ask a social worker or case manager.
If you are getting support from the government or private entities, you should have a case worker assigned to you.Inquire for assistance in finding appropriate organizations to apply to.
Step 8: You don't want to pay money for help.
Fees may be charged in order to grant access to their databases.There is no reason to pay.It's a good idea to be cautious of attempts to loan you money.A loan is not a grant.The loans have to be paid back.A grant is free.
Step 9: Financial information should be gathered.
To show that you are truly needy, be sure to document your financial situation.Income tax forms, pay stubs, and social security payments can be found here.Send copies if you want to keep the originals.If the original is lost, you will have to get new copies.Proper personal documentation should include a driver's license or ID card, as well as your social security number.
Step 10: Any disability should be documented.
Grants can be given for specific disabilities or other characteristics.Make copies of your medical records and store them in a safe place.
Step 11: Put together a list of expenses.
You should document your expenses if you want to show that your income is low.This will allow you to see where your money is going.Records of health care expenses can be kept, as well as expenses for food and lodging.
Step 12: Any disaster should be documented.
Document the destruction to your home if you want to get relief from a disaster.It's best to take pictures or video.List everything that has been destroyed in each room.Save the receipts for when you replace something that has been destroyed.
Step 13: You can contact the organization.
Email and telephone numbers will be provided on national organizations' websites.You can call or stop by if you look in the yellow pages.If you are immobile, ask a friend or neighbor to stop by and apply for a grant.
Step 14: Read eligibility requirements carefully.
There are grants for specific groups.There is no point in applying for a grant if you don't meet the qualifications.You can call the organization if you have questions.They might make exceptions.
Step 15: Provide all the requested documents at once.
You should give the organization all of the information it needs before the process begins.
Step 16: Keep the organization up to date.
Update the organization on any status changes if you receive a grant.Let them know if your income increases or decreases.Also updated on health changes.You may be able to get an increase in the grant amount if you become permanently disabled.