Government grants are money distributed by federal, state, and local agencies to individuals, nonprofits, and businesses for specific purposes—education, housing, small business development, research, and dozens of other areas. Unlike loans, grants don't require repayment. Understanding how these programs work, what they fund, and where to search for them helps you explore options that may match your situation.

The articles here explain the basic structure of grant programs, how funding decisions are made, and where different types of grants are listed and described. You'll learn what information agencies typically require, how to search across multiple sources, and what to watch for when evaluating whether a particular program fits your needs.