Free Money News July 2013

Happy Fourth of July! We hope you have a healthy and happy celebration of the freedom we enjoy as Americans.

We know it can be difficult to fully enjoy that freedom if you feel strapped by financial problems, or if you need funding for your new business or a non-profit venture that is your dream.

It's confusing out there - but not impossible. In our July 2013 Free Money Highlights we help you out by identifying valuable resources along with important tips to take advantage of them.

Ever wonder what happened to the money authorized in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act? As of May 2013, $359 billion has been handed out just in the form of Federal Contracts, Grants and Loans. And you can see right down to your specific zip code what may be happening there. More importantly, tens of billions remain to be awarded in various forms.

Read on to discover more that will help you understand, find and write grants. You'll also discover one man's story of “twists and turns” getting grants. Finally, we share a reminder about our most popular tool of all…

U.S.Government Grant Department?

We often see people searching for this term – perhaps because they assume there is such a thing, perhaps because they have been misled by someone claiming to be from a department by that name. If you receive a call making such a claim, hang up because it's a scam. Learn more about how to defend yourself in our article about phone call scams.

In fact, there is no such a department. The federal government gives out billions and billions of dollars each year through 26 separate agencies. While you may benefit from these funds you will not receive them directly as an individual. The agencies deal with smaller government organizations, housing agencies, non-profits, and schools. If you are part of any of those groups, or if you are curious to learn more about the agencies that actually give grants, see our more detailed discussion regarding U.S. Government Grant Department.

Terms Are Tools You Can Use

Sometimes when you are looking for grants or other kinds of financial assistance it can feel like people are talking another language. You will be more successful in your search as well as on your applicatons if you know what relevant terms mean in this context. A good guide to terms can make all the difference, even if they don't sound like exciting reading.

Two of our most popular guides to increase your success are one about terms related to Grants, Funds and Support and another about terms related to the important task of writing and applying for grants. Check them out to find what you're looking for faster and get a leg up on your competition.

Learn From Experience

Nothing is better than learning through stories. It's especially valuable when the story comes from a real person who has written more than 20 grant proposals and has raised a whopping $10 million for doing it well! John McGee shares his experience with us so that you can benefit from his winning moves as well as from his mistakes. Learn along with him in A Journey Of Twists and Turns.

Our Most Popular Tool

With the recent increase in the interest rate on Stafford Loans for education, the race for Pell Grants has intensified. These are financial awards for school hat you do not have to pay back. Our favorit tool lets you know in minutes if you could qualify for a Pell Grant!

U.S.Government Grant Department?

We often see people searching for this term – perhaps because they assume there is such a thing, perhaps because they have been misled by someone claiming to be from a department by that name. If you receive a call making such a claim, hang up because it's a scam. Learn more about how to defend yourself in our article about phone call scams.

In fact, there is no such a department. The federal government gives out billions and billions of dollars each year through 26 separate agencies. While you may benefit from these funds you will not receive them directly as an individual. The agencies deal with smaller government organizations, housing agencies, non-profits, and schools. If you are part of any of those groups, or if you are curious to learn more about the agencies that actually give grants, see our more detailed discussion regarding U.S.Government Grant Department.

Terms Are Tools You Can Use

Sometimes when you are looking for grants or other kinds of financial assistance it can feel like people are talking another language. You will be more successful in your search as well as on your applicatons if you know what relevant terms mean in this context. A good guide to terms can make all the difference, even if they don't sound like exciting reading.

Two of our most popular guides to increase your success are one about terms related to Grants, Funds and Support and another about terms related to the important task of writing and applying for grants. Check them out to find what you're looking for faster and get a leg up on your competition.

Learn From Experience

Nothing is better than learning through stories. It's especially valuable when the story comes from a real person who has written more than 20 grant proposals and has raised a whopping $10 million for doing it well! John McGee shares his experience with us so that you can benefit from his winning moves as well as from his mistakes. Learn along with him in A Journey Of Twists and Turns.

Pell Grants: Our Most Popular Tool

With the recent increase in the interest rate on Stafford Loans for education, the race for Pell Grants has intensified. These are financial awards for school hat you do not have to pay back. Our favorit tool lets you know in minutes if you might qualify for a Pell Grant!