Federal Grant Eligibility Guidelines

According to the U.S. Governments Grants website, federal grants are available for both individuals and groups. Federal grants are not awarded for personal financial assistance; grants are awarded for research, government programs and programs within the arts. Grants must be applied for and are awarded by merit on a competitive basis.

Grants

• The Federal Grants Wire explains that a federal grant is a financial award from a federal agency taken from general federal funds. Federal grants are authorized by the laws of the U.S. and must provide support or stimulation for the U.S. economy, while benefiting the U.S. population.

Eligibility

• Individuals are only allowed to apply for grants specifically designed for individuals. The majority of grants are created for organizations and businesses. Eligibility for business grants is gauged by company size; the U.S. Small Business Administration creates guidelines on employee numbers or market value for federal grants available for businesses.

Types

• Federal grants designed for groups and organizations are generally available to government groups, such as state, local, city and township governments. Federal grants are available to public and private education districts and institutions, while housing grants are usually available for public housing authorities.