Americans are struggling under the weight of a sagging economy. According to United Way, nearly one-third of working citizens do not earn enough money to take care of basic needs for their families, and 12 percent of the U.S. population lives below the poverty level---even while toiling at two and sometimes three jobs. Help is available in the form of grants that could make incomes go further by helping cover utility bills, mortgages and car payments.
Finding Grants Online
Govbenefits.gov will help you find personal grants to help with bills by linking to agencies in all 50 states. Each state varies in what grants it offers and through what department. Another place to find government grants to get money for bills is through the nonprofit American Public Human Services Association (www.aphsa.org). This site also provides links to state agencies to aid in your search for money to pay bills.
One of the best ways to find government grants is through grants.gov---think of it as the clearinghouse of federal grants for groups in need of money to cover expenses. One of the managing partners of the Web site is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Though it doesn't handle personal grants, grants.gov can help direct your search for personal financial assistance to pay bills, including student loans.
Finding Grants in Your Community
Finding sources of grant money to pay bills in your community is possible. One of the best places to start is with local government offices. Even though local governments may not hand out personal grants, people who work in these offices are in tune to what is happening in the community. Officials may keep lists of local resources to help residents.
Check with local food pantries. These charitable groups often have limited monetary help available for their clients. The groups probably do not publicize this action. You need to ask.
Contact local churches, which have a variety of outreach services to help the community, including providing monetary help for bills and other living expenses. Also try your local United Way or Salvation Army to find out what sources of grants for bills these agencies have available.
Grants for Students
Students seeking help paying their college tuition bills and living expenses can also apply for student aid online. By visiting Student Aid on the Web (studentaid.ed.gov), you will find information on everything from "Grant and Loan Program Fact Sheets" and "TEACH Grant Information" to applying for loans and tips on repayment of loans. The site, operated by the U.S. Department of Education, even has tips on applying for college admission.
Applying for Grants
Applying for grants can take time to fill out applications and wait for approval. If your situation is an emergency, contact a local charitable group for help.
Though most sites will not charge fees, be aware that some will. One that will charge an application fee is usafundingapplications.org. However, the site does promise a money-back guarantee if you do not find a free grant to pay utility bills. Another source that will charge a fee is gtionline.foundationcenter.org. This site will help you find more than 8,300 programs, including for people seeking general welfare help.
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