You've probably received the emails or mailers. The lead headline tells you that the federal government is giving away millions and that you qualify. The adds usually go on to say that you can finance your business, remodel your house or pay off bills. All you have to do is contact the company and they will check to see if you qualify.

Inevitably you do! And, oh yes, now send them a fee for the information. Some will even offer to write the grant proposal or letter for you. But beware!

As a professional grant writer and educator I cringe every time I see those commercials. I worry how many people are wasting their money. There are government sites where you can locate this information free.

If you think you qualify for federal grants go to the United States Government site and click on grants. Put your key words into their search engine and see if there is money for you. If you find something then great!

Double-check the eligibility section and the deadline. If it still looks doable, you will have to register for as an individual if the grants are for yourself or as an organization if the grants are for your business. Just follow the directions. If you need help send me an email. It will take a few days to a few weeks before you are approved. In the meantime download the application and get started.

Most of the ads are going to send you information on government benefits programs. These are not grants but you still need to qualify. You can locate this information free in the same manner. Go to the United States Government site and search for the benefits page. This site has an automated questionnaire that will let you know if you qualify for any benefits and how to get them.

With a little bit of persistence you can find out what you qualify for with out paying someone else. Use your money for more extensive grant searches if you are a non-profit, a student, an educator or other who qualifies for the millions of grant dollars that are out there. Money is usually not available for average citizens or for businesses so please be careful and don't get scammed. Be very cautious when you receive alerts that you qualify for free money.

Now, if you still believe that your business, passion or group will qualify for a grant find a professional grant writer who will also search for you. It can be worth it to have someone else do all of the work of looking. The professionals receive alerts of government and other types of grants. They also have the ability to search large databases that are off limits for the average person. Just be cautious, do your homework and ask a lot of questions.

Yes, there is free money! If you really don't want to be bothered checking for your self, than certainly, pay a grant writing company to do the searches or to write the proposal for you. Be sure to know what you are getting for your money. Email me and I will happily answer questions at no cost. Admin@4FundingSuccess.com.

Please include this contact section if you use the article for your blog or newsletter.

FundingSuccess.us was established in 2000. Since then a number of people have been educated and received assistance in grant writing. Classes are on going. Keri Silk, MS is the founder and she is happy to answer any questions. Email freereport@fundingsuccess.us and receive 47 Tips for Getting the Money free or call 866-279-8666 for more information.

This article may be reprinted only in it's entirety.

Author's Bio: 

Keri Silk wrote her first successful grant twenty years ago. She has been helping others understand where to find money and how to get the free money since then. Keri is the author of Navigating the Grant Writing Maze, 217 Grants for the Faith Based and other books. She provides ongoing information and resources through Funding Success. One on one questions can be answered.