Unlocking Grants: How to Find Funding That Fits Your Needs

Grants 101: Breaking it Down Into Plain Language

At its core, a grant is money awarded to a person, group, or organization to fund a specific purpose — often something that benefits the public. The main difference between a grant and a loan? Grants usually don’t have to be paid back.

Grants can be offered by a variety of sources, including:

Federal, state, or local governments
Nonprofit groups and charities
Colleges, universities, and research institutions
Foundations and industry associations
Religious organizations

Each grant comes with its own mission and eligibility rules. For example:

The Department of Education offers grants to help students cover the cost of college.
The Small Business Administration supports entrepreneurs with funding to grow their companies.
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides housing-related grants for veterans.

Most of the time, federal grants go to states or local agencies, which then distribute the funds to individuals or organizations through their own programs.

How the Grant Process Usually Works

While details vary by program, most grant applications follow a similar path:

Research available grants and find one that matches your needs.
Check the eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify.
Submit an application — often with supporting documents.
Wait for review and approval.
Use the funds as intended under the program rules.

Main Categories of Grants

While there are thousands of individual programs, most grants fall into three broad types:

Federal Grants – Issued directly by U.S. government agencies or distributed to states and communities as “pass-through” funding.
State Grants – Funded by state governments, sometimes with federal support, and designed for residents or in-state projects.
Private or Non-Government Grants – Provided by nonprofit organizations, foundations, companies, or community groups.

Each category contains programs for specific purposes — from helping students pay for school to funding small business innovation or providing aid to low-income families. The sections ahead break these down in detail so you can find opportunities that match your situation.

Contact Info for Federal Grants & Benefit Programs

There are dozens of federal benefit programs and grant opportunities funded by the U.S. government. While some programs are not necessarily “grants,” they often provide monetary benefits that can be considered similar to a grant, which doesn’t need to get repaid. Here’s some handy contact information you might need.

Type of Grant / Program	Government Department	Phone Number	Website
Grants for College	U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Federal Student Aid Office	1 (800) 433-3243	https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants
LIHEAP	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)	1 (866) 674-6327	https://www.usa.gov/help-with-energy-bills
TANF	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)	State-specific; use the interactive map here: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/map/about/help-families	https://www.usa.gov/welfare-benefits
SNAP	U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)	1 (800) 221-5689	https://www.usa.gov/food-stamps
Small Business Grants	U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)	(571) 306-5201	https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/grants
Veteran Small Business Grants	U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD)	1 (202) 205-6773	https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses
rowspan	VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)	1 (866) 584–2344	https://www.va.gov/osdbu/
Veteran Housing Grants	Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)	(800) 827-1000	https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/
Veteran Education Grants	Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)	(888) 442-4551	Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/iraq-afghanistan-service GI Bill Programs: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/
Adaptive Sports Grant Program	Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events Office (NVSP&SE)	sports4vets@va.gov	https://www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse/grant-program/

Education Grants: Funding Your Path to Learning

For many students, the biggest hurdle to earning a degree is the cost. Education grants help remove some of that burden by covering part — and sometimes all — of tuition, housing, books, or other school-related expenses. And unlike loans, grants generally don’t need to be paid back as long as you follow the program’s rules.

Grants are available from multiple sources:

Federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Education
State governments that support residents attending in-state schools
Private organizations such as foundations, nonprofits, and companies

Federal Education Grants: The Basics

The federal government offers several major grant programs aimed at students with financial need. The starting point for most is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — the form that determines eligibility for federal, state, and many private grants.

Key federal education grants include:

Pell Grant

Designed for undergraduate students who haven’t earned a bachelor’s or professional degree.
Awarded based on financial need, which is calculated using your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and your school’s Cost of Attendance (COA).
The maximum award for the 2025–2026 year is $7,395, though your actual amount depends on your income, enrollment status (full- or part-time), and how long you’ll be in school that year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

For students with exceptional financial need who already qualify for the Pell Grant.
Award amounts range from $100 to $4,000 per year, depending on your school’s funding and your financial situation.

TEACH Grant

Offers up to $4,000 per year to students training to become teachers in high-need subjects, such as math, science, or special education.
Requires a four-year teaching commitment in a low-income area. If you don’t fulfill the service obligation, the grant converts to a loan.

State Education Grants

In addition to federal funding, most states offer their own grants for residents attending in-state colleges or universities. These programs may be:

Need-based – For students with limited income.
Merit-based – For students with high academic performance or special achievements.
Targeted – For specific groups, such as minority students or those entering high-demand careers.

To apply, you’ll usually need to submit the FAFSA and meet your state’s application deadline. Award amounts and eligibility rules vary widely — some states cover only part of tuition, while others offer full funding for qualifying students.

Private & Non-Government Education Grants

Colleges, nonprofits, charities, and professional organizations also award grants. These can be based on your field of study, personal background, or career goals.

Examples:

United Negro College Fund (UNCF) – Supports students of color across the country.
American Hotel & Lodging Foundation – Grants and scholarships for hospitality students.
Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) – Funding for aspiring journalists.

Because private grants often have very specific eligibility rules, it pays to research opportunities that fit your exact situation.

Finding and Applying for Education Grants

Here are a few trusted resources to jump-start your search:

CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder – Run by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Federal Student Aid – Official information on federal grants.

College Board Scholarship Search – Find grants and scholarships nationwide.

Help for Families with Low Income

Families and individuals with low incomes in the United States can get help from a variety of programs run by the government and private organizations. Some of these programs are called “grants,” while others provide support in the form of money, food, or other resources to make life a little easier.

Not all federal grants go straight to people. Many are given to local groups that run programs for families in need. For example, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), run by FEMA, gives money to local organizations. These groups then use the funds to provide food, temporary shelter, supplies, and help with housing for people in their communities.

Other programs give help directly to families and individuals. Your income and other personal details decide if you can qualify for this kind of support.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a program that helps low-income families with money, job training, and child care support. It is run by the federal government through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), but each state, U.S. territory, and Native American tribe manages the program locally.

Federal funds go to local governments and tribal nations, which then give benefits to families who need them. Families who are unemployed or earning very little may get help with cash, jobs, job training, or child care. Since TANF is run locally, the program may have different names and rules depending on where you live.

Who Can Get TANF

To receive TANF, families must meet certain requirements. Most places check four main things:

Income – Families must earn below a certain amount. Usually, household income must be 50% or less of the area’s average income.
Employment – Adults must work or take part in job-related activities.
Behavior – Some areas require kids to attend school or get vaccines. Exceptions may apply for religious reasons or health concerns.
Assets – Families may have limits on things like cars, stocks, or savings.

The exact rules and benefit amounts depend on the state, territory, or tribe.

Work Requirements

Adults on TANF usually need to work or participate in work-related programs. These programs can include:

Jobs in private or public sectors
Training on the job
Job skills classes
Job search and readiness programs
Community service
Vocational education
Child care while participating in work programs

The number of hours required varies: single parents often need to complete 20 hours per week, while two-parent households may need 30 hours.

How TANF Benefits Work

TANF provides money to families based on:

Where you live – Each area has its own rules and payment amounts
Family size – More children usually mean more money
Household income – Lower income may increase benefits

Benefits can be received in different ways:

Paper Checks – Some places still offer traditional checks.
EBT Card – Works like a debit card for shopping or withdrawing cash at ATMs.
Prepaid Card – Like an EBT card, accepted in more stores and online.
Direct Deposit – Money is sent directly to your bank account.

Each local TANF office decides how much money to give and which payment method to use.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income families and individuals pay for their home energy costs, like heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. While the federal government provides the money, each state, U.S. territory, and Native American tribe runs the program locally. That means the program may have different names and rules depending on where you live.

LIHEAP can offer both emergency help—if your utilities are about to be shut off—and regular assistance to cover part of your energy bills. Some people may also qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which helps make homes more energy-efficient and reduce future energy costs.

Understanding the Qualifications

Eligibility rules can vary by location, but most programs check the following:

Income – Household income usually must be below 150% of the federal poverty level, though high-cost areas may allow more.
Residency – Applicants must live in the state, territory, or tribe where they apply.
Citizenship – U.S. citizens and certain qualified nonresidents can apply, including green card holders, refugees, asylees, and some others.
Assets – Some areas check assets like savings, checking accounts, stocks, or property. Common exclusions include your home, one car, household items, student loans, and burial accounts.

Some families automatically qualify if they already receive other federal assistance, a process called “categorical eligibility.”

What Are the Benefits of LIHEAP?

LIHEAP can provide two kinds of help:

Regular Energy Assistance – A one-time payment (usually once per year) sent directly to your utility company.
Emergency Energy Assistance – Help for households at risk of running out of fuel, getting a utility shutoff notice, or facing a natural disaster.

These benefits usually cover only part of your energy costs. The amount you get depends on factors like:

Family size
Energy use and needs
Energy costs
Home type
Climate or region

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP is a program that works with LIHEAP to make homes more energy-efficient. Families who qualify may get free upgrades and repairs that help lower energy bills. Services may include:

Installing insulation
Fixing or replacing water heaters
Cleaning heating and cooling systems
Sealing doors and windows
Fixing leaks
Installing energy-efficient light bulbs

Some applicants may get priority, like elderly homeowners, families with young children, or people with disabilities.

Food and Grocery Assistance: SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often called food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need. In addition to providing nutrition benefits, SNAP can also offer job assistance and nutrition education programs to help people make healthy food choices.

Qualified participants receive benefits each month through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card works like a debit card and can be used at grocery stores and other participating retailers to buy approved food items.

Ways to Qualify for SNAP

Eligibility rules for SNAP vary slightly by state, U.S. territory, and Native American tribe, but most programs look at these factors:

Citizenship and Residency – Applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens and live in the state, territory, or tribe where they apply. Benefits do not transfer between states, so anyone who moves must reapply in their new location.
Income – SNAP is designed to help low-income households. Applicants must provide income information to determine eligibility. Most people must earn less than certain gross (before taxes) and net (after taxes and deductions) income limits. Elderly or disabled applicants usually only need to meet net income rules.
Employment – Adults 59 or younger must usually register for work. This may include working at least 30 hours per week or accepting a job when offered.
Exemptions from Work Requirements – Certain groups are not required to register for work, including:
- People already working a certain number of hours per week
- Those receiving TANF, SSI, or Unemployment Insurance who meet their program’s work rules
- Caregivers for young children or incapacitated family members
- People unable to work due to physical or mental conditions
- Individuals participating in drug or alcohol treatment programs

SNAP Benefit Amounts & Rates

The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is called an allotment. It depends on:

Household size
Income
State rules and cost of living

Once approved, beneficiaries receive their allotment on an EBT card, which is reloaded each month. The card can be used to buy approved food items at participating grocery stores and retailers.

The table below shows the maximum monthly SNAP benefits for households in the 48 contiguous U.S. states and the District of Columbia. These amounts are valid until September 30, 2025.

Household Size	Maximum Monthly Benefit
1	$292
2	$536
3	$768
4	$975
5	$1,158
6	$1,390
7	$1,536
8	$1,756
Each additional person	$220

These numbers represent the highest benefit a household can receive based on its size. Actual benefits may be lower depending on household income and other factors.

Grants for Housing Assistance

Housing grants are programs that help people and communities build, repair, or improve homes. These grants are funded by the federal or state government, or sometimes a mix of both, to make housing more affordable and strengthen local neighborhoods.

HUD Grants

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) runs many programs to help low-income families with housing. HUD provides grants to states, which then work with local communities and nonprofit groups to decide how to use the money.

One of the main HUD programs is the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. HOME grants help local communities:

Build or buy affordable housing
Repair or rehabilitate existing housing
Offer rental assistance to low-income families

How It Works:

Individuals cannot apply directly to HUD for HOME grants.
States and local governments apply for the funds.
Local communities then create housing programs and set eligibility rules.
Applicants must meet income limits set by their state and county.

You can check the 2025 HOME income limits for every state and county here.

USDA Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) helps with housing in rural areas. One of its most popular programs is the Section 504 Home Repair Program, also called the Single-Family Housing Repair Loan & Grant Program.

How Section 504 Works:

Offers both loans (must be repaid) and grants (do not need repayment unless the home is sold within 3 years).
Grants are only for very low-income elderly homeowners in eligible areas who:
- Are 62 or older
- Cannot repay a home repair loan
- Cannot get credit elsewhere
- Own and live in the home
- Have income below 50% of the area median

What Section 504 Grants Can Cover:

Removing health or safety hazards in the home
Cannot be used for general repairs or improvements if there is no hazard

These programs help older homeowners stay safe in their homes and improve housing in communities that need it most.

Own a Small Business? Check Out These Grants

Small businesses play a vital role in the U.S. economy, and there are several grant programs designed to help them grow, innovate, and overcome challenges.

To be considered a small business by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), a business generally must:

Be for-profit
Not be dominant in its industry at a national level
Be independently owned and operated
Be located and operate in the United States or its territories

Businesses must also meet the SBA’s size standards, which vary by industry and are usually based on the number of employees or annual revenue. The SBA provides a Size Standards Tool online to help businesses determine if they qualify. You can access it here.

SBA Grants

The Small Business Administration provides grants and resources to small businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations that support entrepreneurship. Some grants go directly to small businesses, while others are awarded to states or local groups that distribute funding.

Small businesses engaged in scientific research and technology development may qualify for grants through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program or its sister program, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. Both programs are designed to promote innovation and help businesses explore technological solutions.

SBIR and STTR Programs

The SBIR program provides funding for small businesses to conduct research and development projects. The STTR program works similarly but requires small businesses to partner with a nonprofit research organization, such as a university or federally funded laboratory. These programs aim to:

Encourage technological innovation
Meet federal research and development needs
Support women and socially or economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs
Promote commercialization of innovations developed through federal research

Participation Requirements

To participate in SBIR or STTR, businesses must:

Be located and operate in the United States
Meet the SBA’s definition of a small business
Have no more than 500 employees, including affiliates

For STTR, the business must also partner with a U.S.-based nonprofit research entity, such as:

A nonprofit college or university
A domestic nonprofit research organization
A federally funded research and development center

Phases of Funding

Both SBIR and STTR programs follow a three-phase process:

Phase I – Proposal and initial research. Projects are evaluated for technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000 for six months (SBIR) or one year (STTR).
Phase II – Continued research and development. Grants typically provide $750,000 over two years.
Phase III – Optional commercialization phase for businesses seeking to bring their innovations to market.

The SBA sets limits on total funding. As of 2025, Phase I awards cannot exceed $314,363, and Phase II awards are capped at $2,095,748. Businesses can request additional funding through the SBA, which may approve a waiver for qualified projects.

FedEx Small Business Grant: What You Need to Know

Every year, FedEx hosts a grant contest to celebrate and support small businesses across all industries. The program is designed to give growing businesses a financial boost and help them expand their operations.

Contest Timing

Opens: Usually in the spring
Closes: A few weeks after applications become available

Awards

Grand Prize: $50,000 cash + $4,000 in FedEx Office print and business services
Runners-Up: Up to $20,000 cash + $1,000 in FedEx Office print and business services

Who Can Apply

To be eligible, businesses must meet all of the following:

Be a for-profit business located in the U.S.
Have 99 employees or fewer
Have been in operation for at least six months at the time the contest opens
Have a shipping need

Applications are submitted online once the contest opens. Businesses will need to provide:

Basic contact information
FedEx shipping account number
A short introduction about the business
Up to four photos of the business, products, or services
Business logo

Amber Grant: Grants for Women Entrepreneurs

Small businesses can also receive support from private organizations. One of the most well-known programs for women entrepreneurs is the Amber Grant, which helps women start and grow their businesses.

The Amber Grant program is run by WomensNet, an organization dedicated to supporting women in business. Each year, WomensNet awards more than $435,000 through a variety of grants.

Monthly Amber Grant

Amount: $10,000 to one woman each month
Finalists: WomensNet selects five finalists each month; the other four finalists receive $1,000 each
Annual Grant Qualification: All monthly winners are automatically entered into the annual Amber Grant, where one winner receives $25,000

Other Grant Opportunities

WomensNet also offers several additional grants:

Non-Profit Grant: $10,000 awarded quarterly to one nonprofit business or organization owned and run by women
Marketing Grant: Provides marketing support and professional consultations instead of cash
Industry-Specific Grants: Each month, WomensNet focuses on a different industry, awarding $10,000 to one business. Examples include:

Month	Industry Focus
January	Skilled trades
February	Health and fitness
March	Food and beverage
April	Sustainability
May	Mental and emotional support
June	Business support services
July	Animal services
August	Hairand skin care
September	Education and child care
October	Creative arts
November	STEM
December	Fashion and interior design

How to Apply for the Amber Grant

Women interested in the Amber Grant can submit a single online application to be considered for all applicable grants. The application asks for:

Full name and email address
Business name (optional)
Website or Facebook page (optional)
Details about the business or business idea
How the grant money would be used
Payment of a $15 application fee via credit or debit card

You can access the application portal here.

Veteran Grants & Opportunities for Family Members

Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families have access to a wide range of grant opportunities designed to provide financial support and improve quality of life. These grants are offered by both the federal government and nonprofit organizations that focus on helping the military community. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers many of the federal programs, ensuring that veterans and their families can access the resources they need.

There is a diverse array of grants available for veterans, each serving a unique purpose. Some grants help veterans and their families secure safe and stable housing, whether through home repair assistance, rental support, or help transitioning to permanent housing after service. Other programs target veteran entrepreneurs, providing funding to start or grow a small business. There are also grants that assist with everyday essentials, such as covering medical costs, transportation needs, or emergency financial assistance during difficult times.

Each grant program has its own eligibility requirements, but most share one common thread: applicants must have a connection to military service. This could include having served in the U.S. armed forces, being a current service member, or being a family member of a veteran. Some programs may also consider factors such as income level, geographic location, or specific needs related to health, housing, or business ventures.

These grants offer more than just financial support—they are a way for veterans to gain access to opportunities that honor their service and help them successfully transition to civilian life. Whether a veteran is looking to buy a home, start a business, or simply meet essential living costs, these programs provide critical assistance tailored to the unique challenges faced by those who have served.

Veteran-Owned Businesses: Grant Opportunities to Know About

Veterans who own small businesses can access a variety of grants and funding opportunities to help them grow and succeed. Both the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offer programs specifically for veteran entrepreneurs.

But the federal government isn’t the only source of support. Many nonprofit organizations and associations also provide grants to help veterans start or expand their businesses. These programs can cover things like equipment, business development, or access to special contracts.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program

Veteran entrepreneurs with a service-connected disability may qualify for the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program, run by the SBA. This program helps veteran-owned businesses compete for federal contracts by reserving a portion of contracts specifically for them.

The federal government aims to set aside at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars each year for veteran-owned small businesses. By participating, veterans face fewer competitors when bidding on contracts, which increases their chances of winning projects and growing their businesses.

To join the program, a business must:

Meet the SBA’s definition of a small business
Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
Have a service-disabled veteran managing day-to-day operations and making long-term decisions

A service-connected disability is any condition that was caused or worsened by military service. Veterans must self-represent as service-disabled business owners in the federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov). This involves updating the socio-economic status section of the business profile.

You can access SAM.gov to manage your business profile and view contract opportunities here.

Disability Grants for Veterans

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be eligible for housing grants through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These grants are designed to help veterans live more comfortably by funding home modifications, adaptations, or new construction that meet their specific needs.

The VA currently offers three main types of housing grants for disabled veterans:

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant
Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

The SAH grant is intended to help severely disabled veterans buy, build, or modify a permanent home so they can live safely and independently.

To receive an SAH grant, a veteran must:

Own or plan to own the home
Have a qualifying service-connected disability

Qualifying disabilities include:

Loss or loss of use of more than one limb
Loss or loss of use of a lower leg with lasting effects from an injury or disease
Blindness in both eyes (20/200 visual acuity or less)
Certain severe burns
Loss or loss of use of one lower extremity (foot or leg) after September 11, 2001, making it difficult to balance or walk without assistive devices such as braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair

Note: Only 120 SAH grants per year are awarded to veterans with post-9/11 lower extremity disabilities.

Grant Amounts

For fiscal year 2025, the maximum SAH grant amount is $121,812 though this amount can change annually.

Veterans do not need to use the full grant all at once. The funds can be applied up to six times over a lifetime, allowing flexibility to make multiple improvements or adjustments as needs change.

Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant

The SHA grant helps veterans modify their homes to better meet their daily needs. It can be used for changes like installing ramps, widening doorways, or making bathrooms more accessible.

To get an SHA grant, a veteran must:

Own or plan to own the home (or have a family member who does)
Have a qualifying service-connected disability

Qualifying disabilities include:

Loss or loss of use of both hands
Certain severe burns
Specific respiratory or breathing injuries

Grant Amounts and Uses

For 2025, the SHA grant provides up to $24,405. The maximum changes each year. Veterans don’t have to use the entire grant at once; they can apply it up to six times over their lifetime for multiple home modifications.

Veteran School & Education Grants

Veterans and qualifying members of their families have access to special education grants and financial aid programs designed to help cover the cost of school. These programs are funded by various branches of the federal government and are intended to make higher education, vocational training, and other learning opportunities more accessible.

Funds from these programs can typically be used for:

Tuition and fees for colleges, universities, or trade schools
Room and board while attending school
Books, supplies, and other education-related expenses

These grants aim to reduce the financial burden on veterans and their families, helping them pursue educational goals and career advancement. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the program, but most prioritize military service and family connections to veterans.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG)

The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG) helps dependent children of veterans who died due to military service. Like other federal grants, the money does not need to be repaid. The program is administered by the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office and is designed to support students in continuing their education despite the loss of a parent or guardian.

Who Can Qualify?

To receive an IASG, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant because of their Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Meet all other Pell Grant eligibility criteria, such as citizenship or residency requirements
Be the child of a U.S. service member who died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001
Be younger than 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time in college at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death

This grant provides essential financial support, helping students continue their education without the burden of additional debt, while honoring the sacrifice of their military parent or guardian.

The total amount of money that a student may receive through an IASG is equal to the maximum amount for the Federal Pell Grant. The maximum Pell Grant amount is $7,395 for the 2025-2026 school year, which ends on June 30, 2026. A student may not receive the full IASG amount if it will exceed their cost of attendance.

GI Bill Programs

The GI Bill offers a variety of education and training benefits to veterans and their families through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While these benefits aren’t traditional grants or loans, they provide significant financial support to help cover the cost of education and career training after military service.

Depending on the program and the individual’s eligibility, the GI Bill can pay for:

Tuition and fees at colleges, universities, or trade schools
Housing costs for students attending school full-time
Books, supplies, and equipment required for courses
Vocational or career training programs, including certification courses

The GI Bill programs are designed to ensure that veterans and their families have the resources they need to succeed academically and professionally, helping them transition from military service to civilian life with educational and career opportunities.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

Veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001, may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which helps pay for college, vocational training, and other career education programs. These benefits can often be used alongside other federal student aid, giving veterans and their families more financial support while pursuing education or job training.

What the Post-9/11 GI Bill Covers

The program can provide funding for:

Tuition and fees at colleges, universities, trade schools, or non-degree programs
Books and supplies
Housing costs, through a monthly housing allowance (MHA) for students attending school full-time
Relocation expenses for moving to attend school
Apprenticeships and on-the-job training
Flight training, licensing, and certifications
National exams and work-study programs

Who Can Qualify

Eligibility depends on both military service and discharge status. Veterans, service members in the Selected Reserve or National Guard, and some dependents may qualify.

To be eligible, veterans must have received one of the following discharges:

Honorable
Under honorable conditions
General

Veterans with dishonorable discharges do not qualify for these benefits, either for themselves or their family members.

Additionally, service requirements include:

At least 90 days of active duty on or after September 11, 2001; or
Receiving a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, with an honorable discharge; or
At least 30 continuous days of active duty on or after September 11, 2001, with an honorable discharge due to a service-connected disability; or
Being a dependent child using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits from a qualifying veteran.

Note: Veterans who receive a Purple Heart automatically qualify for full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits if they were honorably discharged.

Benefit Duration and Limits

Veterans whose service ended before January 1, 2013 have 15 years from their separation date to use benefits.
Veterans whose service ended on or after January 1, 2013 have benefits that do not expire.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides a comprehensive package to help veterans and their families pursue higher education, vocational training, or specialized career preparation after military service.

Benefit Amounts

The Post-9/11 GI Bill generally covers the full cost of tuition and fees for veterans attending public colleges or universities as in-state students. This means eligible veterans can attend school without worrying about tuition charges at most public institutions.

For those attending private or foreign schools, the VA sets an annual cap on tuition coverage. For the 2025-2026 school year, the maximum benefit for these institutions is $29,920.95 per year. Any tuition costs above this limit would need to be covered by the student or through other financial aid.

In addition to tuition, the GI Bill also provides funding for books, supplies, and other education-related expenses, along with a monthly housing allowance for students attending full-time programs. This combination of benefits makes it easier for veterans and their families to pursue higher education or career training without incurring heavy debt.

Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty

The Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD) is designed for service members currently on active duty. This program provides monthly education payments that can be used toward tuition and training costs.

Unlike the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill does not cover additional expenses such as housing, books, supplies, or relocation. Instead, it focuses strictly on helping service members pay for the direct costs of education or approved training programs.

Under the Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty, eligible service members can use their monthly education payments for a variety of programs and training opportunities, including:

Tuition for college or non-college degree programs
Apprenticeships to learn a trade or skill
On-the-job training programs
Flight training for aviation careers
Licensing and certification courses for professional credentials
Correspondence courses for distance learning
Assistance with national exams and tests
Work-study programs to gain hands-on experience while earning income
Tutorial support for extra academic help

These benefits provide flexibility, allowing active-duty members to choose the type of education or training that best fits their career goals.

The amount of money a veteran can receive through the Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty depends on several factors:

Length of military service – Longer service may result in higher monthly benefits.
Type of education or training – Benefits can vary depending on whether it’s a college degree, vocational program, or apprenticeship.
Eligibility category – Different service categories may affect benefit levels.
College Fund eligibility – Additional funds may be available for certain education programs.
Participation in the $600 Buy-Up program – Veterans can contribute extra money from their military pay each month to increase their future monthly education benefits.

This flexibility allows service members to tailor their benefits based on their education goals and service history.

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve

The Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve is designed for members of the Selected Reserve. Like the Active Duty program, it provides monthly payments to help cover education and career training expenses.

To qualify for benefits under this program, service members must meet the following conditions:

Complete Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT) – This is the foundational training for all Selected Reserve members.
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent – Applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or High School Equivalency Diploma before finishing IADT. Note: Up to 12 college credit hours cannot count toward this requirement.
Remain in good standing in the Selected Reserve – Members must maintain active, good-standing status in their unit. Those discharged due to a non-misconduct-related disability may still qualify.

In addition, applicants must meet one of these service requirements:

Commit to six years of service in the Selected Reserve, or
Serve as an officer in the Selected Reserve with an agreement to serve six additional years beyond the initial service commitment.

These requirements ensure that members of the Selected Reserve have completed the necessary training, maintain active status, and are committed to continued service while earning educational benefits.

The Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve program provides the following types of benefits:

Tuition assistance for college and non-college degrees
Apprenticeships
On-the-job training
Flight training
Licensing and certification
Correspondence courses
Help to pay for national tests
Work-study
Tutorial assistance

VA Adaptive Sports Program

The Adaptive Sports Grant Program is managed by the National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events Office (NVSP&SE). Its goal is to help Veterans and disabled service members live more independently and improve their overall well-being through adaptive sports and therapeutic activities. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides grants to qualified organizations so they can create, run, and manage programs that give Veterans the chance to participate in these activities, as allowed under federal law.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for a grant, an organization must be a non-federal entity with experience running large-scale adaptive sports programs. Qualifying programs must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Affiliated with a National Paralympic Committee or a National Governing Body authorized to provide Paralympic sports.
An adaptive sports program under a National Governing Body that meets additional requirements.
A program in which at least 50 individuals with disabilities participate or where participants come from at least five different congressional districts.

Federal agencies cannot receive grants directly, but they are encouraged to partner with eligible non-federal organizations to create programs at the national, regional, or community level.

Applying for the Grant

The VA posts a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) through the federal grants portal at grants.gov. Interested organizations can find detailed application instructions under the “Apply” tab.

What can it help fund?

Grants can cover a wide range of adaptive sports activities, including:

Instruction, participation, and competition in adaptive sports.
Training and technical assistance for program administrators, coaches, recreation therapists, instructors, VA staff, and other relevant personnel.
Coordination, athlete classification, assessments, sport-specific training, program development (including local programs), sports equipment and supplies, program evaluation, and other activities needed to operate the program effectively.

These grants help organizations provide meaningful sports and recreational opportunities for Veterans and service members with disabilities, fostering health, independence, and community engagement.

By Admin – August 2025