Get Your Free Money

Few things in life are truly free including money. Well, if you are part of one of those government agencies that like to dispense money, then a government grant is something that you are seeking. Governments give billions of dollars of free money away every year. How can you get your hand on some free money?

Free money you say. Well, as with many things there is a catch. These include:

You must apply for the free money to the appropriate government agency for the right project. If your project is approved - sometimes as easy as a first come, first served basis - then a check in the amount that you requested may be sent to you.

Sometimes government grants are approved, but for a different amount. Let's say you want to start an after school program serving kids in a challenged area. You request $25,000 for start up funding, but receive approval from the government for $70,000. What happened here? Well, your request may have been one of those "at the right place at the right time" approvals. Someone read your grant request and realized that you requested money for start up costs when $70,000 would cover the entire first year of your operating budget. This can happen especially if you are filling a previously unmet need.

Conversely, your $15,000 art project grant could have been approved but a check for $11,000 is sent instead. Perhaps someone thought the amount you requested was excessive or there could have been other pressing requests that needed funding too. You'll still get free money, but less free money this time around.

If you are looking for free money for educational purposes then a federal Pell grant is the way to go. Also, universities themselves will give out free money in the form of reduced or waived tuition. Check with your state too for localized grants and with civic organizations offering scholarship money.

Even if you receive free money you may have some leeway as to how you will use it. Sure, if you spend your free money on a personal yacht or your mistress then you can be certain that someone, somewhere will rat you out. You can expect to receive "five-to-ten" in the pokey if are convicted. Otherwise, your free money will allow you to use it for many things related to your schooling, business, or what not.