A grant program is an assistance, usually financial in nature, extended by the federal government to a beneficiary to carry out a purpose in accordance with the law. The purpose should be for the greater good of or for the improvement of the general public. All outcomes and products created by the grant shall become property of  the government of the United States.

Most grants are rewarded to an institution aiding individuals. It is through this strategy that the funding will be able to reach and positively affect more people. Currently, there are 26 federal agencies that issue more than 1000 grants each year. These grant-offering agencies are:

1. Agency for International Development

2. Corporation for National and Community Service

3. Department of Agriculture

4. Department of Commerce

5. Department of Defense

6. Department of Education

7. Department of Energy

8. Department of Health and Human Services

9. Department of Homeland Security

10. Department of Housing and Urban Development

11. Department of the Interior

12. Department of Justice

13. Department of Labor

14. Department of State

15. Department of Transportation

16. Department of the Treasury

17. Department of Veterans Affairs

18. Environmental Protection Agency

19. Institute of Museum and Library Services

20. National Aeronautics and Space Administration

21. National Archives and Records Administration

22. National Endowment for the Arts

23. National Endowment for the Humanities

24. National Science Foundation

25. Small Business Administration

26. Social Security Administration

Grants are also offered to encourage talented individuals and firms to continue in their research and development pursuits. The programs available from a particular agency varies but the goals are all the same. Assistance from the government through funding and other aids ensures the enrichment of the different facets of society. In the recent years, more grants have been geared towards military and scientific advancement.

Although grants usually cost beneficiaries an expensive sum while they are still applying, these will all be compensated for in the long run and when their application has been approved. For further details, interested parties may visit GovBenefits.gov and www.grants.gov.

GovBenfits.gov is the government’s online portal to all the grants they offer. They facilitate easier access and information requisition on specific questions about federal grants. The government understands that for their grants to be awarded to the most competent beneficiary, it must be well publicized and readily accessible to everyone. The creation of GovBenefits.gov and www.grants.gov are the manifestation of the government’s commitment to the enhancement of public good.