Federal grants are funds that the government provides to help defray the cost of household expenses.  These funds don’t have to be paid back. They’re generally need-based and require candidates to complete application packages before they’re awarded. Conducting an online search for these government grants will net thousands of results, so the process of finding them can be overwhelming. Narrowing down your search to include keywords that explain the type of grant you’re looking for will help you stay on track and find programs that are relevant to your circumstances.

Websites like www.cdfa.org and www.benefits.gov are sponsored by the government to provide information on the different options available for federal grants.  The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance provides a comprehensive list of federal programs that are available to state and local governments.  This site is a good place to start so you can identify exactly what programs are available in your area. You can then visit your state’s or municipality’s site to apply for specific grants. On www.benefits.gov, you’ll find tools that help you understand the eligibility requirements and point you in the right direction to begin applying for grants.  Some sites even keep track of the grants you applied for.

The Department of Health and Human Services is the largest distributor of government grants.  This agency oversees funds disbursed for housing, food and shelter. Depending on the ages of your children, you may qualify for several different programs that provide them with adequate nutrition. You’ll find grants that help supply pregnant women with healthy foods and infants with baby formula.  You can also find grant programs that provide school-aged children with hot lunches that meet federal dietary guidelines.

You can also find federal grants for single mothers that need housing assistance.  Some programs help you buy a home or rent a home or apartment. You can also find programs that offer assistance paying your utility bills. Some grants provide assistance in one lump sum, while others provide monthly or annual relief.

If you’re a single mother and you want to return to school to get a better education and provide for your children, help is available.  Federal education grants, such as those offered through the Pell Grant program, help pay for tuition, books and other school expenses. Besides searching online for these types of grants, you can also contact the financial aid office of your local college or university to learn about the programs for which you would be eligible.