If there is one form of federal financial assistance that is attractive to most people, it is the government grant. Many people are driven toward these programs because of the free money involved. However, some people do not know what they really are. The truth is that government grants help make the US and the world a better place. Offered by 26 federal agencies, they fund medical research, education, job training, housing for the underprivileged, and many other worthy causes. They are awarded to recipients that would help humanity and community. Therefore, they should not be confused with federal loans through which recipients borrow money for a variety of reasons, including personal ones. Grants always have a bigger picture behind them, one that the federal government has put on its priority list. There are many differences between grants and loans. There are also many requirements when it comes to receiving free funds. The recipient selection process is competitive and usually involves writing a grant proposal. Government money does not come easy. Therefore, do your research on this form of financial assistance. There are many misconceptions about it. Grants are desirable and so there is quite some buzz on the issue. This also means that there are frauds you need to avoid. Therefore, make sure you do adequate research to ensure that you know the real facts about government grants and your chances of receiving them. The articles on this site cover the different types of government grants and let you know if you qualify for them. Consider yourself fortunate if you work with a government grant for any purpose. It is truly a gift.