The US government offers thousands of grants each year through its Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. The majority of the grants are offered to businesses although there are some available to individuals that fit certain criteria. The top three government grant programs are the Agricultural Act of 2014 (commonly known as the Farm Bill), the Job Training Partnership Grant, and the Magnet Schools Assistance Program. All of these programs are used to help put money from the government’s General Fund back to work in taxpayers’ communities. The Farm Bill also helps large agricultural companies manage price fluctuations through the receipt of government subsidies.
Top 3 Government Grant Programs
- Farm Bill
- Job Training Partnership Grant
- Magnet Schools Assistance Program
Farm Bill
This is an ongoing bill under the Department of Agriculture that is adjusted and approved every four years with the most recent version expiring in 2018. The program covers everything from the environment and the production of our nation’s food supply. Ranchers, farmers, food producers, and distributors are all affected by this grant program. In addition to the price supports and subsidies that are in-place farmers and ranchers can apply for emergency loans and other financial support. The Farm Bill is most helpful to small farmers and ranchers that feel the most impact from adverse weather conditions, price fluctuations and crop problems.
Highlights
- Protects farmers and ranchers from catastrophe due to weather, crop issues, and price fluctuations
- Ensures that the food supply chain is robust and healthy
- Consistently updated and adjusted to reflect current farming realities
Job Training Partnership Grant
Offered through the Department of Labor, this grant program is administered by an application and disbursement process. This grant program requires that applicants have lined up 100% matching funds from the local public sector or the private sector. Applications above $300,000 will not be considered. The program disburses $1.4mm annually with the goal of six grants of approximately $125,000 to $200,000 each with a duration of 15 months and a one-year extension option. The programs must provide job training that citizens would not be able to receive elsewhere in the local community. This partnership allows grassroots organizations to have a direct impact on their local communities.
Highlights
- Provides funding for local organization to make a difference in their residents’ lives
- Improves the occupational outlook for participants
- Requires 100% matching funds to show that the organization has its community’s backing and support
Magnet Schools Assistance Program
Offered through the Department of Education, this grant program operates on a competitive basis with submitted applications judged by educational peers. This year the program is operating under the Every Student Succeeds Act and follows a strict application process. The grant can be for a specific curriculum subject such as math or reading or can focus on a certain type of teaching style such as the Montessori method or early college programs. The grants must focus on a results driven model and be actionable with quantifiable goals. The grants are awarded directly to the magnet schools and the amount is discretionary and decided upon by the award committee.
Highlights
- Provides funding for specific programs and goals within the country’s magnet schools
- The framework of the grants falls under the Every Student Succeeds Act
- Works with students to provide action-driven and results oriented programs for success
Conclusion
The US government utilizes grant programs to return money from the general fund back to taxpayers’ communities both on an enterprise-wide and individual basis. These top three grant programs show the breadth of the government programs available.