College grants, both government grants and privately funded grants from foundations and service organizations, are given away every day. Winning college grants can not only help students lower their debt burden, it can also put them in charge of choosing a college that’s right for them, rather than opting for the local community college because it is the least expensive option.

Most students finance their education through either college grants or loans or a combination of both financing options. The key difference is that loans have to be paid back, whereas grants are a free gift. Financial aid grants generally come in two options, need-based and merit-based.

Need-based grants are awarded solely on financial aid need. Formulas that determine financial resources and balance them against living expenses and college costs determine the final amount of the offered grant. Federal grants such as Pell Grants are an example of need-based grants.

Merit-based grants are awarded on the basis of student achievement. The criteria used to evaluate achievement ranges from not only scholastic achievement, but also to student talents and interests and community involvement.

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) is the federal government’s guide to all funding programs and is a logical place to start a search for federal grants.

Another great resource is The Foundation Directory. This is an annual reference source for information about private and community grant-making foundations. It provides basic descriptions for the nation’s largest foundations. The Foundation Grants Index is an annual source used to determine the current funding priorities of these foundations. You can obtain a free catalogue here or you can call 1-800-478-4661 to obtain this catalogue.

Local libraries and community service groups should be looked into as a source of grants for local residents and current high school graduates.

Online you can find subscription services that will help you locate grants that fit your preferences and career goals. You can fill out an online form, sign up for their email notifications, and you will be notified by email when grants that fit your criteria become available.

Even in today’s world of advanced technology and the Internet, never underestimate the power of the written word. A walk through your local Borders bookstore or Amazon.com will bring you into contact with an unlimited array of books relating to obtaining college financial aid. For practical up-to-date information, it is hard to beat Barron’s Complete College Financing Guide. Be sure to get the most up-to-date copy that contains the most current information.

For more complete information on the resources listed above and how to search for and find college grants check out the resource listed below.

Gloria Daniels started this website after trying to sort through the maze of financial aid information. As a research assistant, she decided that a central site to use as a jumping off spot would be very useful. She doesn’t set herself up as an expert in financial planning or in guidance counseling. Her talents lie in research and data analysis. It is from this point of view that she has built this site. Here you will find a variety of resources to fit every situation. She has also added basic information on finding and applying for student financial aid and researching for grants, along with articles of interest on this subject.

Her hope is that you will find this information helpful and keep returning to find new sources and inspiration for your search. Visit her site at: Finding Student Financial Aid She is constantly updating this site and keeping the information current.

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