How to tell a grant is real
Real grants come from a named funder: a government agency, a foundation or a company. Fake ones usually come to you.
Warning signs
- Someone contacts you out of the blue to say you qualify or were selected for a grant you did not apply for.
- You are asked to pay a fee, buy a gift card, or send money to "release" or "process" a grant.
- You are asked for your bank account, Social Security number or other personal details before you have seen the funder's own application.
- The offer promises "free money" for personal bills or to start a business. The U.S. Small Business Administration says it does not give grants to start or expand a business.
- The name sounds official, or uses a seal or flag, but you cannot find the program on the funder's own website.
How to check
- Find the funder's website yourself (do not use a link from the message) and look for the program there.
- For federal grants, search the program on Grants.gov or the agency's site. Searching and applying there is free.
- Call the funder using a phone number from its own website, not one from the message.
- Read who can apply. Most grants are for organizations, not for individual bills.
If you think it is a scam
Stop contact and do not pay. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
GrantsWindow only lists grants and links to the official source. We never charge, never take applications, and never ask for your bank details or Social Security number.