53 Gov't Grants for Your Family

3) Get Extra $6,000 If You Can’t Work

If your check is too small to live on, don't be discouraged. If you don't qualify for Social Security, or if your benefits are very low, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This program was established to help poor seniors over 65 and the blind and disabled meet basic living expenses. To find out more about the program contact your local Social Security office or contact the Social Security hotline at 800-772-1213 or online at {www.ssa.gov}.

4) $10,000 For Teenagers To Start A Business

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a program that loans money to kids between the ages of 10 and 21, who live in small towns, to start a business. Some states even run entrepreneuring camps or special business training programs for kids. To learn more about this program
Contact: your local Farm Service, or the Farm Service Agency,
Loan Marketing Division, Ag Box 0522,
Washington, DC 20250; 202-720-1632;
{www.fsa.usda.gov}.

5) $250,000 To Work on Your Invention

People pay good money for good ideas, especially the government. There is even government grant money available to work on ideas, either your own or the ones that the government has. North Dakota gives inventors up to $100,000 to work on ideas, and Delaware offers inventors up to $25,000 to write a business plan and get patents. Contact your state Office of Economic Development to investigate what your state has to offer inventors.

6) Get A $100,000 Government Contract On Anything

Need some help marketing your product or service to the government? The Procurement Assistance Offices are attuned to the federal procurement process, and can help you draw up a sensible business plan that will be successful. They can match the product or service you are selling with the appropriate agency, and then help you market you wares effectively. To find the office nearest you,
Contact: Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Office,
Cameron Station, Room 4B110,
Defense Logistics Agency,
Alexandria, VA 2304; 703-767-1661;
www.dla.mil

7) Free Accounting Services For Non-Profits and Small Businesses

There are a number of organizations around the country that provide free accounting services to help non-profits, small businesses, and even needy individuals get the accounting help they need. They can help with bookkeeping instruction, system analysis, preparation of 990 forms, preparation for audits and free publications. A minimal one-time cost may be required. To find free accounting help in your area,
Contact: Accountants for the Public Interest,
University of Baltimore, Thurnel Business Center,
Room 155, 1420 North Charles Street,
Baltimore, MD 21201; 410-837-6533; Fax: 410-837-6532.
You can also contact your state association of Certified Public Accountants, as many may be able to direct you to a volunteer CPA who would be willing to help.

8) Get Your GED

Bill Cosby, Mary Lou Retton, and 10 million other people famous and not so famous have obtained their GED. GED stands for General Educational Development, and consists of tests in five different areas. Once you pass these tests, you earn your GED diploma, which is the equivalent of a high school diploma. GED tests are given all across the U.S. You can contact your local Board of Education to learn about the tests and any adult education classes they may offer to prepare you. You can also
Contact:
Tthe GED Information Hotline at 800-62- MY-GED.
The tests are administered by American Council on Education,
CALEC, One Dupont Circle,
NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20036;
{www.acenet.edu/calec/ged}.

9) Free Help, Money And Training For Divorced Women

Single mothers deserve respect, as does any woman who suddenly needs to become a principal breadwinner for her family. It's a leap of faith, but looking for career opportunities has never been easier for women than it is today. Women Work! Is a national network of over 1000 programs that provide support networks, skills training, job placement assistance, education and training, workshops, and more designed to help women enter the workforce. To learn what is available in your state,
Contact:
Women Work!, National Network for Women's Employment,
1625 K St., Suite 300,
Washington, DC 20006; 800-235-2732;
{www.womenwork.org}.