Federal

Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R21) | NIH

NIH R21 guidance for exploratory high-risk projects, including current due-date cycles and budget structure.

Amount: Up to $275,000 total direct costs over two years, with no more than $200,000 direct costs in any … Deadline: Recurring standard NIH due dates for new applications: February 16, June 16, October 16 Location: United States and Global (institution and FOA dependent)

Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) – Free Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

Free emergency shelter, crisis hotlines, counseling, safety planning, legal advocacy, and supportive services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence through a nationwide network of over 1,500 shelters and 1,700+ local programs funded by the federal government.

Type: Benefit Amount: Free support services Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

Federal Bonding Program – Free Fidelity Bonds for Hard-to-Place Job Seekers

Free fidelity bonds (insurance policies) that protect employers against employee theft, fraud, or dishonesty for hard-to-place job seekers including people with criminal records, individuals in recovery from substance abuse, welfare recipients, and others who face barriers to employment. Bonds eliminate a major hiring barrier by removing employer risk at no cost to the job seeker or employer.

Type: Benefit Amount: Free fidelity bond coverage of $5,000 to $25,000 for the first 6 months of employment Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

Federal Child Support Enforcement Program (Title IV-D) – Free Child Support Services

Free or low-cost services to establish paternity, establish child support orders, enforce child support payments, locate absent parents, modify support orders, and collect current and past-due child support through a federally mandated system operating in every state, territory, and tribal jurisdiction. The program collects over $34 billion annually for families.

Type: Benefit Amount: Free services to establish and enforce child support orders Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) Sliding Fee Scale Healthcare

Comprehensive primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services at over 1,400 community health centers nationwide on a sliding fee scale based on income. No one is turned away for inability to pay.

Type: Benefit Amount: Sliding fee scale reduces costs by up to 100% based on income Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

FHA Home Loan Program

Makes homeownership more accessible for low-to-moderate income borrowers through lower down payment requirements and credit score flexibility.

Type: Benefit Amount: Loan guarantee (3.5% down payment) Deadline: Ongoing Location: United States

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Free monthly food packages of USDA commodities for low-income American Indian and Alaska Native households living on or near reservations. FDPIR provides approximately 60–75 pounds of nutritious food each month as an alternative to SNAP for eligible Native households.

Type: Benefit Amount: Free monthly food package of approximately 60–75 pounds of USDA commodities per household … Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

Free Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Grant Program in the United States: How to Get No Cost Mammograms and Pap Tests Through the CDC NBCCEDP

There are a lot of things in life that will politely wait their turn: your laundry, your unread emails, that weird noise your car makes only on Tuesdays. **Cancer is not one of them.** It does not check your bank balance.

Amount: Free cancer screening services including mammograms ($150–$300 value each), Pap tests ($50–$250 … Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

Free Emergency Rent and Utility Help Plus Job Training Grants USA: How CSBG Community Action Agencies Can Cover Bills, GED Prep, and Coaching

Money has a special talent: it disappears right when you need it most. Rent is due whether your hours got cut or not. The power company is not moved by your compelling personal narrative.

Amount: Free services; value varies by need and locality Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

Free Job Training and Housing for Young Adults 16 to 24: Your Complete Guide to Job Corps

If you are 16 to 24, low on cash, and unsure how to turn “I need a job” into “I have a career,” Job Corps might be the most valuable program you have never had fully explained to you. This is not a loan.

Amount: Free training, housing, meals, health care, stipend, and transition bonuses Deadline: Rolling Location: United States