The U.S. government offers over 1,400 programs that offer discretionary assistance. People call these programs grants. Discretionary programs always require a formal application that has to be reviewed, considered and approved. The application process is quite difficult most of the time. For an in depth list of federal assistance programs offered, go to this site:
. http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/moneymatters/a/benebasics.htm
