How to identify legitimate funding opportunities
Simple checks that separate real grants from scams and misleading listings.
Real grants never charge you
A legitimate funder will not ask for a fee to apply, to 'process' an award or to release funds. Requests for payment, bank details or gift cards are signs of a scam.
Find the official source
Every real programme has an official page on the funder's own website. If you can only find it on third-party sites, treat the listing as unverified until you locate the original.
Check the funder exists
Nonprofit funders can be checked with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Federal opportunities are published on Grants.gov and agency websites.
Check the dates
Old programme pages stay online for years. Make sure the deadline you are reading is for the current cycle.