Each grant is different. When an organization or agency announces or advertises a particular grant, it will specify what kinds of organizations or individuals are allowed to apply (otherwise known as eligible applicants). Many grants try to direct their funding to not-for-profit organizations that have a 501(c)(3) non-profit status with the IRS. There are also a lot of grants for educational institutions; state and local governments; health care organizations; small businesses entrepreneurs; minorities including women; community-based organizations including faith-based organizations; and tribal governments.