Federal grants finance essential government programs, like infrastructure, by transferring Federal dollars to State and local governments, nonprofits, and individuals. Since the earliest days of the republic, the Federal government has used grants to advance public policy. From veterans' assistance in the aftermath of the War of 1812 to land grants for railroads after the Civil War, federal grants have been part of our Nation's history for a long time. Today the Federal government awards over $700 billion in grants annually. This book looks at some of the current grant programs available from the federal government.