What Are The 4 Types Of Grants

What Are The 4 Types Of Grants

A Beginner’s Guide to the 4 Key Types of Grants:

If you are looking for financial assistance for personal needs, business development, education, or community projects, grants are one of the most accessible funding options available. But before applying, it is essential to understand the different types of grants and how they work. So, what are the 4 types of grants commonly offered? These include need-based grants, project or program grants, research or academic grants, and capital or infrastructure grants. Each of these serves a unique purpose and targets a specific group of individuals or organizations.

Need-based grants are awarded to individuals or families experiencing financial hardship and are often used for personal support or basic living expenses. In South Africa, for example, the SASSA social grants, like the SRD R350, child support, and disability grants, fall under this category. These are designed to help vulnerable groups meet their day-to-day needs.

Project or program grants are usually provided to NGOs, community organizations, or startups that aim to deliver services or implement specific initiatives. Research and academic grants are often given to students, scholars, or institutions pursuing academic studies or scientific research. Lastly, capital grants focus on infrastructure and are used to fund buildings, equipment, or other long-term investments.

Knowing which grant category applies to your needs can help you prepare the right documents, write a strong application, and improve your chances of approval. This article will break down each of the 4 grant types in detail and explain how to identify the best one for your goals. Whether you are an individual, business owner, or community leader, there is likely a grant type that fits your situation.

What Is The List Of The 4 Types Of Grants

Below is a list of the 4 main types of grants, commonly recognized across financial aid, nonprofit, and government sectors:

Need-Based Grants:

These are awarded based on an individual’s or household’s financial situation. Example:

SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant
Child Support Grant
Old Age Pension Grant
Disability Grant

Project or Program Grants:

These grants fund specific projects or programs that align with the goals of the grant provider (government, NGOs, or foundations). Example:

Funding for youth development programs
Grants for health awareness campaigns
NGO project grants

Research or Academic Grants:

Awarded to students, researchers, or institutions to support educational or scientific research. Example:

National Research Foundation (NRF) grants
University bursaries or fellowships
Academic development funding

Capital or Infrastructure Grants:

Used to fund physical assets such as buildings, equipment, or construction projects. Example:

Grants for building clinics or schools
Equipment grants for small businesses
Infrastructure development funds

Criteria Needed To Apply For The Sassa Grants

You will be required to provide the following personal information:

Your citizenship (South African citizen/ permanent resident/ refugee)
Your ID number
Your ID document type (ID document/ temporary ID)
Confirm your ID number
Your title (Mr/ Mrs/ Miss)
Your surname
Your full name
Your email address
Your chosen password (must be at least 8 characters, containing at least 1 of the following: uppercase or lowercase letters, numbers, symbols, or special characters) (must not be a common word or name, or a close variation)
Confirm your chosen password
Your cellphone number (your 10-digit South African cellphone number, starting with 0)

Read Also: How Do I Ask For Grant Money?

How to Submit An Application For the Sassa Grant 2026

If you are applying for a Care Dependency Grant, Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, Disability Grant, Older Persons Grant, or Grant-In-Aid, follow these steps:

Visit the SASSA services website on any device with internet connectivity (cellphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer).
Register as a new user on the SASSA services website by clicking the yellow “Register” button on the home page.
Log in to the SASSA services website using your username and password.
Click on “Apply for a Grant” and then select the type of grant you wish to apply for.
Fill in the grant application form by providing all the required information.
Print the SASSA-generated affidavit and have it certified by a commissioner of oaths. Print, sign, and submit the Bank Payment Form with your affidavit.
Upload the following certified supporting documents in PDF format

Types Of Sassa Grants 2026

Child Support Grant applicants:

A copy of the applicant’s ID document
A copy of the spouses’ ID document (if applicable)
Proof of marital status: marriage certificate (if applicable)
Proof of banking details: a letter from the bank with the applicant’s banking details and name
Proof of income (if applicable)
SASSA generated affidavit/

Foster Child Grant applicants:

A copy of the applicant’s ID document
A copy of the spouse’s ID document (if applicable)
Proof of marital status: marriage certificate (if applicable)
Proof of banking details: a letter from the bank with the applicant’s banking details and name
Proof of income (if applicable)
SASSA generated affidavit

Older Persons Grant applicants:

A copy of the applicant’s ID document
A copy of the spouses’ ID document (if applicable)
Proof of marital status: marriage certificate (if applicable)
Proof of banking details: a letter from the bank with the applicant’s banking details and name
Proof of income (if applicable)
SASSA generated affidavit

Types Of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Grants Available

SRD Grant

The SRD Grant (Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant) is a grant of R350 per month. The SRD grant is for South African Citizens/ Refugees/ Asylum Seekers/ Special Permit Holders who do not have sufficient means to support themselves.

Care Dependency Grant

The Care Dependency Grant is a grant of R2080 per child, per month. The CDG grant is for parents, foster parents, or primary caregivers of a child under the age of 18, who requires full-time care due to a mental or physical disability.

Child Support Grant

The Child Support Grant is a grant of R500 per child, per month (and R250 top-up). The CSG grant is for the primary caregiver of a child under the age of 18 years.

Disability Grant

The Disability Grant is a grant of up to R2080 per month (based on a sliding scale; however, this is the maximum amount). The Disability Grant is for people with a physical or mental disability who cannot work for 6 or more months.

Foster Child Grant

The Foster Child Grant is a grant of R1120 per child, per month. The FCG grant is for a foster parent (by a valid court order) of a child under the age of 18.

Older Persons Grant

The Older Persons Grant is a grant of between R2080 to R2100 (people between 60 and 75 years old will receive the lesser amount, while people over 75 years old will receive the greater amount). The old age pension grant is for older people who meet the means test.

Read Also: Can I Apply For a Grant Online?

Grant-In-Aid

The Grant-In-Aid is a grant of R500 per month. The GIA grant is for current grant holders who cannot care for themselves and need to pay someone to care for them full-time.

War Veterans Grant

The War Veteran’s Grant is a grant of R2100 per month. The WVG grant is for former soldiers who fought in the Second World War or the Korean War and are unable to support themselves. What Are 4 Types Of Grants?

SASSA Contact Details

For any further queries, please get in touch with SASSA directly:
Contact the SASSA Toll-Free Call centre on 0800 60 10 11
Contact the SASSA Head Office on 012 400 2322
Email SASSA Head Office at: Grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za

By following this step-by-step guide, you will be well-equipped to complete your application successfully. Remember to gather all the necessary documents, create an account, fill in the application form accurately, upload the required documents, and review your application before submitting it. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

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