Spending a lot of time in doing their research at times prove futile for grad students, especially if they consider that there are a lot of free government and private grants that can help them in doing their research. Grad students can find the money to pay for their books or for a trip to a remote locale which can help them in their research. Grad students just need good writing skills, as well as internet and library access in order to hook up with the right educational grants for them.
First the grad student must define the scope of the research in order to narrow down the search. He or she must be able to clearly explain the type of research to be made. This way the grad student can have an idea the type of grant eligible for their research. Usually research grants specify certain academic requirements which the recipient should meet.
Then go to the library. Check out the small section of directories that usually list research grants being made available to students. Seek the help of the librarian in order to locate the directories. Usually grants are categorized by department or college. For instance, a grad student working on literature should find for grants on the arts section.
The grad student can also check on the internet. A few government grant directories can be accessed online. Usually these directories are for free, but although not necessarily up to date.
The grad student can also ask professors and instructors. They are usually good sources of information regarding research grants, especially those which are not widely publicized. Most private organizations and benefactors providing grants usually depend on word-of-mouth in looking for potential applicants.
Writing letters to organizations and inquiring on the availability of research grants is also a good option, especially to groups that are prominent in the field of study of the grad student.
However, keep in mind that most public grants as well as research grants require a proposal. The said proposal should outline the research, as well as provide an estimated budget for the research and detailed breakdown on how the money will be spent. Grad students should present their proposal well, and have a good writing style to entice their benefactors to provide them grants for their research. Write a letter inquiring the existence of research grants, and not ask for any financial assistance.