Is your home in need of improvements, but you don't have the cash to complete them? Check out these grants for home improvement now, and save thousands of dollars. 

Investing in home improvement projects is one of the most popular ways that homeowners choose to spend their money. There are numerous reasons why people may decide to invest in home improvement projects, including increasing their property value, improving the enjoyment of their personal space, and reducing utility bills. 

But what are your options if you're a low-income homeowner who cannot afford the cost of needed home improvements? Fortunately, there are government grants and help from nonprofit organizations that you can take advantage of. Keep reading to learn more about how you can get a grant for home improvement. 

USDA Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Grant Program

If you're a low-income rural resident who needs to repair or modernize your home, you may be eligible to receive financial help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this program gives very low income homeowners loans to repair or improve their homes, and it offers grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners who need to remove health and safety hazards in their homes.

To be eligible for this program, you must:

• Occupy the home as your primary residence
• Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere
• Have a household income below the very low limit set by your county.
• Be aged 62 or older (to be eligible for a grant)

For seniors who are aged 62 and older, grants of up to $7,500 are available. These grants are provided so that homes can be made safer and less hazardous for those with mobility issues. 

Home Repair Loan/Grant Program

Many local government agencies offer grant programs and deferred loans for homeowners who wish to repair and improve their homes. These programs are typically used to make a home safer, more accessible, or habitable. For example, in San Diego County, homeowners of mobile homes may receive a grant of up to $12,000 to improve their living space. 

To be eligible for this program, homeowners must:

• Have an income of 80% or below San Diego's median income
• Own and occupy the mobile home as their primary residence

To learn more about home repair loan and grant programs in your area, check out your local Housing and Community Development services. Alternatively, check out Energy.Gov for more information about available funding and finance opportunities. 

Weatherization Grants

If you care about the environment and you are interested in investing in energy-efficient home improvements, there are plenty of weatherization grants available for you. These grants are awarded to homeowners who incorporate innovative energy-saving technologies into their home updates with an aim to improve their overall energy efficiency.

For example, the Federal Window Replacement grant helps low-income families and seniors to reduce their heating and cooling costs. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is funded by the Department of Energy (DOE). However, it's important to note that different states have different requirements and eligibility. 

For example, in Texas, homeowners must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and receive other forms of aid from the government such as supplemental security income, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance. 

Florida's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides grant funds that serve low-income families to reduce their monthly energy burden. Types of assistance provided include:

• Weatherstripping, re-caulking, minor repairs to walls, ceilings, and floors, and window and door replacement
• Installing insulation 
• Installing attic ventilation
• Applying a solar reflective coating to mobile homes
• Installing solar screens
• Repairing or replacing inefficient heating and cooling units
• Repairing or replacing inefficient water heaters

To become eligible for this grant, you must have a total household income of no more than 200% above the national poverty level. It should also be noted that preference is given to seniors or disabled residents and families with children under 12 years old. 

Residential Rehabilitation Loan and Grant Program

If you want to be a better future steward of the environment, but you also need home improvement grants to make that happen, there is help available. There are government grants available that can help offset the cost of home improvements that are eco-friendly and energy-efficient. Start your search online today for available government grants and state grants. You'll find a wealth of information at Energy.Gov, and there's a good chance your state will also have money available.