Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be eligible for a number of home improvement grants that are provided by your state and local governments. Many of these grants are intended for increasing a home's fuel efficiency or safety. There are also many that are targeted to specific demographics, such as the elderly, residents of rural areas, and members of officially recognized Native American tribes. In general, grants for individuals are available to those who would not qualify for home improvement loans. The following are a few home improvement grants that you may be eligible for:

•  The Indian Housing Block Grant Program provides grants to recognized tribes to help with housing needs on reservations. These grants help insure that Native Americans have safe and affordable housing available. The grants are funded through HUD, and must be renewed each year.
•  The USDA has a grant program for senior citizens living in rural areas. Those over the age of 62, who own homes in rural environments can get grants of up to $7500 to ensure that their homes are safe and sanitary. These grants are not generally used on aesthetic improvements like paint, unless they also make the home more sanitary. A better example of an accepted use of these grants is replacing a sewer line.
• The Community Development Block Grant program helps communities in urban areas. The grants are given to cities and urban communities. These home improvement grants are intended to help improve low income citizens' neighborhoods, and decrease urban blight.
• The HOME program is intended for rehabilitation of owner-occupied dwellings. While it is federally funded through HUD, these grants are administrated through your state or city. To qualify for a home improvement grant under the HOME program, you will need to meet the income requirements. Those receiving HOME funds cannot have income that exceeds 80% of the local area's median income. The funds must also be used on housing that is considered "non-luxury housing."

Individual grants from any of the above programs that provide block grants can sometimes be hard to find. One place to start looking is by contacting your local HUD office. You may also be able to get some information by contacting your local bank. The bank will have contacts at local funding agencies, and can point you in the right direction.