There are many sources giving out free money. These include major corporations, private foundations, and even the federal government. Some sources are altruistic outfits that have a mandate to make the world a better place by funding things like scientific research and the arts. And we have all heard of some of the projects that the federal government funds. Did you know that the government funded a study that determined that eating a steady diet of McDonald's and other fast foods will make people fat? Hello?!? For people who know where to look, there can be a lot of loot to be claimed.

Perhaps the most well-known person with his finger on the pulse of where to get grants is a fellow called Matthew Lesko. You have probably seen him on the television commercials in his suit covered with question marks. He has been on the Oprah Winfrey show more than once and many other talk shows as well. Or maybe you have heard Lesko's frenetic voice on his ubiquitous radio commercials. He also has a Web site, at the aptly named

On Lesko's site, he makes the claim that more than “$1.1 trillion worth of grants are given out every year … Over 10,000 government and non-profit organizations offer grants … Over 30 million people receive grants each year!”

You see there is money to be had for vast and various reasons. Some are noble goals, some are selfish and self-aggrandizing. But if you can make your case in an effective and persuasive way to the people with their hands on the purse strings, then you can be given money to enrich your life. You can also be beneficial in the lives of those around you, or you might choose to take an lifelong daydream and make it reality.

Matthew Lesko is not one of the foundations dispensing free money—or free advice for that matter. He is selling books and tapes that will tell what you need to know. He is not giving the information away. The fact that he is in business for so long is a sign that the information he provides will get results. You can consider it an investment in your future. Though he is well known through his self-promoting showmanship, he is not the only resource out there.