According to the grants.gov website, "A federal grant is an award of financial assistance from a federal agency to a recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States."
A professional that would like to do further research in order to write about her discoveries may consider searching for a federal grant. An advanced search will narrow down grants for individuals. When a grant is available for an individual, the interested applicant can begin the application process.
Other types of writers, such as creative writers, or journalists can find grant opportunities to finance their craft. Start with writer focused websites. These websites post information on a variety of grants and contests for all styles of writing. Some websites sponsor their own grants. A new writer may not find a grant that is large enough to stop earning income elsewhere, but there are plenty of opportunities to be had for a person that wishes to get paid to write.
Find websites geared for writers. Sign up for email news letters that offer tips and information on grants. Order magazine subscriptions for writers and books that can help broaden prospects for grant opportunities.
Contests should also be researched. Rewards can be monetary, as well as serve other needs, such as exposure. Contests winners are often published by the sponsors of the contest.
Focusing on a clear objective and gathering information from various sources can help a new writer find grants or monetary endowments that can help boost a beginning writing career.