Are there any grants to buy a car?

The answer is "Yes" and maybe.

Disabled Vets and those in the armed forces are eligible to apply for a grant to buy a car.  But don't get greedy because this program is for buying a used car and not a new one!

One program got a million dollars to use hybrid school buses.

If you are applying to a grant program that allows it you may be able to get enough to buy a good used car IF and only if you can prove that having a vehicle is necessery for what you want to do.

There is also talk about being able to provide money for buying a used car (or "transportation money) for needy families but this isn't official yet.