GrantBasics101

Did You Know That There Is A Beer Competition?

2009-11-09T10:55:00.002-05:00

Did you know that there is a beer competition that takes place on a regular basis?

This is an international competition for beer lovers and for those that love to create beer!

This competition is held on a regular basis in celebration of the art and science of brewing by recognizing outstanding brewing achievement around the world. The top three winners in the competition's 70 beer-style categories are awarded gold, silver or bronze medals.

This beer competition has been going on for more than 10 years!. The organization that sponsors this competition was founded in 1978, is a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to the promotion of quality beers and brewing throughout the world.

The competition is intended to create greater consumer awareness about different beer styles and flavor profiles while promoting international brewing excellence.

You can visit their website for more information on the competition.

Are You Interested In Getting A FREE Car?

There is a non-profit organization that is giving away free cars!

In order to be eligible you first have to go to the organization's website and fill out their application and create a profile. You then have to get 100 people to vote for you!

Since these cars that are given away for free are donated by the public you have to wait until one of the vehicles becomes available for being donated. However once you complete all the application requirements the applicant qualifies to have their application reviewed. Once a vehicle becomes available in a particular geographic location, the organization begins reviewing the applications with the most votes / highest page rank who live in that general vicinity. Even if your page rank is lower than someone else's, you may receive a vehicle if your story is inspirational enough, but we must strongly emphasize that your application is more likely to be reviewed if you have a high page rank.

Besides providing free cars this charitable organization can also provide financial assistance for tag/title/registration fees, automobile repairs, preventative maintenance items like oil changes, hoses, belts, batteries, brakes, tires, automotive warranty coverage, roadside assistance memberships, and the down-payment for auto insurance or even the down-payment for a new or used vehicle! The organization can assist with just about anything automotive related as long as the applicant has completed the application, qualifies, and has made the effort.

For additional questions you can email them for additional information.

Childcare Grant Available For College Students!

2009-11-05T10:04:00.003-05:00

A grant program is available to help low income students pay for child care while the student attends classes.

To be eligible for this state program:

you must be a resident of the state and a U.s> citizen or eligible non-citizen
have a child 12 years old or younger (or 14 or younger if the child is handicapped)
there are family size and income requirements in order to qualify for this program
be enrolled for at least six credits per term
NOT have completed four years of postsecondary education. Students who have withdrawn for active military service after December 31, 2002 are given an extra term of eligibility.
NOT have defaulted on a student loan

Eligible schools that meet the eligibility requirements are all public postsecondary schools and private, baccalaureate degree granting colleges and universities located within the state or nonprofit, two-year vocational schools granting associate degrees.

The amount of child care assistance depends on:

The number of people in the student's household
The number of day care hours necessary to cover education and work obligations
Income of the applicant and spouse
The availability of funding
The student's enrollment status

The maximum available to a full-time student is $2,600 for each eligible child per academic year. Assistance may cover up to 40 hours of child care per week for each eligible child. In some instances, the maximum award may be increased by 10 percent to compensate for higher market costs for infant care.

The student should apply to the financial aid office at his or her school.

For more information you can view their brochure online.

For more information about other kinds of daycare-related grants, just visit my blog Grant Basics 101 - Daycare.

If you are out of work, you may be able to get money to live on as well as money to pay for entrepreneurial training to run your own business!

There are both federal and state programs that provide funding for those who are unemployed but are looking for work! These programs are run with federal money and state money. Each state has different rules and the main idea is that they have money for you to train to get a better job along with money to live on while you are training.

These programs are run through special offices that are located throughout the United States.

For more information about these kinds of programs and whether or not you are eligible to apply, you can visit their website by clicking here.

Could Your Business Use A Loan?

One restaurant owner was struggling to open up his business. He needed money to install the kitchen stove, hood, and grill. Bank of America turned down his loan request. Desperate for an infusion of cash, he took out a $6,000 loan with a 20 percent interest rate. Then he found out about a non-profit organization that provides loans under $25,000 to new businesses shunned by banks. The restaurant owner was able to get a loan at 12% interest without having to offer collateral.

The non-profit organization that offers this funding program looks at more than just credit history and collateral. According to a spokesperson for the program, "We look for people who have a good idea and who have put some sweat equity into the business,".

In the past this non-profit organization has out over loaned $20 million dollars.

Are You
A

Budding Entrepreneur?

This may just be the grant program for you!

In order to be eligible to apply for this grant program you must submit a compelling business story which will be posted and rated online. Everyone who submits a story will receive a chance to win a share of grant money.

A panel of judges will rate the entries during. 50 finalists will receive a digital camera plus a $5,000 small business grant and a chance to win $25,000 more by submitting a video version of their story.

If you would like to participate in this small business grant program you can visit the website and apply.

*NOTE: For more information on small business grants, be sure to click here

"I Think You Are A Scam Artist......"

2009-11-01T13:02:00.006-05:00

Here is a recent comment that I have gotten:

i just want to say what a scam and rip off artist i think you are..you are one these high class snobs that wants to get rich quick at the exspense of less fortunate honest people..and by reading down thru the page,it sounds to me like you have really got a bad&smart a.... attitude..i am a disabled combat veteran,and i need financial grant help,along with many other veterans,because our fine govt.says they cant help us..then comes along people like you,slivering around like an ole snake scamming people so you can live high on the hog..right now,i dont have $9.25 let alone $925,and i know there is many other people feel the same way..i gave 10 years of my life to help assure your safety and freedom for the soil you walk on.now i think that is worth something........."

It is not only me that thinks that is worth something but our government also believes that it is worth something and that is why there are so many grant and financial programs that are available to veterans like yourself. My own brother is a veteran and he receives quite a few benefits both financial and otherwise from the government and other entities as well.

Please understand that information about government grant programs has to be made accessible to the public which means that you can find information about government grants at your local library and our own government's website as well! As for the other grant programs that are available to veterans from other organizations you need only to start looking and doing some research online - for a start.

If you really need help financially you should start at your local social services agency because that is what they are there for. Our tax dollars are what pays for them to be there.

There are financial grant programs out there that are available for veterans. As a matter of fact there is a grant program that provides a free house to veterans!

Can you tell me anything that you have done to seek any of these programs out? Because they are out there and available for people like you who qualify to apply.

I am glad that you sent me this comment because it further allows me to tell people that there is financial help out there available for those that qualify for it and all they have to do is to start looking for them. Have you started to do that?

Here are just a few of the kinds of programs that are available to eligible veterans:

A little-known grant program is available for disabled veterans to help them get started in their own business. The grant award amout can be up to $10,000 and can be explored by contacting your local VA office. You can also write to them using a specific address and you can also e-mail them as well as calling their toll-free number! To learn more, visit their website.
There is an organization that injured veterans can apply to receive homes free of any mortgage.

One area is receiving $100,000 for a rebate program, which provides a rebate to people who purchase Energy Star qualified home appliances like air conditioners and water heaters. The purpose of this rebate program is to help reduce residential utility bills!

Aquarium Gets

A $1 Million Dollar Grant!

One aquarium has been awarded 2 grants totaling over $1 Million Dollars! The grant monies will be used for initiatives about the impact of climate change on the oceans.

The grants are to encourage individual action to the problem of climate change on oceans. One of the grants, worth over $900,000 supports a suite of programs to help with one of the aquarium's upcoming exhibits that is related to climate control education. The 2nd grant worth over $500,000 will support the aquarium's participation in a coalition of aquariums that educate about climate change. The grant will help in efforts to create a virtual reality theater show that incorporates the Google Earth technology. The grant will also be used to give staff and volunteers additional training on how best to motivate people to take action against global climate change.

There is a foundation that helps women who have breast cancer and are undergoing surgery and treatment. This foundation provides $500 grants for services such as child care, housekeeping, yard maintenance, in-home pet care, personal errands, transportation, meals, professional photographs, massage, exercise and yoga.

Each woman undergoing treatment is eligible

There are no income criteria

For more information, visit the foundation's website or you can call the foundation's office using their toll-free phone number.

Government Grant Program Deadline Extended!

2009-10-23T09:14:00.004-04:00

It’s not for as long a period as entrepreneurs around the country were hoping, but the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill reauthorizing the deadline date of one of their grant programs to October 31, 2009.

This particular grant program (along with their sister program) provides millions of dollars in grants — with awards reaching upwards of $750,000 to individual businesses meeting specific criteria — to technology start-up companies through a variety of federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services and NASA.

Grant Program

Available

For Nurses

Who Want To Teach!

Because there is a shortage of nursing teachers, more of them are sorely needed! Despite the economic downturn, record numbers of well qualified potential nursing students continue to be turned away or placed on long waiting lists, (in some cases several years in length), by traditional campus based nursing schools due to severe shortages of nurse educators. As has been reported for many months now, the nationwide deficit of nursing faculty has reached critical proportions as the current faculty workforce rapidly advances toward retirement and the pool of younger replacement faculty decreases. The shortage of nurse educators poses serious threat to national health care. The number of nursing graduates with bachelor’s and master’s degrees isn’t keeping up with soaring demand. Educators and health planners see the growing demand for nurses not only as a need for additional personnel but also for additional education, with more nurses prepared in baccalaureate programs that emphasize leadership, patient education, case management, and care across a variety of acute care and outpatient settings.

For example, at one hospital the shortage of highly qualified nurses who teach is already so bad that it’s had two nurse educator positions open for two years, even at the largest hospital in a state with one of the nation’s worst unemployment rates. According to one spokesperson from the hospital, "It has an impact on care. It really does. It has an impact on how quickly we are able to advance and institute new programs. We absolutely struggle to find nurses with master’s degrees who are educated in teaching.”

The looming nursing crisis could mean that the region has thousands fewer nurses than it needs by 2020, according to projections by health officials. Federal estimates have projected the nation will have 29 percent fewer nurses than it needs by 2020.

The influx of baby boomers with complex health needs and an aging nursing population are exacerbating the problem. The average age of nurses is 49, while the average age of nursing faculty is 55. In one tri-state area, the more than 60 nursing schools can’t keep up with the demand.

So because of this three states are banding together with the help of a $250,000 grant which, joined with grants from others, aims to increase the number of teachers, add training opportunities and provide incentives for nurses to want to pursue advanced degrees. One of the goals of the project is to encourage nurses who are interested in teaching to get their master’s or doctorates with scholarships. The grants can be used for anything related to their education, including child care or transportation, as long as the recipient agrees to a year of teaching for each year of funding.

So far over 15 grants of $10,000 each so far have been awarded.

If you are considering getting your nursing degree online, online nursing degree programs make it possible for working adults to earn an advanced degree whenever and wherever it`s convenient for them, rather than having to rearrange work and family responsibilities around fixed class schedules. This ability to continue earning while learning through online nursing degree programs is making school accessible to millions of working professionals who would find it impossible to return to school otherwise. With 24/7 access to virtual classrooms, multimedia lessons, and the ability to network with fellow students and professors via message boards, chat rooms, and e-mail, online students enjoy distinct advantages over campus based students! And there are scholarships available for those that want to study and /or earn their degree(s) online.

Grant Program

Available

For Single Dads

As part of our government's new stimulus package there is more opportunities and more funding for education grants. There are several categories of grants available, but a big portion of it is reserved for dads. The newly revised grant system was created in order to cover many of life's expenses and school at the same time so there is less financial burden for these individuals. There are lots of single dads out there who hold down more than one job to try to support their family. This grant will cover some of this, the tuition, the books, amongst other things.

Once you receive this grant, you can receive up to $10,000 a year or $5100 a semester for up to 18 semesters. That will be more than enough to put you through until you graduate. (In the future the government is looking to increase the funds again to cover even more expenses.)

If you want to go to school, but childcare is a problem, then you can find programs online. There are hundreds of degrees that you can complete over the internet. There are so many options for you that there aren't very many reasons not to take the government's stimulas programs up on their offer.

For more information, you can check out the government's website.

There may be government grant money just waiting for you!

Grant Program To Help Family Caregivers

2009-10-19T16:34:00.004-04:00

This grant program is intended to give primary caregivers the break they so often need. The grant money must be used to pay for temporary substitute care.

One woman, who is taking care of her elderly mother, applied for and received the grant, which meant her mother could continue to go to the adult day care center while she had time to find another job (which she has). It had been three years since her 86-year-old mother moved in with her and her husband in their home . The mother has Alzheimer’s disease and has trouble moving around, so the woman helps her mother with her shower each day, makes sure she’s fed and takes her on small excursions to the mall in a portable wheelchair. The routine includes occasionally reminding her mother of what day it is and where she’s living. She does all this while also raising her 8-year-old daughter and juggling a full-time job. But money was an issue. For a time, she was out of work, having lost her job last year. Although her husband was still employed, without her salary she found it increasingly difficult to pay $180 a week for the adult day care center that her mother attended regularly. Then through an organization in her town the woman heard about a grant sponsored by one of the larger foundations.

The woman is one of the growing numbers of Americans facing the financial squeeze that can come from caring for elderly parents. About 30 percent of adult children in the United States contribute financially to their parents’ care and pay on average of $2,400 a year on everything from uncovered medical expenses to making sure the refrigerator is stocked each week. The money often goes to parents who diligently saved all their lives, but in the face of longer life spans and chronic illness, the savings just isn’t enough. With all of the overwhelming emotional and medical aspects of caring for elderly parents, it’s natural to ignore the consequences of spending large amounts of money on them. But so often adult children end up ignoring their own savings and retirement accounts or, worse, go into debt, because they’re taking care of their parents says a lawyer who specializes in issues of elderly care.

One way out of this bind? Take full advantage of the hundreds of government and nonprofit programs and services geared to the elderly throughout the country. “There’s lots of help out there, but also lots of reasons why families don’t use it,” said the lawyer. Some people may think their parents have too much money to qualify even though many of the programs are available to elderly people with incomes of more than $100,000. Or the parents may be too proud to accept help. What’s more, these services can be difficult and time-consuming to find. And it can be a challenge to deal with the paperwork and red tape, especially when you’re already overwhelmed by the daily demands of taking care of an older parent.

More information can be found by clicking here.

State Grant

Program For

Community Groups!

One city is offering grants from $500 to $3,000 to grassroots community groups in economically under-resourced neighborhoods to foster community improvements.

The grants are available for local volunteer community groups and public school-based student groups working to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods and schools across the city.

The deadline for 2009 fall grants is has now passed. However for the spring 2010 grants, the deadline is March 14, 2010.

To contact the committee, you can contact them by phone or visit their website.

Another

Grant Program

For

Individual Artists!

Another arts foundation is pleased to announce their next grant cycle. Applications are now available!

The foundation will hold a grants information workshop for interested applicants at the foundation's offices. Reservations are required. Please reserve your space by either calling or email. First time applicants are strongly urged to attend this informational workshop.

This grant program provides cash awards to local artists and cultural organizations that are engaged in projects that help create a strong, stable, and diverse arts and culture industry and contribute positively to the quality of life and economic vitality of the region. Preference is given to specific program initiatives, particularly those enhancing the arts education of learners of all ages, and to collaborative efforts within the arts community.

So far, the foundation has distributed $71,450 in grants to 48 individual artists and cultural organizations in the past 12 months.

Guidelines and application materials are available at the foundation's website or by calling.

The mission of this foundation is to:

Support, promote, and celebrate the arts and culture of the local community
Create a strong, stable and diverse arts and culture industry
Contribute to the quality of life and economic vitality of the region

Full-Tuition Scholarships Being Offered For Online Courses!

2009-10-14T14:47:00.002-04:00

Over $1 Million Dollars

In Scholarships Being Offered

To Earn An Online Degree!

There is a campaign that has been created to help support those who are under-employed and / or under-educated to help provide financial scholarships that will pay the full cost of tuition for those that want to be able to study online and earn their degree.

You can visit their website to find out more about this online scholarship program.

Please be advised that only a limited number of scholarships will be awarded to those that qualify and apply.

State Is Providing

Both Grants And Loans
To Businesses Both

Small And Large!

In order to help provide job and strengthen their local economy one state has started a grant (and loan) program for both large and small businesses!

Here are some of the grant recipients:

one bank received a $900,000 grant!
a transportation company got a $90,000 grant
a galvanizing business has also won a $100,000 grant!

Also the program has also provided loans to:

a brewing company received a $500,000 loan
a manufacturing company has received a $1.2 Million Loan!
a carpet recycling business has received a $600,000 loan as well!

The funding of these (and other) businesses in that state symbolizes a core strategy for economic development which is to help small businesses survive a recession that has claimed tens of thousands of jobs in the state.

So far one of these funding programs has enrolled 25 small businesses, with the state committing $405,000 of the $5 million originally set aside for the initiative. According to one spokesperson, "participation so far has been disappointing, but he said his office has not promoted the program as well as it could have. He said the funding program is preparing a new campaign to get the word out."

Individual Artists Receive Grant Awards

Grants are being provided to individual artists to help them keep working on their art because culture is vital to a town's civic health - according to a spokesperson of the funding program.

Artists can also apply for program or education grants for ideas that directly benefit the city. The application includes a list of potential collaborators and helpers at local museums, libraries and the like.

In addition to traditional disciplines such as music, dance/theater and literature, the council funds multidisciplinary and cultural heritage projects. Though the dollar amounts are relatively small - $250 to $2,000, with individual artists limited to $1,200 - the council envisions them as a stepping stone for larger awards and outside donations.

You can find out more about this grant program by visiting the sponsoring website.

Free Airline Travel Grant For Businesses!

2009-10-02T13:58:00.001-04:00

A major airline will be awarding 100 small-to-medium size U.S. businesses free travel to anywhere in the world where their airline flies plus valuable products and services to help support their businesses and maximize their travel experiences.

This grant program is part of an endeavor that aims to drive forward small and medium sized enterprises by focusing on tangible, human connections as a crucial driver of business growth. The program will offer these companies a variety of support including the opportunity to travel overseas and conduct face-to-face business meetings that will result in new and/or deeper partnerships, new projects, and revenue for U.S. cities.

Starting today, businesses with a demonstrable need should visit the website for their chance apply!

The award will include 10 round trip transatlantic business class tickets to be used at their business' discretion in 2010. Also included will be five priviledged cards offering access to business lounges worldwide! Also each grant winner will be provided with $1,000 toward business accommodations. Another company will provide each grant winner with an All-In-One Printer, specifically designed for small businesses, including printer, copier, scan, fax and photo lab capabilities. Another company will offer each winning company five free global shipments of up to 500 kilos, including fuel and security fees, shipped from any applicable gateway!

So far the sponsors of this program have given away close to 1,000 airline seats to help U.S. entrepreneurs grow their businesses! According to a spokesperson for the program, "Our hope is that these business grants help businesses increase their revenues and reach important milestones in their strategic growth plans."

U.S. businesses are invited to "make their case" for those business travel endeavors that they need but haven't yet been able to meet. If their case is eligible and meets the criteria then the business may win free travel for one year to anywhere in the world that the airline flies.

Businesses interested in entering the competition should complete the entry form online telling the airline about their business objectives in 2010 and how a grant would benefit their business.

Entries will be reviewed by a group of the airline's executives and its communications and business partners. Winners will be notified by late November. Entries must represent companies with 500 employees or less and have a Federal Tax ID Number.

For more information you can visit the airline's website.

Grant Programs For Single Mothers!

"Helllo, I am a mother of three and I am working and trying to finish school. I do not qualify for any aid or grants or anything but my job is no longer working out for us."

I find it hard to believe that you don't qualify for any aid or grant programs. Here are some excerpts from my pages:

"Grants for single mother assistance take many forms. Many grants are small, especially grants for single mother education assistance. However, these small grants can be combined with other forms of assistance and aid. By combining several grant and assistance packages, the single mother can often finance tuition, books, transportation and, even, daycare.

The most common type of federal education grant can pay from $400 to $4,050 per year, depending on the cost of the school, the need of the student and the student s enrollment status. The financial aid office at all participating schools will have all information necessary to apply for these grants.

There are numerous foundations offering grants for single mother assistance. These foundations generally only require that the applicant be a single mother or the child of a single mother in order to be eligible for the grant. Some foundations offer grants to assist in paying off student loans. The applicant is often expect to perform community service or do volunteer work in order to qualify for the grant. Professional women who are willing to volunteer their professional services to the community are especially eligible for grants to repay student loan debt. Teachers who are also single mothers may qualify for these grants without doing additional volunteer service, as teaching is considered to be a contribution to the community in and of itself.

Grants for single mother housing assistance are available through HUD. In addition to HUD grants, many states offer housing grants to single mothers. These grants may take the form of special loan packages and they may also pay all or a portion of the closing costs for home purchases. There are also grants available to help single mothers with the down payment on a home. These grants are generally State sponsored. The local Housing Authority will have information on the State s availability of grants for single mother housing assistance. "

Here is another program for single mothers:

This granting program has true stories from amazing moms. Stories that they live every day & inspired by other Moms not to give up. Please read their stories & cast your vote. Congratulations to winners who have won $125 in CASH

The purpose of this program is to serve as support assistance to single mothers nationwide. The more donations they, the larger the gifting fund becomes, making more gifting available to single mothers. The grants will be limited for applicants to one award for assistance every 18 months.

The program is looking for amazing mothers with a real life stories. Are you an amazing mom? Do you know an amazing mom who has overcome one of life's obstacles and has gone on to inspire others? The program is looking for amazing moms with needy inspiring or an amazing story to tell. Amazing moms maybe raising children while going to school and / or working at the same time. Hardships and challenges are important obstacles to overcome. Tell them your story.

How to apply? Send them an essay telling them your amazing story via email. The essay may contain up to two pages of text formatted in a MS WORD document, text style Arial, and size 10.

All submitted stories will be reviewed by the program's Committee. The top 3 to 8 stories will be selected, and then posted to the website for other single moms to review and cast their vote. The top 1 to 3 stories with most votes from voters will go through a final review and approval process by the committee. Upon final approval, the winners will be notified by email.

Winners must be able to provide proof of eligibility which may include, but is not limited to personal identification verification, proof of citizenship, income verification, school registration verification, and other criteria which may apply to their hardship letter as provided. Once these criteria have been satisfied, the winner will be sent the award in the form of a check by the 15th of the following month. (For example: if your story was selected is for the month of August 2005, your check will be issued by September 15, 2005 & send out a few days later).

Application & Review

The program committee will review your application. This program provides financial gifts to single mothers. The amount can range from $50 to $200-gifting depends on how much money the program raises each month.

This program was set up to help single mothers in need when they are faced with life's unexpected challenges such as educational expenses, child care, medical expenses and work related.

A check will be sent directly to you or if you request a voucher or gift certificate it will be sent directly to you by mail.

The program is available to single mothers with hardships and challenges in life.

Who is eligible?

You must be a single mother with children under the age of 18 living in the household.
U.S. legal resident
Over the age of 18
Must be currently working at least 10 hours per week or recently unemployed (3 months or longer) or have completed at least 1 semester/quarter of the required program at a post secondary school.

Income Requirements

Single Mother-1 Child -Monthly Income=$1,000.00 or Less
2 Children =Monthly Income=$1,500.00 or Less
3 Children -Monthly Income= $2,400.00 or Less
4 Children or more=Monthly Income=$3,000.00 or Less

A Drug Prevention Program May Get Over $1 Million Dollars In Grant Money!

2009-10-01T09:24:00.003-04:00

One organization has won a highly competitive federal grant that will enable them to start a number of programs in an effort to reverse there area's high rate of teen alcohol and drug use. Their grant application included a 196-page application for the grant. Recently the area's school district released results which showed seniors and sophomores using drugs and alcohol at a rate far above the state average and that they perceive the community as being tolerant towards such use. A past survey two years ago revealed similar numbers.

The volunteer program was rekindled two years ago after having lain dormant for several years — and, since then, a number of volunteers have poured countless hours into the organization, identifying the most important issues to address and beginning the hard work of building a coalition and securing funding.

The initial grant funding is $115,000 but this same grant could total more than $1 million if the non-profit organization can continue to receive subsequent funding from the same grant over the next nine years!

The grant which consists of an inital grant award of $115,000 will also subsequently include grant amounts of up to $125,000 for each of the next nine years!. This will enable the non-profit to hire a coordinator. In the first year of funding, the non-profit also plans to strengthen its community mobilization skills, strengthen the coalition and begin addressing youth substance abuse by undertaking an awareness campaign about the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco on youth. The organization also plans to involve youth in the effort, supporting and enhancing youth mentorship efforts as well as a range of youth-initiated activities.

The grant itself is highly competitive. According to one spokesperson "Only a fraction of those organizations that submit proposals get past the initial screening, and after that, fewer than a third get funded". In one state, nine other communities received funding this year for the first time. Nationwide, 160 new groups got funded.

Once funded, coalitions or agencies get annual funding for 10 years if they can show they’re making progress.

Homebuyers To Receive Grant Money!

Here is another example of how the government's stimulus money is helping individuals!

In an effort to help stimulate a slow housing market, one state will be offering grant awards in the amount of $4,000 to a number of home buyers! This grant program comes on the heels of a previous grant program that used $10 million in stimulus funds to offer $6,000 grants to home buyers in an effort to eliminate a glut of roughly 3,000 newly built homes that had never been occupied. The state awarded those 1,600 grants in less than 12 weeks earlier this year!

So far the grants have led to home sales of $376.7 million, creating thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in wages. Also the new grants will lead to 9,000 jobs either being saved or created and $25 million in income and sales tax revenue.

Home buyers would have to secure a fixed-rate mortgage to qualify, and the money would only be available to individuals with income of $75,000 or less or married couples with income of $150,000 or less. There is no limit on the price of homes, and the grants are available to anyone buying a new home, not just first-time home buyers!. (The state grant also can be combined with a federal tax rebate of $8,000 for first-time home buyers.)

Both programs expire December 1, 2009!

Grant Program For Individual Artists!

Applications are now being accepted with a deadline date of:

Friday, October 9, 2009!

This grants program provides cash awards to local artists and cultural organizations that are engaged in projects that help create a strong, stable, and diverse arts and culture industry for the local area and contribute positively to the quality of life and economic vitality of the region. Preference is given to specific program initiatives, particularly those enhancing the arts education of learners of all ages, and to collaborative efforts within the arts community.

So far more than $50,000 in grant money has been given to 45 individual artists and cultural organizations within the past 12 months!

Guidelines and application materials are available on their website or by calling them by phone.

$1000 Grant Program To

Help Fight Child Obesity!

If your school or youth-focused community group needs financial funding to help start programs to help fight child obesity then your organization may be eligible to apply for a $1,000 grant for programs that address the health risks of childhood obesity and / or have solutions for combating obesity in schools and communities.

Please note that the application deadline is:

Oct. 22, 2009!

For more information or to obtain an application online please be sure to visit the website

Government Grant Program For Energy Production Companies

2009-09-29T11:12:00.002-04:00

There is now a government grant program that provides cash assistance to energy production companies in place of earned tax credits. The new funding creates additional upfront capital, enabling companies to create jobs and begin construction that may have been stalled until now.

This grant program has been put in place as an "investment in our long-term energy needs while creating jobs in communities around the country. This renewable energy program will spur the manufacture and development of clean energy in urban and rural America, allowing us to protect our environment, create good jobs and revitalize our nation's economy."

According to a spokesperson, "These grants will help America's businesses launch clean energy projects, putting Americans back to work in good construction and manufacturing jobs. The initiative will help double our renewable energy capacity over the next few years and make sure America leads the world in creating the clean energy economy of the future."

This grant program is expected to provide more than $3 billion in financial support for clean energy projects by providing direct payments in lieu of tax credits. These payments will support an estimated 5,000 bio-mass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities in all regions of the country over the life of the program. As a result of this first round of funding, more than 2,000 Americans will have access to jobs in the renewable energy industry – both in construction and in manufacturing – while moving the nation closer to meeting the Administration's goal of doubling renewable energy generation in the next few years.

The Treasury Department opened the application process for the program on July 31, 2009 and is today making the first awards in half the statutorily mandated turnaround time of 60 days (what this means is that it took only 60 days for the grant recipients to receive the direct money payments!).

Some of the companies that have already received these grant awards include:

A wheat farm in Oregon received over $47 Million Dollars in project funding!
A wind farm in Texas has received over $100 Million Dollars!

As a side note - It seems as though a number of companies outside of the United States has been receiving a big chunk of this grant money. One company in Spain received over $250 Million Dollars!

Another interesting note about this particular grant program is that it has no cap - which means that there seems to be no limit on the maximum amount of grant money that can be received!

Basically what this means is that if your business is one that provides energy production then your business may be eligible to apply for this particular grant program.

$10,000 Grant Program For Non-Profits!

This state program is for a social entrepreneurship program. So far three of the 12 recipients will be awarded $10,000 grants from the state to jumpstart their new business plans.

The finalists will meet once a month for the next six months to develop ideas on how to expand their services or offer completely new services. During this time, the groups will be meeting with a consulting firm that will help each organization with a business plan, financial analysis and feasibility assessment.

Projects that the nonprofits are pursuing include a substance abuse rehab facility, workforce development, a new cord blood bank, domestic violence prevention, community revitalization and a paint recycling program. The state funding that will go to the three final organizations is expected to act as a catalyst to draw more funding from private investors.

(For more information about investors, please refer to The Investors Bulletin Board)

The other nine finalists will at least have a tool to help them raise capital. according to one of the program's spokespeople, "Many of the organizations just don’t have time to sit down and make a business plan to help them expand".

Local Area Grant Program For Teachers Of History!

2009-08-18T09:31:00.004-04:00

A federally funded program designed to instruct fifth through eighth-grade teachers on how to get kids excited about studying American history will soon be available to educators in certain school districts.

Teachers who volunteer to take part will have the opportunity to visit historic sites and museums across the nation to acquire firsthand knowledge of peoples, cultures and ideas from pre-Colonial times to the present. They’ll receive additional training and personal coaching from history professors.

The grant, in the amount of $992,099 over the next three years, will pay for the program coordinator, guest speakers, field study and training expenses incurred by teachers and the professors who will provide some of the academic content.

In addition to saving at least one local teaching job, the grant will give elementary and middle school teachers a more detailed knowledge of history as well as new teaching strategies that make social studies more accessible, interesting and exciting for students. Aside from general history, the grant’s teaching curriculum will focus on the diversity of America and the impact of internal migration and immigration.

The project will begin this fall and is eligible for funding for up to five years.

At least 40 educators will take part in regular classes and field trips and about 200 teachers will be invited to attend occasional major events throughout the school year.

A similar $938,000 grant was issued by the U.S. Department of Education in 2008. That program was administered by a teacher Larry Jones in partnership with a Lutheran University and a library to benefit fifth-, eighth-, and 11th-grade teachers.

Local teachers who have already participated in the established grant program said the experience has already enhanced their teaching capabilities. One teacher who teaches 11th-grade history has attended every grant workshop, event and institute hosted by the program since the inception of that program last year. He said a recent New Mexico trip opened up a different aspect of history that is often overshadowed by major events that occurred simultaneously on the East Coast.
“Interacting with other teachers and seeing living history helped me to put things together for my students,” said the teacher, who shares what he learns from the program with other educators at his school.

Local school leaders haven’t yet selected a director for the new project but over time the two programs will work jointly.

School leaders are seeking an individual who has good recruiting skills to spark interest in teachers who qualify for the program. The program is wide open for other teachers to apply!

17 Daycare

Facilities Receive Over

$100,000

In Grant Money!

Because of the damage from Hurricane Ike, 17 area daycare facilities will be receiving grant money to help with making repairs.

A library also received over $100,000 in grant money to help renovate two conference rooms on the library’s upper floors. The improvements will help restore meeting space the library lost on the first floor. Damage to the first floor was so extensive it will take a while to fix.

So far this recovery fund has raised about $3 million to help all the communities affected by Hurricane Ike and were pleased that they were able to help offer the financial assistance that was needed to help make repairs.

After Hurricane Katrina, the recovery fund raised about $130 million for Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. As they did with the funding for Hurricane Katrina, this funding program allocated all of the money raised for Ike recovery for long-term projects at schools and other public buildings.

A charter school that emphasizes math and science, got a $100,000 grant! The money came through the funding program from a former member who is also one of the school’s founding board members. The money was used to help with the school's rebuilding project. Ike flooded the school's 400 students out of their former home. The school spent the rest of the year at a nearby church, but with 520 students already enrolled for next year, the school needed a new home.
The funding also provided $67,000 to 17 day care facilities and gave another $100,000 to churches that run day care operations.

The government has hired a company in Maryland, to redesign its Web site as part of a contract valued at $9.5 million to $17.9 million!

Student Receives

A Full

Music Scholarship!

If you are interested in applying for a full scholarship to study music then this might just be the scholarship program for you!

Even though thousands of music tapes were submitted only one was chosen to receive a full music scholarship.

The most recent recipient of this scholarship submitted an application which included producing an original track that won out over thousands of others submitted! She wrote and produced her song while also working full time and completing her freshman final exams. The student, from Michigan is already a first year student at a music institution that offers a course in hip-hop.

2 other scholarship awards were also awarded. According to one spokesperson, "The recipients all demonstrate the requisite talent, ambition and academic achievement that this college likes to see in students who want to attend this outstanding music college. Each one also meets the requirements for financial aid, which more students are asking for in the current economic environment. We view these top scholarships as investments in the future of outstanding recording".

To find out more about this scholarship program, just click here.

There Is Financial Help For Needy College Students!

2009-08-13T13:10:00.004-04:00

There is help available for families struggling with paying tuition for their kids!

Applications for student aid are up!

More and more families are appealing denied decisions for aid packages to get additional assistance as more and more parents are being rejected for loans.

Schools say they are doing what they can. For example:

One college that usually accepts aid appeals until mid-June has suspended their deadline so families whose fortunes suddenly change can appeal their aid package at any time. "We had so many families that seem to have financial circumstances that were changing negatively, we made a decision to continue to accept the appeals," says a spokesperson for the learning institution. The college's financial aid office has dealt with households with severe investment losses, small business owners whose companies have nose dived, families where both parents have lost jobs and a student who returned home for spring break to find her family's house in foreclosure.
A university is handling a 20 percent increase in aid appeals. Most of the appeals are due to job losses.
Another college that gives out about $1.1 million in grants to needy students says that year's pot of money has gone faster than usual, but the grants went to needier families than in years past.
A university has launched a campaign this year, so far raising $234,000 for students needing emergency aid to remain at the school. The money started being disbursed this month. It comes during a year when appeals are up 52 percent over last year and applications for government aid rose 12 percent as many higher-income families apply for the first time.

If you're having trouble with tuition bills, here are some options:

Pay through installments. Most schools allow you to pay tuition over a 10-month period. You'll pay a $50 to $100 fee, but you won't pay any interest. If you can swing the payments, this is better than a loan.
Get aid from Uncle Sam If you must borrow, government loans are the way to go. The fixed interest rate is lower than what private loans offer and the repayment terms are friendly. It's not too late to apply for a government student loan program. In fact, you can do so any time during the academic year. For instance one government student loan program limits this year are $5,500 for freshmen, $6,500 for sophomores and $7,500 each for juniors and seniors. In one particular government student loan program the new fixed rate for the loans are subsidized, meaning the government pays the interest while students are in school, is 5.6 percent. The rate for non-subsidized loans is 6.8 percent. You must show financial need to get a subsidized loan, but any student can qualify for a non-subsidized loan.
If student loans aren't enough to cover the tab, parents can take out a specific loan to make up the difference. The fixed rate is 8.5 percent, or 7.9 percent through the government's direct lending program. Parents can postpone repayment until six months after graduation. Parents must pass a credit check to get this loan.

Uncle Sam last year started cutting parents a little slack if they had fallen behind on a mortgage or medical bills. If parents are denied a the loan, students can borrow more under the government student loan program. The limits are $9,500 for freshmen, $10,500 for sophomores and $12,500 for juniors and seniors.

There are websites where strangers agree to lend students money and the website acts as the middleman in the transaction. About 10% of the students using these sites are funded and the terms are comparable to other other private loans.

It may be too late in the game to find scholarships for this coming fall, but it can't hurt to try searching online. If anything, you'll get a head start on scholarships for next year.

Over $90 Million Dollars

In Grant Money

Is Still Available

In Texas!

Non-profit organizations in the Texas area are eligible to apply for Millions in federal grant money to help them get back on their feet again. The grants will be distributed to agencies in any county declared a disaster area because of Hurricane Ike.

The grant money can be used in a wide array of organizations that provide services such as case management, adult and child day care, food programs and mental health care.

Unfortunately many of the smaller social service agencies that are eligible to apply for these same grants have little experience in applying for them. It would be very beneficial to them if they had a connection to a professional grantwriter or consultant who could help them to apply for these kinds of grants!

Applications for funding must be in by Aug. 25!.

The council will approve funding for agencies Sept. 15th.

Agencies seeking funding want to be able to use the grant money for:

One hospice care center has cited that the hurricane and a slowing economy have strained the agency’s ability to provide hospice care regardless of the client’s ability to pay. Says a spokesperson, "Getting some of the federal money could prove vital to keeping those services going".
Another non-profit organization that serves families of young patients who receive cancer and burn care would like to receive the funding to repair a broken elevator so it can make better use of its second floor.

A grant for $186,574 will allow a food bank to help launch a program stressing proper nutrition and fresh produce for low-income families. The food bank is launching a
two-year pilot program that seeks to supply fresh produce to area families. The food bank organization is a major supplier of emergency food supplies made available to low-income families in a local area region. Teaming up with an interfaith council provides the project established links to city neighborhoods. The hope is that by promoting proper nutrition and access to good food at affordable prices that program will produce results, particularly in the area of childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity in the area nationwide is "a perverse form of malnutrition" where often the most affordable foods are the least nutritious. "We want to learn ways to make affordable and nutritious food available to families.

The organization will explore urban agriculture, community gardens, and ways to bring produce grown on farms around the local area into the city's neighborhoods and corner stores and make it affordable to low-income families.

Animal Shelter Receives

$100,000 Grant!

An animal shelter has received a grant from a foundation to purchase enough vaccine to inoculate all its incoming dogs and puppies against kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) for approximately one year. Kennel cough is similar to the common cold; it is a contagious virus that shelter managers would like to eradicate.It spreads rapidly, and treatment is costly. Shelters are often compelled by their budgets to euthanize otherwise adoptable dogs to stop the spread of the disease. The real key to stopping this scourge is prevention, and that's the aim of these kinds of grants: stopping kennel cough before it gets started.

The grants are part of a foundation's program. Funding is made possible through the foundation's partnership with another animal organization and individual donations.

There Is Finacial Assistance Available For Victims Of Domestic Abuse!

2009-08-11T15:54:00.002-04:00

If you are a survivor of domestic abuse you may be able to apply for grants!

Here is a quote from an online article:

"Survivors can also apply for grants from one foundation that provides grants to shelters and individual survivors. The program has also created a curriculum to teach survivors how to do everything from opening a checking account to repairing bad credit. So far this year the foundation will give out 10 $50,000 in grant monies and in November will begin awarding individual $1,000 Education and Job Training Assistance grants directly to survivors.

If you are a victim of domestic violence here is some information that may help you:

If you're in a dangerous situation and need to flee with nothing but the clothes you're wearing -- do it. Advocates at local shelters will help you (and your kids) get what you need, from prescription refills to birth certificates. But if you can put a plan in place, it is suggested that you call the National Domestic Violence Hotline or look in the blue and white government pages at the front of your phone book for the number of a local shelter. An advocate there will help you decide what to bring.

Most often you'll want your birth certificate, passport, Social Security card, bank or credit card statements, and prescriptions or medical supplies. Your advocate will also explain the intake process (it's different for every shelter), how long you can stay at the shelter, and what programs that particular facility offers (child care, legal advocacy, etc.). If you're able to stockpile extra cash, try to anticipate your financial needs for a month and save for that goal. A shelter will cover basic needs such as food, clothes, hygiene, and a place to sleep.

In 2005, the government reauthorized the 1994 Violence Against Women Act, which funds the investigation and prosecution of crimes against women such as domestic violence and sexual assault. The reauthorization includes increased funding for free legal assistance to victims, stronger federal laws against abusers, new protection and confidentiality laws for women in shelters, and a pledge to spend $3.9 billion protecting women (up from $1.6 billion). State governments are also strengthening laws that protect women and offering services to victims of abuse and sexual assault.

In 1999, California made it illegal for employers to fire an employee for being a victim of domestic violence or for missing work to testify in criminal court -- and other states (like Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, and North Carolina) have passed similar laws. California also pays unemployment to victims who must quit work when relocating to escape abuse. In New York, children can no longer be removed from their abused mother's care simply because she's a victim or because the child witnessed domestic violence.

Did you know that there is an organization that raises money for women with breast cancer? This financial assistance program is for women who often don't have insurance, who are too ill to work and / or don't have money for basic necessities such as food and housing.

The organization provides cash grants to survivors through an emergency fund.

A number of women have said that the grants were lifesavers at a time when they had nowhere else to turn.

This organization also funds breast cancer organizations that provide food, clothing, transportation, homeopathic care and other services.

Government Grant Website

As you know our government has an official government grants website. There is access to over 20 federal grant-making agencies through an E-Government initiative - which basically means that the government is trying to make it easier for you to find out information about their grant program by using the internet and by having the information about their grant programs available online. Today, the site is a central storehouse for information on over 1,000 grant programs and provides access to approximately $500 billion dollars in annual awards!

The government website states that it is still the one place to find all available federal grant opportunities. All opportunities posted on the site will include specific application instructions and there are instructions for submitting applications outside of the website as well. The site is full of information from steps to applying for a grant, grant eligibility, downloading a grant application packages, grant search, and program status, grant email alerts and tracking of a grant application.

However there seems to be a "glitch" in the system! This week it was announced that a “systemic weaknesses” that requires attention. A study found that the system performance and service of applicants caused late grant submissions. In addition, the study also found that grant-making agencies whose donations support the site didn’t pay in a timely manner, negatively affecting system performance. Steps have been taken to alleviate the system strain and quickly increase the system's capacity. However, because of this, select programs may use alternate systems to process grant applications.

According to an online article:

Grants can be for any use or purpose one chooses and there are 26 federal grant-making agencies to choose from on the website. A user does not have to register with the government's office grant program website to search for government grant programs but will need to register to apply. The registration process takes 3-5 business days and now may take longer due to submissions issues with the technology.

Grant Money Still Available For Local Disaster Relief

2009-08-07T10:46:00.002-04:00

There is still grant money available in the state of Iowa for victims of specific disaster areas! A committee is now accepting applications for their disaster grant program. These grant funds can not duplicate any other financial support, assistance, or grants provided by any other federal or state government, nonprofit agency, or faith-based agency.

The eligibility requirements for these grant funds include:

being a FEMA registrant
Residing in a specific county at time of the disaster after May 24, 2008 and before August 14, 2008
Having unmet needs related to his/her disaster recovery. Reimbursement is only for certain expenses incurred due to disaster after May 24, 2008 and August 14, 2008
Having a household income at or below 300% of the 2009 Federal Poverty Guidelines

Please remember that this is an income based program. Applicants need to be at or below 300% of poverty level.

If you have any questions, Please call the program's coordinator by phone.

State

Financial Program

To Help Ease

The

Financial Difficulties

Of Deployment

An all-volunteer nonprofit organization will be offering up to $5,000 in grants to families that can show they have taken a financial hit because of deployment. More than 200 families have already received money, which is gathered from businesses and fund-raising events throughout the state.

The organization's 30 volunteers have already raised $1.3 million and allocated $600,000. The grants offer help to family members who have a lot more than money on their minds.

Although some military organizations have many resources for the soldiers and their families, sometimes its hands are tied when it comes to financial assistance. For example, a survey found that roughly 20 percent of National Guard families find themselves in financial trouble because of a deployment. The survey was conducted before the recession started.

These grants can fund anything from home and auto repairs to child care and car payments. The most common applications are for rent and mortgage payments.

Two types of grants are awarded.

Family Grants - The maximum family grant is $5,000. Every grant application has to go through the grant committee. It is estimated that 90 percent of the applications are approved. The organization pays the bill directly to whomever it is owed, usually within about a week.
Business Grants - The maximum business grant $10,000. The business grant is designed for soldiers who own businesses and come home to find they were badly managed. So far about a dozen of these grants have been given out.

So far about 20 applications have been received in the last two weeks. According to a spokesperson for the program, "There's a lot of people who came back and don't have jobs now," he said. "People are coming back, and they had a salary when they are in uniform. Now they're out looking for a job." Under a federal law, returning service members are entitled to their old job back. If the job itself has been eliminated, however, the service member must look elsewhere for employment.

Members of the organization say they don't expect to run out of grants, but if they do, there's always more fundraising. "If it's not there, then we're going to go back to the communities and say, 'Hey, look, you know what? We have all these grants coming in and we need your help. People don't even hesitate." The organization's fund-raising events include spaghetti dinners, pancake breakfasts, dinner-dances which are always well attended because people are so willing to give. A range of businesses have helped out, donating food and drinks for the organization's events. Community groups have also helped out as well.

Another Way

That Your

Business

Can Get

Government

Money Is.......

Another way that your business may be able to get government money is by your business becoming a contractor for the government.

With all the stimulus money that is out there your business can take advantage of it by becoming a contractor for the government. What is this? Basically what it means is that the government becomes your client.

For instance AT & T has has earned Millions of Dollars simply by being a contractor for the government by provide services and products to the government for government use! While AT & T can't go after stimulus funds directly, their clients include many government agencies that are on the receiving end of those funds. And that puts AT&T in a strong position. (And it can put your own business in the same position as well!) According to an AT & T spokesperson, "We have full teams, assigned to every agency in the federal government, who try to better understand the nuances of every agency's mission and what they need. On a weekly basis, we'll say, 'Here's another idea about how you may want to do something.'"

Now you may think that this kind of thing only applies to big companies but it does not! The government needs everything from consultants to food services and everything in between!

You could take a lesson from AT & T as to how they go about getting their government contracts! The company said the process is identical to how it goes about hunting for other government contracts, which AT&T said is a roughly a $65 billion business for tech firms annually. Sometimes agencies give projects a direct go-ahead, but more often they request formal proposals so projects can be opened up for broader bidding.

AT&T's first stimulus-related contract came about through a prior relationship with a client: $419,000 to upgrade circuits in several Social Security Administration offices across the country. It's small relative to the $14.3 billion in stimulus funds already awarded to companies. But the vast majority of stimulus projects (more than $250 billion worth) have yet to be funded, and when the money begins to flow faster, AT&T will be well-positioned to be a part of bigger contracts. The company is also a good candidate help hospitals integrate electronic health records, which is being funded with $20 billion of stimulus money. AT&T has already signed a contract with the state of Tennessee to custom build a virtual private network for e-health information exchange. AT&T is also working hard to get involved with broadband services in rural America, smart grid wiring, and other health IT programs.

(To see my other blog posts relating to more information about the grants relating to providing broadband services just click here.)

Analysts say big firms like AT&T are more likely to get stimulus funds than smaller competitors, as they have the resources to quickly act on a wide array projects and have the infrastructure to bid on a large number of contracts. Experience counts. AT&T has been working on government projects for years, and at one time, it was the only game in town. AT&T was a monopoly until the mid 1980s. In fact, it wasn't until 1989 that the government opened up its first telecom contract to a company other than AT&T, when 40% of the government's communications contracts were awarded to rival Sprint (S, Fortune 500), giving "just" 60% to AT&T. AT&T struggled through the 1990s. And when those big federal telecom contracts were up for renewal 10 years ago, the company was completely left out for the first time ever. But since then, AT&T has clawed its way back to the lucrative federal sphere, gaining scores of federal networking contracts with 20 different agencies when they were again up for renewal in 2006. The company said those contracts are worth more than $1 billion, with the first three alone worth $700 million.

Individual Artists Receive $10,000 UNRESTRICTED Grants!

2009-08-06T13:51:00.001-04:00

Here is another state grant program for the individual artists! What is also great about this particular grant program is the fact that the grants are unrestricted - which means that the artist can use their grant money for anything!

50 local artists have received individual grant awards of $10,000 for creating work of exceptional quality in a range of disciplines. According to a spokesperson, "Individual artists are really the foundation of everything else that happens in the arts in our state. We feel strongly that as a state agency we continue to foster the work of our exceptional range of individual artists across the state. This is an important investment in the state’s creative sector. Artists are the backbone of our state's creative economy These programs give talented individuals the freedom to develop work that will be shown, sold and performed all over the world.
”

This financial funding program recognizes the unique contribution made by artists to the cultural vitality of the commonwealth and provide direct assistance to artists of the state to recognize excellence and creative ability and support further development of their talents.

The program awarded $10,000 unrestricted grants to 33 artists and distinguished 17 others as finalists with $1,000 grants. They were selected from more than 1,200 applicants in the areas of film and video, music composition, photography, sculpture and installation, playwriting and crafts.

Some of the winners of $10,000 grants include:

a filmmaker
a playwright
a sculpturer
a crafter

The artists’ submissions were reviewed according to artistic quality and creative ability. The program is highly competitive with only about four percent of the applicants receiving recognition.

Submissions must have been completed within the past four years.

Next year, the program will accept applications in painting, drawing choreography, drawing, painting, fiction and creative nonfiction, poetry and traditional arts. Awards are based on recommendations by independent panels of experts who practice in the disciplines they review.

A total of $347,000 was awarded to individual artists! Funding for the grants comes from the cultural council’s general budget appropriated by the state legislature.

The full list of awarded artists is posted on line at the program's website.

$100.000
Grant Program

For Filmmakers!

One state's film commission has announced that up to $200,000 may be made available to filmmakers who partner with the media arts department at one of the state's universities or the film, radio and television department of one of their technical colleges. Each partnership will be eligible to receive up to $100,000 to create a short film through the a state production fund.

The goal of the production fund is to instill collaboration between filmmakers and the state's institutes of higher education that have film production programs resulting in the professional development of our students and professionals alike. The fund was created as part of the state's incentive to further develop the motion picture industry within the state itself.

The final projects should be capable of competing in film festivals around the country.

All filmmakers are encouraged to enter this competition. According to one spokesperson for the program, "We encourage all filmmakers to enter this competition. This is a real opportunity to demonstrate the skills and talents resident within our state.”

A public meeting to discuss the program and the application process will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 12th, 2009 at one of the state's universities. The application process has been streamlined this year and will incorporate the skills of feature film industry professionals throughout the process to ensure participants better understand the working environment of a feature film. This will better organize the production, further develop individual skills, and continue to develop a job-ready work force that is ready to capture the high-paying jobs that this industry creates.

Sept. 18th is the deadline for the first round of applications, which includes a script and a project overview.

Australia - Grants For First Time Homebuyers.....

2009-08-05T15:15:00.002-04:00

In Australia, there are grants available for first time home buyers! Here is an excerpt:

Demand for home loans is being stoked by the government’s decision to triple a grant to first-time buyers of new homes to A$21,000 ($16,600) and by a record 4.25 percentage points of cuts to the benchmark interest rate between September and April.

Local Businesses
Can Receive

Grant Money

For Improvements!

A local start-up business received a 2 year government grant worth $3.5 Million Dollars. This business is a very good example of a non-profit including a for-profit aspect to their organization so that they are able to receive BOTH grants for nonprofit AND for-profit businesses! This business will provide energy audits for both local area businesses, residential properties and schools! As a matter of fact part of the grant money will be used for energy audits on public and private elementary schools in the local area. The business hopes to do 10 school audits in the first six months, and 60 in the grant's two-year span.

Additionally, preparations are being made for a second round of applications for an energy conservation grant program. The program provides free energy audits for businesses in the district, and matching grants of up to $20,000 for the actual energy improvements. There was an unexpectedly high demand in the first round of applications when the grant program received twice as many applications than was expected -probably because of the apllicants' desire to save money.

The plan is to send solicitations to about 20 companies that have expressed interest in being auditors in the program. Last year, the program had four companies doing the audits.

Also another program is rolling out permanent customer incentives of up to $1,500 for improvements recommended by energy auditors. Depending on what the audit calls for, there will be additional incentives for those types of improvements.

Government

Grant Programs

Seeking Minorities

Who Want To

Start Their Own

Businesses!

The U.S. Department of Commerce has launched a campaign to help minority businesses access government grant funding programs! Commerce Secretary Gary Locke held a conference call with reporters to spread the word about the ways the department will reach out and educate minority business people on how they can take advantage of the
hundreds of billions of dollars available in the stimulus package. According to the Commerce Secretary, "This administration has made it very clear that they want minority business to be aware of the opportunities and for us at Commerce to really make sure they get a fair share of these contracting opportunities."

For American Indian business owners, that means opportunities for grants and contracts above and beyond the almost $3 billion set aside for improvements in Indian health care, education, roads and bridges, water, public safety and housing.

The number of minority businesses has grown over the past four years from 300,000 to almost four million, generating $661 billion in annual revenues and employing more than four million people.

Here is an outline to a number of initiatives and resources aimed at helping minority businesses as far as getting government stimulus money goes:

The first initiative is the "one-stop shopping" web site that lists all federal grants and contract opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
More details on grants are available at a web site that lists more than 1,000 federal grant programs totaling $500 billion annually.
The federal government is going to be looking for minority businesses to participate in these grant processes.
Another existing initiative is within the Commerce Department. It is the only agency created specifically to help minority firms; last year it helped minority companies obtain $2 billion dollars in contracts.
A new initiative is a series of workshops that will be held all over the country so minority business owners don't have to spend time and money traveling to Washington for information.
Broadband workshops have been scheduled in Boston, Mass.; Charleston, W.Va.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Memphis, Tenn.; Lonoke, Ark.; Birmingham, Ala.; Billings, Mont.; Albuquerque, N.M.; and Los Angeles, Calif. More information on these workshops can be found at their website. These workshops will aim specifically to inform companies about contracting opportunities specifically with the Commerce Department's initiative to bring broadband Internet access to more Americans.

The department will be dispersing some $4.7 billion in broadband grants to nonprofits, cities, states and public-private partnerships. The grants will be used to create and enhance the infrastructure of broadband service -- digging trenches, installing fiber optic and other equipment, and again the department will be looking for the participation of minority firms in determining which projects will be funded.
Other workshops are held at events and conferences at the local level to reach minority entrepreneurs and educate them about the procurement process specifically related to these government grant programs. More information about local centers and services can be found at their website.

The outreach is already underway. Last month, the department hosted a major national summit in Washington, D.C., to discuss best practices in business development programs and services to increase the growth and development of minority businesses. In addition, there were discussions about grant and contract opportunities that exist within the federal government and the best way to provide this information to minority businesses.

Wade emphasized the administration and department's "tremendous commitment" to making sure minority businesses have easy access to the funding opportunities and to implementing "a very robust plan" across the country to fulfill that commitment.

"Minority businesses are absolutely vital to the American economic recovery and we want to make sure they have a fair share of the opportunities."

Locke confirmed that the available resources are in addition to the specific set aside for Indian country.

"We're talking about several hundred billions of dollars of projects all across America, whether it's repairing (a) ship, whether it's developing devices for the smart grid, whether it's dollars that go to one state for bridge repair and road constructions," Locke said. "We're looking at all these contracting opportunities and we want to make sure that minority businesses, including Native American businesses, have the opportunities to compete and get contracts under all of these programs."

Grant Programs For Diabetics!

2009-08-03T16:50:00.001-04:00

The Federal Government has billions of dollars in free aid and assistance available for diabetics and diabetic small businesses. Many of these grants, loans and other sources of aid are seldom awarded because eligible diabetics and diabetic businesses do not know about them, do not have internet access or knowledge of existing programs.

For diabetics who are handicapped, sixty-two to sixty-five or older, the program offers assistance with necessary home repairs, for example, replacement of leaky roofs, porch repairs, plumbing and building of modern indoor restroom facilities. Repairs that are essential and necessary for daily existence.

The director of one organization has said, "there are billions of dollars in assistance and grants earmarked for people previously identified as credit risks. Public and private funds are now available for them to repair homes, start a business, consolidate debts and any worthwhile purpose." In addition, he reported how new financial resources have been committed to help diabetics get job training and re-enter the job market.

"Now is the time for diabetics to act if they need money for any worthwhile purpose," urged the director. He also revealed that several reduced-cost and free programs now exist to help diabetics and the economically disadvantaged who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Such programs include energy assistance, free prescriptions, home repair and legal aid.

One organization offers the program that provides the latest information on assistance for diabetics. It covers job training, financial assistance, phone bill assistance, diabetic recipes, free grants, scholarship and loan resources available for a wide variety of purposes, including business start-ups for diabetics. The kit also includes a list of more than fifteen hundred professionals offering diabetics free advice and business guidance.

For additional information you can visit the organization's website. They also can be contacted by phone and via a regular mailing address.

The organization also offers a free diabetics watch and a free glucose meter to qualified beneficiaries with diabetes. Combined offers are available while supplies last.

Students In The UK
Could Be
Getting A Break!

The government is considering dropping tuition fees for students who stay at home to study in exchange for them waiving their right to grants and loans! Ministers are considering the plan as one possible solution to the mounting conundrum over how to fund the growing university sector in a recession. The idea is contained in draft plans for a framework for the future of higher education, the BBC said.

It is thought the idea will appeal to students from the poorest backgrounds who might be put off applying to university for fear of getting into debt, and to the rising numbers who are supporting themselves through part-time work while studying.

Says the president of the National Union of Students, "The idea may work out well as a financial bonus for particular groups of individuals who we are desperately trying to bring into the higher education system, who have the ability but don't want the traditional experience of studying away from home. My key concern is that to incentivise students to stay at home could be a barrier to choice. I would be concerned if people limit their horizons and study at home when there may well be a better course or university elsewhere."

Students pay £3,225 a year in fees but receive a loan to cover the cost, plus loans to live on and free grants for the poorest students. Even though the government eventually gets the loans repaid, the subsidy is a huge drain on the exchequer. The proposals would partly reduce that subsidy.

Grant Program For The Homeless To Help Continue Their Education!

2009-08-03T14:16:00.002-04:00

A program is being offered by a city-wide services department to help provide homeless and formerly homeless people with the chance to earn an associate’s degree.

For example:

one participant in the program who is homeless, the reality is going to class during the day, working as a taxi dispatcher at night, caring for her child and worrying about the roof over their heads. “After class, I go home to my shelter, change my clothes, do some homework, drop off my son at my mom’s house and go back to work,” said the single mother, who had bloodshot eyes from lack of sleep and sat in the front row during the second week of class, occasionally nodding off and eyeing a classmate’s can of Red Bull.

In the meantime, sporadic attendance is already an issue as basic needs are still being met. In June, when one student was confronted with a day care conflict, she had to either bring her son, 4, to class or skip it. He passed the time in class by making paper airplanes while his infant sister stayed with a friend.
Another student who is also a single mother has moved between three shelters in as many years and has said that the perception of the homeless is often a negative stereotype. “When you live in the shelter system, there’s dirt on you that won’t wash off; you’re a statistic; you don’t have any ambition or drive,” says the single mother who lives in a shelter with her two children. For students like her, the associate’s degree is just an entry point. “I want my bachelor’s and my master’s,” she said, “and after that, I want to reach out to other women who couldn’t make it and give them hope.”

Starting last month, the program, which uses available classrooms at a nearby facility, enrolled 42 students in its two-year inaugural class. Nearly all are single mothers and the average age is 27.

Nationwide, it is the first time that a city agency and a university have joined forces with the aim of granting degrees.

A similar program provides college-level courses for up to six credits to the economically disadvantaged in about 20 programs around the country. That program, however, is neither a degree-granting program nor is it specifically for homeless people.

The program, which aims to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness through higher education, is not without its challenges. The most pressing is transitioning each member of the inaugural class out of the shelter system and into permanent housing.

Says one spokesperson for a non-profit organization, “when people are living in a shelter and they don’t have permanent housing, they begin to lose confidence in themselves. Knowing they can go to college and compete in this economy really provides hope.”

For the students selected to participate in the program, two degrees — one in information technology, the other in business — are being offered as a path toward self-sufficiency.

Says one college professor, “For a whole number of reasons, college has not always been accessible to people who are homeless. Even if it’s only for a relatively small group of people, it’s a group of people who wouldn’t otherwise be getting in there.”

Entrance to the program requires either a high school diploma or a G.E.D. So far only a few women from the shelters were able to qualify. While half of the inaugural class still lives in the shelter system, the aim is that all students will have secured apartments by later this summer. In addition to housing, the students will receive transportation and child care courtesy of the department. Educational expenses that are not covered by the city's program for tuition help or by other student grant programs will be covered by this same program as well.

The university itself will provide grants of more than $40,000 per student!

Says a spokesperson, “In two years, these single parents will go from living in shelters to becoming educated, employed, housed families. The program is also seeking the partnership of other organizations and universities, depending on the success of this program.

$500 Grant Program For Caregivers!

One state has $500 grants available to those who are caring for family members who are 60 and older and live in one local area county. The patient is not required to have an Alzheimer’s disease or dementia diagnosis.

The grants are for anyone with a chronic illness who needs on-going care and approval for the grants is not based on income. The funds are to be used to provide a break or respite for the caregiver.

They may be used for in home care, adult day care or temporary nursing home care!

There is also another grant program which provides family assistance for those who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. These $250 grants may be used to pay for respite care, legal services, home-care supplies, home modification or mental health counseling.

Funding for these grants comes from an annual fundraising dinner and auctions sponsored by the organization. For more information, you can call the organization's toll-free number or you can visit their web site for more information.

Grants And
Single Mothers
An Excerpt!

"If you are single mother whether you just have a job, or are building a career while raising children, the bottom line is... you have to work. Single Mother's grants for day care are a fantastic way to help ease the financial stings of affording quality childcare services, and every single mom should definitely check it out. Even if you are comfortable in the price you are paying to have trustworthy and professional individuals care for your child, why pay for this if you do not have to?

The government is very partial to the single mother when awarding free financial aid. That is one of the main reasons why nearly all single, American taxpaying moms are eligible to qualify for some amount or form or single mom grants that apply to day care and professional child care services. It is unfortunate that many single mothers have given up pursuing their careers because they just couldn't afford proper child care services, and sadly, become trapped in dead end jobs earning little more than minimum wage. All the while, others tirelessly work additional overtime hours for no other reason than to hand most of their hard earned cash over to their day care providers. Not very rewarding to work your butt off to pay someone else to raise your child. In fact it is quite sad when you think about it, and far too many single mothers experience this heart-wrenching predicament every day.

The United States is more than willing to help these courageous ladies by awarding them large sums of free government money in womens grants. There are two basic strategies that resourceful American single mothers are executing to make the most out of this amazing funding provided by Uncle Sam. The first, easiest, and most obvious method is acquiring single mothers grants that will fully finance the costs of having their children cared for while they work, or pursue a professional career. The astronomical savings that is achieved by not having to pay for child care out of pocket, can make all the difference in her economical stability, allow her to work less and have more quality time to spend with her family.

Some of the more enterprising and child devoted ladies have been taking these advantages a step further. One of the most increasingly popular types of womens grant money utilization is establishing new, privately owned day care centers. Womens small business grants are being awarded, in addition to, single mothers grants for those who wish to create and operate day care centers. This is an amazing way to build a well paying career while spending every possible minute of the day with your child, or children, and also relieves you completely of the financial burden of paying strangers to care for your family. This can even be achieved in your own home in many cases.

If you are a single mother struggling to make ends meet, and missing out on quality time with your children, just do a little research online find a world of opportunities in womens business grants and single mothers grants. Your kids will thank you for it."

Church Receives A $30,000 Grant!

2009-07-27T10:49:00.002-04:00

A Presbyterian Church has received a $30,000 grant to help grow into its own! About 60 percent of the congregation members are immigrants, many in the process of trying to become citizens. An average of 40 to 60 worshippers meet for an all-Spanish service at noon each Sunday. The church donates its sanctuary for the services, as well as office space and space for Bible studies and other activities. The grant will help support the ministry, on top of the generous support of a cluster of churches from the area. The congregation hopes to someday build or lease its own space with the goal of becoming self-sufficient - that is, being able to maintain their ministry from their own membership. Whether or not it can be pulled off in the three years of the grant is questionable, but maybe in five years.

The church's minister says he hopes to be able to retire before then, but for now he's too busy supporting a flock whose members include many who are struggling to follow their faith in a strange land and foreign culture. He said he spends "most of my time" helping individuals navigate the legal system - mostly for traffic violations, domestic violence and other misdemeanor crimes - and deal with immigration officials.

Over $800,000 has been given to 19 congregations and church-related projects nationwide!

The grant program funds new church developments and provide aid for the transformation of existing congregations and congregational-based ministries of compassion and justice. Funds for the grants come from endowments, individuals and congregational gifts.

Fire Departments
Receive Grants!

This organization has been handing out grant checks for rural fire departments since June and will continue to do so until August.

In one county, one department received $1,397 for pagers to help firefighters respond to incidents.
Another Fire Department received $2,968 for radios, chainsaws, protective clothing, fire hose and strainers, fuel containers and a dump tank liner.

These grants are being provided to purchase new equipment, some that will be used to purchase wild fire fighting equipment, as well as everyday equipment.

In order to apply for this grant program the fire departments must submit a proposal, an agreement of sorts, that outline exactly how the money will be spent. A group then gets together to decide how much the fire departments should get. The amount of the grant checks are based on the size and needs of the individual fire departments.

According to one spokesperson, “We don’t just look for those departments that are in need. We also consider the department size, the area in which they are located and the last time they received a grant.” Additionally, the departments must not only respond to structural fires, but commit to responding to wildfires as well.

Fire departments are required to match these funds. For example: If a piece equipment costs $3,000, then $1,500 will come from the grant and the other $1,500 will be paid for by the fire department.

So far 177 fire departments will be receiving checks of up to $3,000 which is the maximum amount per grant recipient, to help them with the purchase of personal protective gear, and firefighting equipment.

So far over $300,000 has been provided in grant monies to provide better equipment and help increase the safety of fire fighters.

"Open" Grants Program

Announced!

Starting July 2009, this foundation will be accepting grant applications as part of its new “Open Grants Program.” The purpose and aim is to make the grant-making process easier for eligible applicants.

Governmental entities and 501(c)(3) organizations that serve tobacco-dependent, rural, or economically distressed areas of the state may apply for the Open Grants Program. Organizations in affluent areas of the state are not ineligible to apply, though may not be given preference.

The Foundation’s board will examine a wide range of grant proposals throughout the year, but priority will be given to projects that focus on agriculture, offer job creation and sustainability, and workforce preparedness.

“Ask yourself ‘Who benefits, how are they going to benefit, what difference will it make, how will the foundation know,’” says the foundation's spokesperson. “Remember that persistence pays. Just because you’re declined funding, doesn’t mean you’ll never be funded.”

The foundation's president said the advantages of the newly revamped Open Grants Program are three-fold:

Applicants are given more flexibility in their time line without rushing to meet the annual August deadline
the administrative burden is lessened because rather than submitting a full application and project outline, applicants can submit a brief letter of inquiry
and because the Foundation removed two primary categories of funding (Aerospace and Biotechnology) from the Open Grants Program and placed them in another category, there is less competition for grant opportunities

The foundation president has said that the Foundation is honing in on opportunities that advance education and economic development in economically disadvantaged locations, specifically ones that partner well with federal and state stimulus program opportunities.

Examples of projects less likely to catch the Foundation’s attention include endowments, capital campaigns, construction, debt service, revolving loan funds, after school or day care programs, general employment training, infrastructure, and community centers. The foundation has funded projects like these in the past, however — the Foundation awarded a $2 million grant earlier this year for infrastructure development along a U.S. highway route — and the president of the foundation encourages applicants to apply if they’re confident in the project.

One interested applicant said she is seeking other grant and in-kind support opportunities to expand her Veterans Services programs which the president of the foundation specifically said the Foundation favors during the application project.

“All I can do is try, and if I get turned down, I’ll keep applying,” she said.

State Grant Program To Help Those In The Military!

2009-07-19T11:52:00.002-04:00

It has been announced that a bill has been signed to increase the eligibility for assistance for armed forces members who are not currently on active duty.

This means that there will be increased funding for those in the military who are currently off duty and who are eligible to apply for this grant funding program.

The program provides money to help pay for essential personal or household needs!

Area Grant Money Goes Un-Used!

Over $300,000 is provided yearly to help business get both inside and outside building assistance! Property owners can use this money, as can businesses with five-year (or longer) leases. The amount of money available differs from building to building.

According to the director of this program, her frustration lies in the fact that she says she offers plenty of help for business owners downtown, but very few of them take advantage of it. For example one business was eligible for over $75,000 in financial assistance but only took $11,000! Another business, a surplus store, used the money for exterior restoration. In 2002, the windows were replaced on the second floor, and half of that was paid with a $9,750 city grant!

A furniture store has taken a significant amount of city assistance -- over $93,000, for interior and exterior work.
A restaurant has used more than $73,000 in grants for interior and exterior rehab. The restaurant remodeled in 2005, with a nearly $40,000 city grant to help.

There is still over $100,000 left 2009!

If the applicant can't get their application in before the due date then those applications are rolled over to the following year.

Since the local area has a responsibility to keep the buildings up to code, that just gives them more of an incentive to provide money, grants and financial assistance for rehabilitation purposes. As a matter of fact if a business wants more money they are welcomed to submit drafts of development agreements as well! (as did one business developer!)

Homes And Businesses
Receive Grant Money
To Use
Alternative Energy Sources!

To help decrease their energy bills, places are using an alternative source of energy - wind turbines!

One property owner uses a 5-kilowatt wind turbine which stands about 125 feet from his house. Since Jan. 1, he watched his electric meter go backward. He said the turbine generates more electricity than he uses, meaning he'll get a check from his utility company at the end of the year.

Higher electric rates, available grant money and a push for alternative energy from the state and federal governments have the winds of change blowing the turbines' direction. It's not just for large-scale wind farms but it is also an opportunity for individual landowners.

According to one state's law, 25% of the electricity sold by that state's investor-owned utilities must come from alternative energy sources by 2025. Of that, 12.5 percent must come from renewable sources, such as solar, biomass fuel and wind.

This is where the grant program comes along!

Both residences and small farms are eligible for a $25,000 grant if one of the state's four largest investor-owned utilities serves them. Businesses could receive incentives up to $150,000 for smaller turbines.

Then the federal government enacted a tax credit, where owners of small wind farms with 100 kilowatts of capacity and less could receive a credit for 30 percent of the total installed cost of a system.

The electric companies in the region allow people with wind turbines to connect their systems into their grids. One, buys back any extra power generated by a turbine and not used by the landowner for between 3½ and 4 cents per kilowatt hour.

About Government Grants - An Excerpt!

2009-07-02T09:05:00.002-04:00

Here is an excerpt from an online article:

"
No matter what type of business you are interested in establishing, how big or small, who you are, where it is located,there is a business grant, or several, to support your ventures........

You may be able to acquire a small business grant to finance a modest online business run from your home, to minority grant to open an ethnic heritage center in a culturally rich neighborhood, to several generous grants for real estate to establish your own realty company.....

Thousands of stay at home mothers are acquiring day care grants and single mothers grants to start their own day care centers, and make money on day care, while saving on day care and spending more time with their children.....

The generosity on the government's part towards the small business owner is really quite amazing, and the eligibility requirements to receive free government financial aid are really quite few......................"

Subject: Grant Research - Can You Help Me?

I am interested in acquiring a government grant to start a business.

Are you available for consultation?

Thanks!
Very Truly Yours
C. T.

Thank you for your email.

It really all depends on what type of consultation that you are needing.

Here are some questions that I require all of my clients to fill out before I start researching grant programs that they may be eligible for.

Questions To Be Answered For Grant Basics 101

Please go to the link above, answer the questions and that will give me a better idea as to what grant programs you may be eligible for.

Unfortunately you have only mentioned that you want to start a business but you haven't mentioned what type of business it is that you want to start?

$25 Million To Spend!

One organization has $25 Million Dollars to spend to help encourage innovative ideas to help advance journalism using the digital medium!

This year a project to build and maintain a crowd-sourced database of primary source material for use by investigative reporters was awarded a grant of $719,000! The grant recipient(s) included a pairing of a well-known newspaper and a non-profit news organization. The project was an initiative that sought to break the habits of reporters who threw stories and documents away after the story faded - whereas those documents were never going to be used again. The four-member team "aims to provide an online database of documents contributed by a consortium of news organizations, watchdog groups and bloggers, and shared with the public at large. Users will be able to search by topic, agency or location. Reporters will benefit from the wisdom of the crowd, which will be able to collaboratively examine large document sets.”

This grant program is open to the public! This means that individuals and even for-profit businesses can apply!

Other grant recipients include:

A $300,000 was awarded to a website to post mistakes by journalists! The idea is to have those that comment to engage the journalist and discuss whether a correction or additional reporting is warranted. This will be used to help show errors that news organizations make and show which news organizations are responsible to public questions and comments.
Another individual received a $200,000 grant to create a downloadable production tool for various mobile phone platforms. The toolkit will include applications for video and audio recording, a distribution tool for mobile content to social media sites and detailed how-to information that outlines what users can do with the phones they have.
Another grant recipient received a grant of $250,000 to expand their state's council coverage by a local newspaper and allow them to create a wiki devoted to local legislators.

Publishing files on the Web that were originally created for print publications has always been a challenge, especially for small community newspapers. News organizations have typically solved the problem by creating proprietary publishing systems for their sole benefit. This grant will create new and easy ways to use tools that will allow news organizations to essentially drag and drop articles onto an online news site. The process will save news organizations, particularly small community newspapers, significant time, money and manpower, allowing them to direct their resources to bring their community the news and information it needs.

$700 Grant Program For Non-Profits!

2009-06-30T10:42:00.007-04:00

Applications are now being accepted for projects that help people in need!

Applicants must prove their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, have a budget of less than $2 million and have clear goals and objectives with measurable outcomes. Endowment or capital projects and campaigns, special fundraising events, general operating expenses, organizations that promote a religious or political ideology, and intermediary funding agencies will not be considered.

For information or to request an application you write to the organization that is providing this grant.

*Co-incidently this organization does not have a website!

Believe it or not there are still angel investors out there willing to invest their money into new businesses!

For example there is one network of angel investors interested in investing capital in promising companies with the expectation of receiving a substantial return on their investment. While ROI is absolutely the primary goal for these investors, the group also recognizes the value of supporting the entrepreneurial community for the economic benefit of the entire mid region and main areas of one state. You can either visit their website or contact the director of the group by phone.

For more investor-related information, just click here.

How About A $500 Grant?

This grant program was started by a business person who received a business grant of their own and who has now decided to help others by providing a grant program of their own!

If you have a business of your own and are experiencing financial difficulties then this may just be the grant program for you!

All you have to do is mail in your story. If you are chosen as the grant recipient all that is asked of you is that you after your business gets back on its feet again you promise to provide the same kind of grant program to another business that is struggling.

For more information, guidelines, application instructions and program-specific contact information please visit the website. This is also where you will get the information on the right address to mail your application to. *Please be advised that all applications will only be accepted via snail mail address only!

Does Your Business Need A Loan?

Although I mainly provide information about grants and grant programs, there are still many of those who are looking for loans that their businesses can apply for. Here is one such loan program:

This funding program supports small businesses in their initial stage of development with a minimum loan amount of $1,000, for example, an existing company can grow, or a start-up business can receive a needed boost to help it through a tough period. Although this funding program is limited to one state there are still many of those who have started their own business in this state alone! Entrepreneurs are starting hundreds of businesses, but they struggle when they can't obtain the necessary capital to provide their productions and services for a variety of reasons, many small businesses often can't rely on traditional sources of funding, such as banks and credit unions for business loans.

The mission of this funding program is to provide growth capital for small businesses. The goal of the program is to support emerging, start-up, and existing businesses, create jobs, and help sustain operations during difficult times, explore growth opportunities and expand hiring of workers.

This loan program also provides counseling mentor support.

Businesses must meet certain criteria. To be eligible a business at a minimum:

Must be based in specific areas of the state
Must be private for-profit
Must be unable to obtain capital from traditional sources, such as banks and credit unions

Loans will not be given to repay old debt or refinance existing loans from other lenders!

Hispanic Organization Offers Up To $5000

For Outstanding Latina Businesses!

In order to help support Latino Businesses this organization provides financial awards and also assistance to outstanding Latina businesses throughout the United States.

If you are the owner of a Latina business or know someone who is the owner of a Latina business then you may want to check this organization's website for more information.

Application forms are also provided via the website link above.

Could Your Business
Or Business Idea
Use Some Seed Money?

One state has announced the formation of a business plan competition for entrepreneurs! This program aims to raise $25 million for 30 yearly recipients by connecting each with mentors and venture investors willing to invest $500,000 to $1.5 million! The program hopes to replicate past competitions that were related.

The goal of the program is to launch new and innovative businesses in the state.

As part of the rules, winners must establish their startup headquarters in the state and create a minimum of five jobs in the state. Additionally, one outside investor must agree to match state investment funds.

The competition will be financed through public and private funds and features six category tracks:

health care and life sciences
IT, software and gaming
clean technology and energy
Social development and nonprofit
open category, seed stage
and open category, expansion stage

Winners will receive about $50,000 in cash to support business launch, with further seed money available, contingent on outside matching investment funds.

The program would also like to find mentors for young startups to bring them to the point where they are ready for venture investment on a bigger scale.

To find out more about this program and / or whether or not you are qualified to enter, please visit their website for more information.

There are currently over 25 government grant programs that involve inventions and / or machinery of some kind and they are ALL open for anyone to apply - including inventors!

Need Help Paying Back Your Student Loan?

2009-06-25T09:16:00.004-04:00

You might want to consider volunteering for the following program that is being funded by a grant!

10 Volunteers are being sought for a program which assists with outreach and community revitalization and improvement programs in one local county. These volunteer positions are hoped to be filled as early as July 2009 and will include five full-time, three half-time and two quarter-time positions. The full-time volunteers will perform 1,700 hours of service over their year with the program "which is roughly like a full-time job with a couple of weeks of vacation", says a spokesman for this government grant provided program. The volunteers will provide a wide variety of services such as child care, run summer programs and act as youth mentors.

Those full-time members who complete their service earn a special education award to help pay for college, graduate school or to pay back qualified student loans. Those who serve part-time receive a partial award. Members also earn a stipend during their term of service, and full-time members are eligible for benefits such as health care.

For more information or to apply to the program, you can contact the project coordinator by phone or via email

In other words this is a grant program that will PAY you to become a volunteer!

Another Grant Program For Individual Artists!

If you are an artist that is interested in working on new artistic and cultural programs throughout one local area then this may be the grant program for you! In it's 31st year, this grant program offers 2 different grant programs! Both are open for individual artists to apply, however one of the grant programs requires that the individual artist be sponsored by a fiscal agent that meets the criteria of the grant program.

Grant money awarded in this category may range from $400-$5000.

The other grant program consists of 2 grants of equal value awarded to individual artists that are residents of the area who wish to create new arts and cultural projects with a community context.

Applications materials are now being made available and for further information you may go to their website or contact the grant coordinator via email

The governor of one state has pointed to a 44 percent funding increase for college scholarships which reward financially needy students for taking rigorous high school coursework!

An organization is sponsoring a measure to give grants of up to $15 million over five years, to organizations providing transport to rural veterans needing health care.

This grant program would also authorize pilot programs to treat rural veterans at their local hospitals or clinics, and would make permanent a mileage reimbursement of 41.5 cents a mile.

Need A Grant To Help Fix Up Your Home?

2009-06-22T22:15:00.003-04:00

Government Grant Program Seeking Applications For Grants For Housing Repairs!

There is a government grant program that is NOW accepting applications for grants to help low- and very-low-income rural residents repair their homes. Says the program director, "Housing is a cornerstone of any thriving, stable community. As the Obama administration works to ensure that people remain in their homes, it is more important than ever to make certain their homes are safe, energy efficient, livable dwellings."

These grants are being provided to intermediaries such as town or county governments, public agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and nonprofit and faith- based organizations. The grants are distributed to homeowners or owners of multi-family rental properties or cooperative dwellings who rent to low- and very-low-income people. The grants can be used to weatherize and repair existing structures, install or improve plumbing or provide access to people with disabilities.

For example, one agency used the grant in 2008 to make accessibility, weatherization and other improvements to a man's home. Included in the repairs was added insulation, weather stripping, seals around doors and windows, an energy-saving shower head and more efficient light bulbs.

Grant award amounts may be provided up to $10 million in competitive grants. Applications are due by the close of business July 10, 2009. Applications may be accessed electronically via the government's website..

The mission of this government grant program is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural sevelopment fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at local government offices or by visiting the website.

Teenage Girls Being Paid Not To Get Pregnant!

To help keep young girls in school rather than them getting pregnant, one university is offering a program that will pay them not to get pregnant. As part of the baby-free program, girls attend weekly meetings where they learn about abstinence and contraceptives. At the end of each week, $7 is put into a fund that's off-limits until they go to college. To participate, girls must have never been pregnant, currently attend school, have a desire to go to college, and have a sister that gave birth before age 18. The program is currently at its max capacity of 24 girls.

This program, however, is not without controversy! One organization's spokesperson has said, "It's hard to pay people to do something we think they should be doing regardless. It would be like if you didn't want young people to experiment with marijuana, you'd pay them not to do it."

*I should note here that there HAS been a government grant program in the past that has involved marijuana before!

Rose

Others feels that with the costs of teen pregnancies reaching $9 billion annually, "paying teens $365 to stay baby-free seems like a modest investment -- especially if the program works.." Another organization's spokesperson has said, " Some grads of the program have saved upwards of $3,000 for college. We want to give them something to work toward. If someone believes in you, there's no end to what a lot of people can accomplish."

Government Job Opening!

Not only does our government have grant programs they also have job openings! I thought about putting this information on my Working From Home Blog but since it isn't a work from home opportunity, I decided to blog about it here.

There is currently a government job opening for Registered Nurses. There is more than one job vacancy that is open! The salary is $42,290 up to $76,206 and I'm assuming that that is a per year salary. The location is in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area. The job description:

Rotating Shift Vacancies Staff Nurses - Mental Health, Geriatrics & Extended Care, & Primary Care (rotating shifts)

For more information about this job, just click here

State Grant Program

For Women

In Business!!

A $3000 grant is being made available for women in the following fields:

Small business start-up and expansion
Community development
Continuing education and teacher support
Child and elder care
Health and human services
Arts and culture

In order to receive business-related grants, female applicants must be business owners and the primary manager of the company’s day-to-day activities, or associated with a non-profit organization that directly benefits women.

This grant program is open to female residents of the state and the application is available online or they can be reached by phone by calling their toll-free number.

Priority consideration for funding will be given to applications that:

promote the empowerment of women
emphasize collaboration between women entrepreneurs or non-profit entities supporting women
directly benefit women or low-income and underserved populations
support endeavors that immediately benefit communities in which the program's sponsor(s) have a presence
for proposals that provide a sound plan for measuring performance and results.

Please be advised that applications are due July 31, 2009!.

Community peer review panels will select the grant recipients, to be announced in September.

Last year’s grant winners included a collaborative project between a media production company and a domestic violence center; a Navajo art and culture program; therapeutic riding facility; quilt-making project for needy kids; refugee daycare facility; health literacy initiative; and an astronomy education project.

This grant program was started to help bolster the efforts of everyday women who help strengthen the communities in so many ways through their various talents. It was created as an extension of an ongoing commitment to empower women in achieving financial independence.

A $41 Million Scholarship Program!

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These scholarships are meant to encourage secondary school students to excel in their lessons and go on to a postsecondary institution. However, to a program that evaluates the efficiency of government programs, students are given no real incentives, as there are no requirements that must be met or set goals to be achieved. Absent of any defined standards, there is no way of knowing whether students who received this aid ever really “qualified” for the “coveted” scholarships. Furthermore, the law of this program does not allow the states to use any funding to determine whether or not the program is succeeding.

According to Harvard’s Office of Government, Community, and Public Affairs, Harvard received $535 million in federal grants in fiscal year 2008 that accounted for 82 percent of Harvard’s research revenue. Under the federal stimulus package, federal grants to Harvard are expected to increase considerably!

Energy efficiency upgrade grants

Grants for energy efficiency upgrades will address repair and renovation projects at state agencies, universities and community colleges that have been identified but not funded. Proposals for additional projects will be sought from public schools and local governments. The funding would cover items that generate significant energy savings, including: retro-commission HVAC controls; steam trap replacement, lighting fixture upgrades; boiler and water heater improvements; lab fume hood retrofits; chiller plant retro-commissioning; summer boiler installation; condensate recovery; heat pump and plumbing upgrades; incandescent exit light and bulb replacement; water saving toilets and shower heads; IT room HVAC renovations; building automation system upgrades; programmable thermostats; thermostatic radiator valves; sink aerators; occupancy sensors; photo/optical sensors; and exterior lighting upgrades to LED. $8 million has been set aside for this grant program.

Teacher receives a $140,000 grant for three years to help students learn more about math by building robots for competition!

Grant Program For Special Crops!

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*Please note that the deadline to apply for this grant program is:

June 19, 2009

A new grant program has been announced to help fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. A competitive grant process to award these federal funds has been set up and over $1 Million has been earmarked! The intent is to fund projects that can produce the highest degree of measurable benefits to the state's specialty crop producers in relation to each dollar spent.

Projects that benefit the following specialty crops are eligible; Fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, Christmas trees, turfgrass/sod, and nursery and greenhouse crops are eligible specialty crops. Funding Priorities for the grant program include, but is not limited to: Research and Extension, Marketing, Food Safety, and Sustainability.

Applications are being sought from organizations that seek to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state including; non-profit organizations and corporations, commodity associations, state and local government entities, colleges, and universities. Applicants must reside or their business or educational affiliation must be in the state.

Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual.

Grant applications must be submitted by 5 pm on June 19, 2009. Please use this link to access the grant application, guidelines, and additional information.

Grant applications with a value of up to $100,000 will be accepted! Grants will be awarded for up to three years. Once all applications are submitted, each one will be carefully reviewed and evaluated based on the criteria listed in these guidelines. All approved projects will then be developed into one grant submission to the USDA. Upon approval from USDA, the organization will notify applicants (sub-grantees) of their status. No final awards to any sub-grantee will be made until a final grant award is made by the USDA. Final approval is expected by September 30, 2009, but is subject to change.

For questions or additional information contact via snail mail address or email

How Would You Like

To Have $25,000

To Start A Business

Of Your Own?

Finalists for a small business grant have been named! So far 50 finalists have been chosen for this year's competition! Each finalist will receive a $5,000 business grant, plus additional products and services!

Judges selected the finalists from more than 1,900 submissions. The finalists hail from 43 cities in 23 states, coast to coast, and range from architects and accountants to restaurateurs and retailers.

In addition, videos submitted will also be evaluated.

Selection of the grand prize and runner-up winners will be based on quality, creativity and ratings from the public. The public opinion will account for 40 percent of the overall score and is based on whether the videos are inspiring, useful or funny.

The general manager of this group has said, "These finalists truly reflect the can-do spirit of small business and America's entrepreneurs. It was tough for the judges to narrow the list from the nearly 2,000 entries we received. We appreciate all of the businesses that entered the competition, for sharing their stories of inspiration and aspiration, and bringing the small business community together over the past few months."

For more information about this program and for more information on the finalists you can visit their website to find out more.

Grant Program For Farmers

(Yes, ANOTHER one!)

Please note that this specific grant program is a 50/50 matching grant program for farmers and ranchers.

This grant program was started because it helps fund planning and working capital to get new ideas off the ground and put more profit in the pockets of family farmers and ranchers.

This is a competitive grants program administered at the USDA to help producers move into value-added agricultural enterprises. Authorized in the 2002 farm bill, this program aims to provide assistance to farmers and ranchers in planning and capital investment for value adding enterprises.

The most recent information on funding availability and applications is available through your state USDA Office. For state contacts and more information please go to the website.

The specific government office was instrumental in helping to create an expanded value added grant program in the 2002 farm bill to include not only processing but by adding value by how agricultural products are grown or raised, e.g. organic, grass-fed. They helped shape the grant program from a $10 million/year grant program to its current authorized level of $40 million (appropriations have been less in recent years). Since that time, the office has seen an outpouring of interest and demand for this program from farmers and ranchers around the country who are developing businesses that grow their income and bring much needed jobs to their communities.|

These innovative initiatives have strengthened the viability of small and mid-sized farms and ranches and have allowed farms and ranches to grow businesses around production practices that benefit the environment and our natural resources.

The Grant Program

Applicants for the grant must meet fairly strict requirements outlined in the Notice of Solicitation of Applications to be eligible for funding. If you are an independent producer, a farmer or rancher cooperative, agricultural producer group, or a majority-controlled producer-based business venture, you are eligible to apply for this grant.

The specific government office provides definitions for each of these categories, along with other requirements of the program. We strongly recommend that you locate a resource person in your county, state or region that can give you some professional advice on your grant application, as well as your business ideas.

How Do I Start?

Now is a good time to check with your state office or your state’s Department of Agriculture about recent news or upcoming workshops about the program. They can provide information, applications and guidance on when and how to apply for a grant. Set up a meeting with your local government, educate them about your project, and ask them for information about the program.

All completed applications are submitted to the national office in Washington, DC for review by staff and independent reviewers. Points are assigned based on the evaluation criteria outlined. Other sources for information regarding related enterprises or how to apply can be found at the website. This website offers a broad range of information on value and added and direct marketing initiatives. Through links to centers around the country at the state level, the website makes available information on a broad range of issues.

Types of Grants

When applying for a grant, applicants must choose between two different types of activities for funding. Funding is available for:

Developing feasibility studies or business plans, which include marketing plans, or;
Working capital to operate a value-added business or alliance.

Applicants are eligible to apply for only one of these two types of grants each grant cycle. They do not penalize groups who go first for a planning then for a working capital grant.

Matching Funds

The program requires a one-to-one match. A cash match is defined as actual funds dedicated to the project. An in-kind match includes time, equipment, space, staff salaries, etc. Examples of a cash match might be third party contributions from groups, farm organizations or individuals donating cash towards a project; the salary of a person or persons working on a project (cash transaction); travel expenses to attend meetings or participate in training sessions; state appropriations or non-federal funds that have not been spent; bank financing; revolving loan funds; or county financing.

Examples of in-kind contributions include space; equipment; supplies, copies, telephone and other expenses which are dedicated to the project; volunteer time/unpaid services provided to a recipient by an individual or employee working on a project ( non-cash transaction); value of hours of non-federally funded personnel assisting with project, e.g. State Dept. of Agriculture, local economic development agencies, volunteer board members, etc; donation of office space or meeting rooms; or donation of inventory including equipment or buildings.

What Makes My Grant Proposal Likely to Be Funded?

The specifics include a list of evaluation criteria that are used to score applications for strength and merit. Reviewers award points to each application based on how well the applicant has addressed the requirements spelled out in the evaluation criteria. Understanding the evaluation criteria of the program is important and will help you to assess the strengths of your project and application.

Addition Information

The sponsors of this grant program are looking to identify a pool of independent reviewers who could be available to review value-added grants. People with backgrounds in organizing and managing value-added business ventures, writing grant proposals for value-added enterprises, and others who have a history with sustainable agriculture projects should contact the office via email.

GrantBasics101

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17 Daycare Facilities Receive Over $100,000In Grant Money!

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Animal Shelter Receives $100,000 Grant!