Every day I get e-mails from people who want a grant. It doesn't seem to matter that my site overall and my Frequently Asked Questions page contains a lot of information about who can get a grant, how to get a grant, etc., etc., -- people just don't read. TV ads, print media and the internet have convinced people that there is billions of dollars of government grant money just waiting for them to claim so that they can pay their bills, buy a car or get their nose fixed. THINK ABOUT IT: why would the government give you money for these things? If that were the case, no one would have to work or pay bills -- the government would do it all for us. Wow, sounds like a good idea. I'd like to be first in line for these free goodies. Where do I apply?
Here's an actual e-mail that I received this morning:
how do i get started to apply for a grant? is there a number I can call?? if so please could i have it????
This is not unlike other e-mails that I seem to receive every day. It appears that many people think that there is one main number that they can call to get free money. What number would that be? The White House? Matthew Lesko? Free Grants for Everyone, Inc.? LISTEN UP FOLKS -- there is no main number. Each organization or government agency that gives grants has its own set of requirements and grant application procedures. And they only give grants to applicants who are looking for funds in areas that are of particular interest to that specific grant-making organization. So, for example, if you are looking for a grant to help the elderly, you need to find government agencies, foundations or other grant-making organizations that support programs and services for elderly people. In order to find them, you need to do RESEARCH (yes, actual work). Two good places to start are The Foundation Center and Grants.gov. Or check out the research resources on my site. Your local library can also provide you with good grants research sources. If you don't want to do the research yourself, you can hire a person or company to do it for you. To find a grants researcher, do a google search on "grants research" or "prospect research."
Finally, an important point to remember before you start looking for grants is that most grants are given to non-profit organizations.
Just wanted to say thanks, I seem to have trouble holding a job and was thinking of grants as a way of starting to work for my self, I mostly do repair and renavate homes. So was thinking that this might be the way to get some seed cash. Not so sure now, but will check with what you have said in mind.