Grants 101

I have received many email and telephone inquiries about applying for grant monies. It is important to realize that grants are provided to non profit organizations. Generally, grants are not provided to individuals or for profit organizations. Grants are established as a way for philanthropists to support organizations and causes of interest. There are ways for individuals that want to establish a for profit organization and gain financial support for that endeavor. For more information see our article on Funding Your Start Up.

When you read or research a grant, there will be information that details who is eligible to apply for the grant, the grant requirements and the deadline for application. Do not apply for grants for which your organization is not eligible. To apply for a grant, your organization must be a non-profit organization and have its 501 c 3. This gives proof that your organization is in fact a non-profit organization.

When you review the grant requirements complete all parts of the application and provide all information requested. Many organizations are now requesting online application rather than paper applications. When organizations provide an incomplete application packet, the grantor will not review the application. Remember, in most instances there are an enormous amount of grant applications received and the grantors do not have the time or resources to review incomplete applications to contact you and request the missing information. If you have questions about the grant or its requirements, contact the grantor and ask questions. Most grantors appreciate grantees inquiries.

Organizational collaboration is important when requesting funding. Larger grantors are now requesting information on how organizations are collaborating rather than duplicating services. If you are duplicating services, why not collaborate with those already existing organizations that provide those services. By collaborating, the grant dollars are better utilized and organizations are more efficient.

There are many online resources for non-profit organizations to find grant opportunities and how to apply for the funding. There is also information available at your local library.



Grants 101 - To learn more about this author, visit Brandy Adamson's Website.

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