The first question I always get concerning information about the granting process is “Can I really get a free government cash grant?” I try to ask the person exactly what they want to use the money for, and then I explain the types of programs available, but I can always see the dollar signs in their eyes and they ask again, “So, can I really get a free government cash grant?” The simple truth is that there is no such thing as a “cash grant”, but there are grants available for just about any kind of need.
The number of government programs and private organizations that offer grants is staggering. The number is approaching 100,000 and the list keeps growing. Finding a grantor is not all that difficult, but the process you must follow to qualify is where most people get confused, frustrated or just plain fed up and quit.
The process you must follow is time consuming and hard work. You must work within the limitations and time table of the grantor, not your own agenda of wants and needs but what the grant is designed to benefit.
If you have a project that helps you open your own business and fulfills a need in the community, provides jobs, and stimulates your local economy, you are much more likely to qualify for a grant than just asking for funds to help yourself build a pool out back for you and your friends. You can still have your own business with no obligation to repay any funds, but all the proceeds of the business are yours to keep just as if you funded the entire project yourself.
What most people do not understand is that if they have to work at it for 6 months and they get a $50,000 grant that is better than trying to get a loan or working 40 hours a week and try to save that kind of money. Your time is a valuable investment and it is better spent working on a grant than wishing something good might someday just happen to you out of the blue.
The first thing you should find is a mentor. Somebody whose opinion you respect and is already successful in business or your community. The next step is to buy a program that shows you the steps and coaches you through the process. The process is too intimidating to go at it alone. Stay away from the ones that cost hundreds of dollars and guarantees you a grant. They are almost always a scam and they will take your money and you will never hear from them again unless it is to sell you something else. Most legitimate programs sell for under $50.
Be prepared to devote sometime every day to work on your project. You must approach this like it is a job or you will never be taken seriously by a grantor or see any funding. It is not all time consuming but there does need to be some commitment on your part to see your project through to the end.
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