There is a lot of speculation by many that Government Grant Programs are in fact thinly disguised scams that are only being promoted in an effort to fleece people. In this article, I am hoping to shed some light on Government Grant programs. What they are, what they aren't and what you can do to receive one.
What Are Government Grant Programs?
Government Grants are monetary awards that are issued by over 50 government agencies and private corporations. Currently there are over 75,000 sources of funding through these programs. In 2009, over $150 billion (yes, billion) will be distributed through federal and private efforts. This number will likely rise as the $780 Billion Recovery Act signed into law will be distributed largely through grant payouts.
What Government Grant Programs Are Not
They are not "free money for anyone"programs. There are no broad based "one size fits all" payouts. They are structured and are focused on specific needs and circumstances. You will find, however, that these needs and circumstances are wide ranging; From personal needs, to small business to women and minorities only.
How Does the Grant Process Work?
There are 3 basic steps to getting a Government Grant or a grant from Private Institutions.
1. Locate grants that apply to your situation and that you qualify for.
2. Prepare an application and materials to send to the grant issuer.
3. Wait for a response from the programs you applied to.
There is possibly a fourth step and that is to repeat the process for every single grant you can locate that applies to your situation. This can increase your chances greatly since you can receive more than one grant.
Do I Need Help Getting a Grant?
While not completely necessary, it is highly recommended that you get help from qualified professionals. There are basically two ways to go about it. Hire an individual and pay by the hour or use the software and support of a proven grant service provider. The second option is going to be much cheaper and, odds are, much quicker.
What About Grant Scams?
In environments where there are large sums of money being distributed, there will always be scam artists. Government Grants are no different. Unfortunately, all you read about are the spam complaints. In reality, there are probably 1000's of success stories for every 1 scam report. If you use your best judgment and are serious about getting a government grant, your chances are better than you think. I say this because 85% of all grant money goes unclaimed each year. 85% of $150 Billion is a lot of money.
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