Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with grants

How Do We Get Into Grant Writing?

musofire — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:40:24 -0800

How can we get into grant writing for other people? I've had good luck getting money out of the Canadian government for my screenwriting, I've done successful book proposals, and my wife has done all sorts of other successful applications. I am told a grant writer can claim 30-35% of a successful grant. How do we get into this line of work?

NSF GRFP Proposal

Aanidaani — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:02:58 -0800

Where can I find examples of science/engineering research proposals for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program? I'm currently applying for the NSF GRFP and I'd like some examples of how a research proposal should look for the application. I've written a number of grant proposals for my thesis project already, so I'd like to take those and modify them to fit this application.

She works hard for the money...

firei — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:05:20 -0800

A friend of mine wants to open a business, and is looking for information on business loans or grants specifically for women. I've been on the SBA and SCORE websites, but haven't been able to find too much info. Everyone always says that there's a lot of financial assistance for women looking to open businesses, but I'm having trouble finding it!

If it helps: I believe she is looking to open a dog grooming/training facility.

Specifics would be awesome, but general links would be alright as well.

To Non-Profit or Not

Spurious — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:27:23 -0800

I want create a legal entity for my consulting work and research. Should I create a non-profit or a company? You are not my lawyer.
I will talk to a lawyer.
This is not a legal question.

I am an academic researcher. My expertise is in (let's pretend) environmental policy. I would like to have one foot in academic research and one foot in for-profit consulting work. For consulting work, a friend suggested I create company for tax and liability purposes.

However, I would also like to apply for research grants, which often require that the grant recipient be a non-profit organization.

If I want to conduct both consulting work and apply for research grants, should I create a non-profit or a company?

Thanks in advance!

Ik heb... financialaidie?

zvs — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:43:21 -0800

NetherlandsFilter: As a Dutch citizen, am I eligible for financial aid for school in the United States? I'm a US-Dutch dual citizen, and I'm starting grad school in the US soon. I was applying for FAFSA when I realized there's probably an equivalent program in Holland.

But I can barely read Dutch, let alone Google effectively in it. Has anyone successfully done this?

Where do they get their money?

Diablevert — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:04:04 -0800

How do I find out who's been giving grants to a non-profit foundation? I'm doing some research on a foundation, considering applying for a position with them. One of the things they're looking for is someone to help with grantwriting --- and I'm wondering how to find out who they're getting grants from currently, to better understand how they see their mission and what funding options they're already pursuing. I've had some success digging up one of their major donors though googling, and I know they have an endowment, but I'm not sure how to find out about the rest. I've looked up their filings with the state charity regulator, but they don't seem to list the names of the granting organization, and neither does their annual report.

Approaching a Foundation?

tessalations999 — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:53:05 -0800

How do I approach a foundation to inquire about a grant? My boss gave me a list of foundations that he wants me to eventually write grants to help fund our non-profit. He told me to approach the program officer to get a better sense of what the foundation would fund and what their application process is, expectations, etc. What is the best and most professional way to approach the program officer about this issue? Email? Phone? Meeting? Should I be focusing on presenting my program well to them or just focusing on getting information about the foundation itself? Thank you very much, I appreciate any ideas or suggestions you might have.

Finding the national artistic news spotlight?

lifeofthunder — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:12:15 -0800

Our non-profit arts organization has just earned the support (in the form of a very big grant) from an internationally renowned foundation. We've got a good system of press releases that we send out to local and regional contacts, but we're idealistically looking to see some national artistic attention as the result of getting this grant. Where/who should we attempt contact to really get noticed? For the record, we're not in one of the top fifteen major US cities that you would expect to see produce the kind of arts organization that we have, so perhaps the story is that we're coming from a location that isn't exactly known for eccentric arts practices?

See my published works

carbide — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:38:37 -0800

Supporting material when submitting a grant application for art: if the supporting material is a whole publication, is it better to pull samples, or show the whole thing? General arts grant advice also welcome. At the moment, I'm preparing an application, and they allow for x images of work as supporting material. I got in touch to find out whether a publication counted as an image or whether I should include a spread/extract/photo, and they said it was my call. This has arisen a few times and I'm not sure what approach I should take.

The publications are zines and a book. In some cases, a spread would totally give an understanding of the whole, and in others, the whole is made up of simple components that become a bit more when all together. It's often cheaper to send the whole publication than get decent prints, bizarrely enough.

If you've assessed applications, which approach would you prefer? Is either going to count against me, now that I know neither will disqualify me?

(I am still at the portfolio-building/work-generating stage creatively, and am trying to find opportunities to build a cohesive body of work through individual projects, which would be massively helped by grants. So for a given submission, my options for supporting work are finite.)

Generally:

I'm finding myself writing grant applications frequently, and I'm kind of stumbling around in the dark. It terrifies me and on personal work, I often get most of the way through formalising an application for a project I would love to undertake, and then chicken out instead of submitting. Any book/website/forum/article recommendations or advice would be great.

I'm in Ireland and (on work expererience leave from) studying architecture, so I wouldn't be able to undertake a grantwriting course.

How does one apply for a Homeland Security grant?

Lownotes — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:51:47 -0800

How do I go about applying for a Homeland Security grant? My organization wants to apply for a Homeland Security grant to create and install security systems for public water systems.

How do we go about doing this, and what can we expect? Also, what sort of preparations should we make?

Grant for small businesses?

tessalations999 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:56:40 -0800

My dad and mom live in a rural area of Massachusetts. My dad makes wooden bowls and they want to start their own small store in the area selling the bowls. They have no capital, and want to look into a small business grant. They both work extremely hard and make almost minimum wage, and so without the grant could not have the time or money to start the business while also supporting themselves. Do you know of any resources or grants that could help them? Thank you so much for your help.

Where can I start looking for grants for "going green"?

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:51:41 -0800

GreeningGrantFilter: I'm a volunteer at a soup kitchen who recently got asked to look for sources of funding for a "green" initiative. I have lots of experience chopping vegetables and coming up with ideas in the past, but on this issue of financing....none at all. A large (physically, and in terms of client base) urban soup kitchen is looking for grant aid (other type of assistance welcome too, in terms of consulting, etc.) to "go green" in its operations....not just because it's the right thing to do, but also because they're spending nearly $2000 per month in paper goods and associated trash costs--overwhelming for a place that's virtually running on a month-to-month basis given the current need and economic crunch.

This is one of the largest soup kitchens in our region (and serves 6 nights a week) and unique in other ways as well (consistent efforts to use fresh produce, salads at every meal, meals cooked from scratch--not dumped from cans--whenever possible, etc., (even as they serve 150+ per night), meeting restaurant standards of serving and presentation and cleanliness, etc.), so it might make an attractive cause and serve as a nice test case for an environmental group.

We currently need to retrofit an existing dishwasher on site to be operational and to bring it up to code, as well as buy all associated supplies for the switch (trays, cups, plates, etc.) so there is a definite plan in place. Donors in past years have been local and regional (financial institutions, churches, fraternal organizations, etc.) and I'm wondering if there's a directory or short list of donors on a national level who are interested in environmental issues whom I could be researching and contacting regarding this.

I have access to some online databases through a university, obviously the internet, etc. What I don't have is any grant research experience, or much connection to environmental organizations/foundations at this point.

Throwaway address is greensoupkitchen@gmail.com

Sources For Playground Grants?

partner — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:33:21 -0800

I am involved in the design and construction of a six-classroom Head Start building in rural Oregon. While major northwest foundations are involved in funding the building itself, I now must find sources for grants to build the playgrounds. This may run in excess of 100k. Do any of you know of likely sources for such funds?

Owt

effugas — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:27:21 -0800

What resources exist for a motivated single mother looking to take care of herself and her little girl? One of my friends is in something of a toxic place, and has a three year old daughter. She's 22, highly motivated, has straight A's in her recent classes, and the father is not a reliable source of financial support and lives relatively far away. She's dependent on her mom for support but that's running out quickly. Where can she go? What should she do? Is there something she can apply for?

Teach me how to fund art organization!

actionpact — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:05:45 -0800

I have an idea for a community art organization. Help me figure out where to look to fund it! For a year or two I've been toying with the idea of building a community printmaking center in the future. Basically a small center where people could pay a small fee to join as members and do relief or screenprinting, and perhaps work in some community lessons for people if there was interest. I'm currently not living where I'd want to host it (would probably go for Portland, OR, but I'm in AZ) so I know this would be a long project in the making, but I'd like to start learning about how feasible this thing is. I'm not rich so I can't really finance it myself, but I was thinking that perhaps I could find a way to fund it via grants or other government funding.

So basically I just want to know, where should I start researching this? I am completely in the dark about how to raise money or get a project like this underway. Are there good books or websites on the topic? Would this count as a non-profit? An arts organization? What little I've found so far in regards to organization funding seems to go towards pre-existing ones. Any legalities I should be aware of?

If it's vague, just let me know and I'll try to add details. This is a goal that I really would love to make happen in my future, so any suggestions/ideas no matter how offbeat will be great! Thanks so much!

Support for website redevelopment - it's too expensive!

divabat — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:31:26 -0800

My education website is in major need of an overhaul. However, I can't afford to pay developers the cost price for it. How can I get funding or assistance for this project? My education blog (linked in my profile) has outgrown its current WP.COM home. It's become a major resource of information for like-minded young people, and I want to harness this capacity further.

I found ExpressionEngine to be the perfect backend for the redeveloped site, and originally I went through EE's Pro Network to find someone who could help me get this site up pro bono. I found one developer, but after a while he found a full-time job and couldn't continue anymore.

I'm just one young person running this site alone; even EE's $99 for a non-profit license is just at the border of what I can afford. I've asked around for help from peers, but the skills of those who piped up are nowhere near what the site needs. I also don't qualify for free webdesign from companies who do non-profit websites because I'm not a registered non-profit. Most of my readers don't have access to PayPal or credit cards so they can't exactly donate to the cause.

Are there any organizations out there that help cases like mine? Where else could I look for support and assistance?

There are a few grants here that I could apply for, but I don't know the exact dollar value for a website redevelopment. How much should I quote in my proposals? Which orgs would be good for this? (The website's mainly geared towards Malaysians, which is CRAP when it comes to grants and funding; however, living in Australia, I can tap into resources here.)

Is it OK for me to look around for developers/designers whose skills and styles are suitable, and ask for assistance? What's the protocol in this case?

There aren't any strict deadlines, though I do have some set requirements for the website.

I really don't want to be one of those sketchy companies that undercut designers/developers and/or ask for spec work; however, I really can't afford what they deserve on my own, and could use some help to give my website the support it needs.

How to pay for Grad school?

limon — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 21:59:32 -0800

Best book or online resource for funding Grad School? I keep hearing about how you can fund your studies through external sources, but all I see are scholarships that are either impossibly selective (for example, the Rhodes Scholarship) or fairly meager (under $1000). I don't mean to scoff at a thousand dollars, but I'd have to win twenty or thirty of these scholarships to pay for a year of school.

My situation: I got accepted into a doctoral program at a prestigious school. I haven't gotten an official acceptance letter yet, just a quick congratulatory note from the chair of the program. I therefore don't know what funding is going to look like, but said chair has mentioned the program is not in a position to fund their students throughout their students, and that the students are primarily externally supported. I can't afford to pay my own way. Before I give up, I'd like to know where I should look for funds.

Getting a grant writer position

diode — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:11:35 -0800

The non-profit I work for is undergoing economic changes of the painful contraction type. People are worried, layoffs are looming. I've known for some time my position was not secure and have been looking at moving to a vacant grant writer's position that has come available. I think I have the prerequisites. How can I nail this job? Okay, so more detail. Our old grant writer was doing a stellar job and moved on to work at a local university. My current position is in IT as the computer handyman for the IT administrator. It was the best I could do in a new town as my skills are better suited to working in larger markets.
This place is largely built around government grants and is now getting underfunded. Chaos and nervousness ensues.
Meanwhile, I've been looking at this vacant position thinking I could do it. I've got a literary knack, am good to excellent with communications, can read people and situations well. I think I have the ability to do the work with excellence. Whether I would love the job I don't know but at the moment I am wanting to go and take on the role if I can get it.
I've been offered an opportunity to do one small grant to see how I do. That's great. The reception to my overtures have all been positive so far.
My question is how can I position myself to be more acceptable for this role in terms of typical company dynamics? It's hard to be specific enough to explain the personalities involved here but if people have suggestions on how they have behaved in similar circumstances that would be helpful.
Also, any sources for information about grant writing, how to bone up on it, anything relating to learning to be a grant writer would be great.
Thanks in advance for any help given.

Should we be a non-profit?

macrowave — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 01:05:20 -0800

Would it be in my tiny alt-monthly print newspaper's interest to become a non-profit? Our print run is under 5000 but our content is increasingly amazing. A small publishing group in my community is dissolving and offering to turn their non-profit status over to us but few of our members can even begin to grasp what this would mean. We are located in Chicago (Pilsen), and have been growing in contribution/readership, but have failed to make a dime. This is not by any means a money making venture. Our members have been infighting about what non-profit status would mean in terms of available grants. I've offered to research our options but I don't know where to begin. I plan on going to the Thompson Center this week to talk to folks, but I'm not sure what I need to be asking. I'd like any relevant advise or contacts, period, but my/our specific questions thus far are:

- Some of our editors seem to think that it is easier to obtain grants as individual artists/ writers as opposed to on behalf of a collective. Does anybody have any Chicago-specific advise to contribute?

-We don't really make ad revenue and have given up on it in favor of benefit shows, local art involvement, and various "get $800" schemes. Do we even NEED non-profit status? Is it something that we should view as a "what if?", or is it a "pointless waste of time"? (The only benefit that 's been brought up is the notion of donators being able to write checks to a company as opposed to an individual.)

- The name of the publisher's non-profit that wants to give us the status isn't the first one that we'd pick for ourselves. It's not entirely terrible, but it doesn't really speak for our paper at all. Is there a chance that we could change the name if we were to take this on? Is this even important?

Is any of this even important?

Again, questions would be appreciated as well as answers. This is a fact-finding mission and I'm not even sure what facts need to be found.

Do Yahoo or MSN offer search marketing grants to 501(c)3s?

meindee — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 13:10:38 -0800

My 501(c)3 was awarded a Google AdWords grant a couple of years ago. With the success of that program, Yahoo and MSN keep popping into conversations. Do either of them have a grant program?

Traveller looking for ideas to further finance trip beyond the 40 hour work week...

ageispolis — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 13:44:33 -0800

How can I access/acquire more funds for my upcoming trip to Asia? I am currently working fulltime with as much overtime as I can trying to save enough money to travel to India/Thailand in January 2008. I've crunched some numbers and realize that in order for me to be able to comfortably backpack for 6+ months, I am going to need a considerable amount of money on top of what I will be making in order to fulfill my plans.

What are my options to fund this trip beyond what I am already doing? Specifically, are there grants or bursaries for students taking a year off to travel? I am a Canadian Citizen, if that matters. Should I consider a work visa and is it helpful in Asia (mainly India, Thailand, Turkey, etc)?

I intend to keep an extensive travel journal as well as take photographs. I have skill in both these areas. Is that worth anything as far as sponsorships go? I've heard of companies sponsoring individuals who later come back and "present" how great of an investment their company made in you. Will companies actually do this?

Any other ideas? I'm open-minded and willing to take that extra mile to make that extra buck. Thanks.

Starting a Foundation or Fund

divabat — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 05:29:21 -0800

How do I start a fund or foundation? I would like to start up a fund or foundation to give grants to projects by young people back home (Malaysia), an area currently in need but not served very well. Being a young person myself with plenty of enthusiasm but not enough knowledge, I'm not sure where to begin.

I understand that a lot of information will be location-specific (laws, regulations, etc), but what else do I need to take note of when starting a fund?

How do I get the money? (I can't just use my life savings...)
What sort of bank account would be best?
How do I get people to be interested in the fund, to support it and apply for grants?
How do I choose who do I give grants to, and what do I do with them afterwards?
How do I build credibility? (A big problem back home is that youth projects tend to start up with plenty of hype, then disappear soon after. I don't want that to happen.)
How do I find people to help me? What sort of people should I be after for this - businesses? Community people? Other youth?
What existing models can I follow or use as reference? I've seen the YouthBank UK website and it looks interesting, and I would like more examples.
What is the difference between a foundation and a fund? Will I have to redefine this project if I decide to do more than just give money?
What else am I missing?

Any and all help appreciated. Assume I know nothing. Thank you!

Webpage to database for a nonprogrammer?

Mr. Gunn — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:16:19 -0800

How can a nonprogrammer make a database from a set of search query results? I need to search the CRISP database and get the list of funded grants for a set of queries, then follow the link to each grant/search result, and copy some data from the grant details page into a spreadsheet or CSV file. The fields would be stuff like Name, Grant number, Grant title, etc. I don't know any java, perl, or anything that I understand is usually employed to do this kind of thing. I've messed around with some of the online web page scraper tools, but it seems like they're mostly geared towards making RSS feeds from sites that don't offer them or they assume familiarity with Java or Visual Basic. How would you recommend a nonprogrammer do this?

Examples of grad student NSF proposals?

stewiethegreat — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 19:21:37 -0800

My friend is putting together a National Science Foundation proposal, and is looking for examples of other Ph. D. (or doctoral/maters) students' NSF proposals. Any ideas or resources would be greatly appreciated.

grants for liberals?

delmoi — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 07:42:35 -0800

I have some ideas about creating a sort of web site or "netroots" organization around promoting progressive, liberal, and anti-authoritarian ideas, as opposed to a lot of what I see online which mostly concerns itself with the short term goal of getting democrats elected -- not that that's not important, but I don't see much focus on long term strategy and ideas. Anyway I'm wondering if there are any grants I can apply for to help get started. I have a good idea how I might want to proceed. Basically a blog or community site to start, and eventually creating sort of a transparent system for promoting and refining ideas democratically, and funding politicians who subscribe to them, and it would all be facilitated by some cool social networking software.

Anyway, it seems like there might be some groups interested in helping to create this sort of thing, and I was wondering if anyone knew of any places I might be able to apply for grants to help get started and initially promote the site.