If you're frustrated by the conflicting and inaccurate information you've found regarding grant money for a small business, then don't worry. This article is your best source for the most accurate and up to date data. Read on and find out why!
Many people today searching for small business grant money to start their own for profit business assume that grants are nothing more than "free money." Well, sorry to be the bearer of bad news but small business grant money is hardly "free money" at all. In fact, these grants are more like contracts with their own set of obligations and restrictions that you must comply with or risk suffering sanctions imposed by your funding resource.
In the case of government grants, the rules are even stricter. One of the first places that people often turn to is the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, which is where all listings of government grants approved by Congress are announced. The problem with this resource is that there are very few programs available for small businesses.
These grants are usually awarded to deserving individuals or nonprofit organizations having some community-based project in mind. Rarely will you find a government grant awarded to help set up a for profit business. That is why when searching for a small business grant you should not turn only to the government for funding resources.
A good source of grant money is the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). The AFP is considered the chief professional association for fundraisers. The association was formerly known as the National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE). Their website at AFPnet.org offers sections on ethics, public policy, publications (including AFP's online bookstore), professional advancement, local chapters, jobs, and youth in philanthropy (along with a member gateway/dashboard).
Besides that, the AFP also provides a list of organizations (including their websites) that are among the top basic resources of grant money. Foremost on their list is the Foundation Center at FDNCenter.org, which publishes the revered Foundation Directory.
Consider contracts. Government money can sometimes come in the form of contracts. "If you can demonstrate that your company can execute a budget line item, if you can shape part of your idea to what the government wants done for a particular project - say something educational or construction-oriented - if you can fill a need, you can compete," says Francie Ward, CEO of the Business Owner's Idea Café at BusinessOwnersIdeaCafe.com.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope that it has helped you and that you were able to find, through our research, the answers you were seeking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you start a Horse Rescue Ranch
By: angeleyes | 14-07-2008
How do you start a Horse Rescue Ranch
Hurricane Katrina related grants for businesses
By: Jamie | 09-07-2008
I am doing a school project in which I must choose a location and create the overall start-up plan for a bar/restaurant. I have chosen a location in New Orleans. I would appreciate any help or input someone mught be able to give regarding special options for financing or grants in Hurricane Katrina areas such as New Orleans. The place that I have chosen as my hypothetical site has everything included; all I would have to do is to devise a menu. I know that loans are generally not given for restaurant or bar businesses. Thanks for any help you can give.
How can i pay off credit cards using government ...
By: jsmith | 10-04-2008
How can i pay off credit cards using government money that i don't have to pay back.
How can i get money to pay my bills i am in over ...
By: schkep | 03-02-2008
how can i get money to pay my bills i am in over my head and need help to get myself back on my feet and to rebuild my credit again, can you please help me
Harvard cuts tuition prices, should other universities do same?
By: hershalooey | 11-12-2007
Like Harvard, do other US Universities need to start using their endowment money to make tuition less? Harvard is really helping the families that send their children there, while other good schools like The George Washington University now cost close to 50 thousand dollars per year for tuition. Should parents and students have to pay off years of dept after the students finish studying? What can be done to help make American university more affordable? Do you worry about how you will pay for your kids to go to college?
How do i get free information on how to get grants ...
By: shelia | 17-08-2007
how do i get free information on how to get grants with not a credit card or any money to purchase the information on getting the free grants.
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