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FAQ

How can I get a grant?

Grants are typically awarded to nonprofit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations. The first step to winning a grant award is to have a project, program or idea that has some charitable benefit to some segment of the population. (i.e. economic development for rural towns, education for special need students, renewable energy innovation). The next step is to identify funder(s) who have similar funding priorities as your organization. Respond to their request for proposals or grant applications as outlined in their guidelines. A grantwriter, like FirstBorn Group LLC, can help navigate you through this process.

Are there any grants available to start a business?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is usually ‘no’. There is a number of revolving loan funds and Microfunds that were created to help low-income, minority entrepreneurs to start businesses in underserved communities. They are loan awards, not grants. Don’t lose heart; however, the application process is usually less stringent than that of banks. It is in the interest of these community programs to help more people start businesses. There may be a couple exceptions to this rule- If you have an innovative invention or intellectual property that can be used to benefit the community, you may qualify for a innovation grant from the Federal government.

I heard that I can get a grant to go back to school?

Grants used to attend school are referred to as scholarships. There are hundreds of organizations interested in sending specific types of people to school for subject areas important to them. The Federal Government does make some grant awards in the form of Pell Grants and other special programs that are administered through your college or university.

Are small, startup nonprofits required to file tax forms?

Yes! The IRS requires that all tax-exempt organizations file a Form 990. Even if you did not receive any contributions in a given year, you must make an annual filing. The penalty for not filing for three consecutive years is termination of your tax exempt status. This is costly as you will have to re-file your application.

Do you, the grantwriter, write the grant and get paid from the grant, once it is awarded?

Most times, the answer to this question is ‘no’. When a grant is awarded for a specific program, it must all be expended for that purpose, according to the submitted budget, and not be used to pay consultants. The exception to this rule is grants that allow for administrative or operation costs. In this instance, a grantwriting consultant can be included in the administrative budget. In most cases, an organization must have some money in their operating budget to pay consultants, like grantwriters.

Can you guarantee that I will get my grant request funded?

Absolutely not! The only guarantee that any grantwriter can make is that you will receive a professionally written and developed grant proposal that will put you in the best competitive position. The funding organization (i.e. foundation, Federal agency) decides which of the applicants receive the grant award. This is why it is so important to have a grantwriter that understands the mind of a grant reviewer and funder. Your grantwriter should also have a very good understanding of the dynamics of your organization and your scope of services. This will make for a very competitive grant proposal.

I have my 501(c)3, now what do I have to do to get funded?

The most important thing to do is to START DOING WHAT YOU RECEIVED your NONPROFIT STATUS TO DO. Funders want to invest in organizations that have the best practices in providing their service. Take some time building key community partnerships. Launch a small community marketing campaign. Make sure that when it is time to apply for funding, you have a face in your community with a reputation for good success.

WORKSHOPS

What type of information is typically covered in your web based workshops?

  • ·         How to raise $5,000 for your efforts BEFORE you apply for a grant
  • ·         How to develop a fund-able program or project
  • ·         How to build a sustainable budget
  • ·         How to save time searching for funders who are interested in YOUR project or program

Who are your web based workshops designed for?

The content is very practical. It is ideal for those:

  • Who have an idea for a program or project but not sure where to begin
  • Who don’t want to waste a lot of money on scams who promise lots of money but don’t tell you how to attract it.
  • Who honestly want to receive help and are willing to take the steps to become fund-able.