Found this article online called "The Craziest Ways To Pay Your Tuition?" that talks about the crazy ways that some students have paid for their college tuition.
It seems when scholarships and free money and government grants are not enough to help defray the cost of college, students (and their parents) have thought up different crazy ways to be able to pay for college costs.
Some of the ways that students have used to pay for their student loans have included begging on the streets, playing music for tips and there was even a special program where students could get part of their tuition paid by trading livestock?????
Some other students started their own business by offering cleaning services.
Other students have even done dumpster diving for food!
Showing posts with label Misc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Misc. Show all posts
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Here Is An Indirect Way To Receive A Grant
One of the ways that you can indirectly get a grant is if you have some field of expertise you may be able to hire yourself out as a consultant of some kind!
Many municipalities receive government grants for financial support when they have problems that they have to take care of.
For instance one area will be receiving a $250,000 grant so that they will be able to hire a consultant to help reduce energy consumption and costs in the area.
This grant comes from leftover federal stimulus money that was distributed last year.
This grant program is to help benefit a number of towns in one area. The consultant that the grant program will pay for will either be a consulting firm or an individual who for will spend one day each week in one of the towns. The position will last for two years and will be at no cost to the taxpayer.
One of th town councilman said he would like to see some report from the town on the progress of the consultant. The town also said it would like to use the hiring of the consultant to help pursue other grants in the future.
Remember government grants really are free money that you do not have to pay back!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
About Government Grants - An Excerpt!
Here is an excerpt from an online article:
"
No matter what type of business you are interested in establishing, how big or small, who you are, where it is located,there is a business grant, or several, to support your ventures........
You may be able to acquire a small business grant to finance a modest online business run from your home, to minority grant to open an ethnic heritage center in a culturally rich neighborhood, to several generous grants for real estate to establish your own realty company.....
Thousands of stay at home mothers are acquiring day care grants and single mothers grants to start their own day care centers, and make money on day care, while saving on day care and spending more time with their children.....
The generosity on the government's part towards the small business owner is really quite amazing, and the eligibility requirements to receive free government financial aid are really quite few......................"
Subject: Grant Research - Can You Help Me? I am interested in acquiring a government grant to start a business. Are you available for consultation? Thanks! Very Truly Yours C. T. Thank you for your email. It really all depends on what type of consultation that you are needing. Here are some questions that I require all of my clients to fill out before I start researching grant programs that they may be eligible for. Questions To Be Answered For Grant Basics 101 Please go to the link above, answer the questions and that will give me a better idea as to what grant programs you may be eligible for. Unfortunately you have only mentioned that you want to start a business but you haven't mentioned what type of business it is that you want to start? |
$25 Million To Spend!
One organization has $25 Million Dollars to spend to help encourage innovative ideas to help advance journalism using the digital medium!
This year a project to build and maintain a crowd-sourced database of primary source material for use by investigative reporters was awarded a grant of $719,000! The grant recipient(s) included a pairing of a well-known newspaper and a non-profit news organization. The project was an initiative that sought to break the habits of reporters who threw stories and documents away after the story faded - whereas those documents were never going to be used again. The four-member team "aims to provide an online database of documents contributed by a consortium of news organizations, watchdog groups and bloggers, and shared with the public at large. Users will be able to search by topic, agency or location. Reporters will benefit from the wisdom of the crowd, which will be able to collaboratively examine large document sets.”
This grant program is open to the public! This means that individuals and even for-profit businesses can apply!
Other grant recipients include:
- A $300,000 was awarded to a website to post mistakes by journalists! The idea is to have those that comment to engage the journalist and discuss whether a correction or additional reporting is warranted. This will be used to help show errors that news organizations make and show which news organizations are responsible to public questions and comments.
- Another individual received a $200,000 grant to create a downloadable production tool for various mobile phone platforms. The toolkit will include applications for video and audio recording, a distribution tool for mobile content to social media sites and detailed how-to information that outlines what users can do with the phones they have.
- Another grant recipient received a grant of $250,000 to expand their state's council coverage by a local newspaper and allow them to create a wiki devoted to local legislators.
Publishing files on the Web that were originally created for print publications has always been a challenge, especially for small community newspapers. News organizations have typically solved the problem by creating proprietary publishing systems for their sole benefit. This grant will create new and easy ways to use tools that will allow news organizations to essentially drag and drop articles onto an online news site. The process will save news organizations, particularly small community newspapers, significant time, money and manpower, allowing them to direct their resources to bring their community the news and information it needs.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
How About A Surfing Scholarship?
This scholarship program started in 2007 with only five grants awarded and within one year has expanded to 20 scholarships. This year, 2009, the organization has increased their scholarship program by 100%, issuing 40 scholarships to Under 18 junior surfers from 22 countries. So far over 80 applications from 24 countries have been received!
For Your Real Estate Career. |
"Green" Grants
Billions of Dollars are now available as part of President Obama's Stimulus Package to help create energy-saving programs! States and even more local areas are eligible to apply for grant money to create energy-saving programs including energy efficiency and conservation.
However there is a deadline of June 25, 2009 to apply for this grant program!
Included in this grant program:
- At least $500 million for green jobs training.
- $9.75 billion to renovate schools.
- $5 billion to weatherize low-income homes.
- $300 million to replace old appliances with "Energy Star" products.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Receive Money To Relocate!
Here is a program that offers families as much as $50,000 to relocate to another city so that they can involved with that city's only synagogue.
Fearing that the city's congregation would dwindle and die, this program was started last year and its goal is to bring as many as 19 more Jewish families over the next five years. Worried about what the future might hold, one of the congregation members put up money to begin the program to attract as many as 20 new Jewish families. Ads in Jewish newspapers were taken out to help spread the word.
So far, about 400 families have since applied and 60 of them were qualified after their initial screening. Finalists go through a vetting process that includes written references -- including one from their rabbi -- home visits, checks for criminal and financial problems, and interviews.
In return for resettling and being active with the congregation for at least five years, families are reimbursed as much as $50,000 to cover items including moving expenses, housing, outstanding debt, education, temple dues and seed money for a small business. The fund will also pay the first year of temple dues for the family and, eventually, help with a down payment on a permanent home.
One of the families that has taken advantage of this program didn't receive the full $50,000 amount but they could receive as much as $30,000 to help pay off debts and reimburse them for resettlement expenses, including rent and furniture for the house where they are living now.
Grants! - President Barack Obama'sStimulus Package Plan Includes:
If you would like a complete listing of the stimulus package programs then please look at the Ebook offers on the left side of this blog! |
Does Your Church's
Organization Need Money
For Their Youth
Program?
The purpose of this grant program is to increase the number of gifted young people considering ordained ministry as a profession because studies have shown that fewer than 7 percent of clergy serving most denominations at this time are under age 35.
So far, nine of these grants have been awarded to eight congregations representing four different denominations and one federation of Asian-American congregations. One of these congregations was a Presbyterian congregation in Charlotte, North Carolina!
Daycare Start-UpGrant Applications |
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Switch To Digital TV!
I just got finished posting on my Getting To Know You Blog about the switch to digital tv and me not being ready for it!
I have now come to find out that the deadline date has been extended to June 12 which is a BIG relief to me!
Since grant research and grant consulting is what I do I decided to go ahead and fill out my application online for the 2 $40 off coupons that the government is allowing each household!
I went to their website and filled out an application online. I already know from listening to the news that the funding has run out for the coupons but those who still sign up between now and March are still eligible to apply for the coupons.I have a copy of their application and will give a copy to those who make a $5 donation however it should be noted that even though the date has been extended to June, the application itself still has the February 17, due date on it. However you will be glad to know that the application also includes links to their website as well!
Even though this doesn't officially qualify as a government grant (heck - maybe it does!) I do believe that all things are related....
This is after all a program providing financial relief to those in need and actually this is quite different because it seems that all households regardless of income are eligible to apply for this coupons - which is probably one of the best examples of a government grant program - right?
| IRS data show that each year about 131 million individuals file tax returns and pay an average of $7,633 to the IRS. The U.S. Office of Management and Budget and recent independent studies show that the government gives out over $1.5 Trillion a year to individuals through its free money programs. One and one half trillion dollars in government money programs, divided by 131 million taxpayers, means that the average taxpayer is getting $11,450 a year in cash back from the government in free money programs. Are you getting yours? |
How About A Grant Program For Biking Organizations?
There is a biking-related foundation that has awarded four grants so far this year in the amount of $10,000. Applicants can request up to $10,000. Requests for more than $10,000 will generally be viewed unfavorably unless the applicant has an extremely compelling case that the proposal is of unique and/or national importance. These grant awards have gone to organizations that are supporting their communities through bicycling, establishing innovative bike programs for young riders, and setting—and raising—the bicycle-advocacy bar. Grants are awarded for best practices in bicycle advocacy, safety, and youth programming. Bicycle advocacy organizations must have a mission and activities directly relating to bicycling. They typically work to improve bicycling conditions and affect positive change on a local, regional, state, or national level. Most are incorporated 501c3 nonprofits.
Recipients of these grants include an organization that has an incentive program that promotes healthier, happier children, and a cleaner environment, by encouraging kids to ride their bikes and walk to school. Their program began in 2004 at an elementary school and has since gone on now to include other elementary schools as well.
This grant program strives to put more people on bicycles more often by funding important and influential projects that leverage federal funding and build momentum for bicycling in communities across the U.S. These projects include bike paths, lanes, and routes, as well as bike parks, mountain bike trails, BMX facilities, and large-scale bicycle advocacy initiatives.
Since 1999, this organization has awarded 180 grants to municipalities and grassroots groups in 45 states and the District of Columbia, investing nearly $1.5 million in community bicycling projects and leveraging close to $500 million in federal, state, and private funding.
Who is eligible to apply? - The organization welcomes grant applications from organizations and agencies within the United States that are committed to putting more people on bicycles more often. Nonprofit trails groups and public agencies or departments at the local, regional, and national levels may apply for facility grants. The organization encourages municipalities to partner with bicycle advocacy groups when applying for our funding in order to insure that bicyclists are involved in and supportive of the project. The organization does not fund individuals.
Fundable projects include paved bike paths and rail-trails as well as mountain bike trails, bike parks, BMX facilities, and large-scale bicycle advocacy initiatives.
The organization does not accept applications for bicycle recycling, repair, or earn-a-bike programs, or for bicycle rodeos.
Grant applications will be accepted from nonprofit organizations whose missions are bicycle and/or trail specific. Public agencies and departments at the national, state, regional, and local levels, are encouraged to align with a local bicycle advocacy group that will help develop and advance the project or program. (Please note that grants are rarely awarded to organizations and communities that have received their grantfunding within the past three years.)
If your organization is new, and you have not yet acquired your nonprofit status, you may submit an application with the assistance of another nonprofit that has agreed to serve as your fiscal agent. You will need to provide a letter from the fiscal sponsor outlining their role in the project.
This organization does not fund individuals.
It is also important to note that the organization has moved to paperless applications. Applications are now accepted via e-mail only.
The completed application consists of three main parts. Please submit the following material in ONE e-mail, with your project title in the subject line. Your e-mail message should not exceed 10 MB.
- Cover Letter: The letter should introduce your organization and proposal. It should appear as the body of the e-mail.
- The application is available as a downloadable file: This Microsoft Word file includes the Administrative Information Form and the Grant Application Narrative.
- Attachments: These include your financials as well as support letters from the bike industry*, a list of your board members, a project map or plan, and media articles.
*Support letters from the local bicycle industry are KEY to your proposal. Letters from this organization's members—retailers and suppliers—will strengthen your application. Please ask your supporters to address their letters to the Grant Committee, as form letters will not be considered. You can visit the organization's website to view a list of their members.
Additional information is not encouraged unless it is absolutely essential to the organization's understanding of your project. They will contact you should they need further information on which to base a decision.
The organization no longer accepts mailed or faxed applications. All application materials must be submitted together, in the same e-mail message—no exceptions. Incomplete or excessively long applications will not be considered.
Completed applications can be sent via email
Grant Application Schedule runs on a quarterly cycle up to February 2010. Applications must be e-mailed by the due date in order to be considered for the ensuing decision date.
Depending on the number of applications received, the organization currently awards funding to about 15–20% of completed applications.
Generally, grantees can expect to receive funding within three weeks of the grant award.
For more information about this grant program you can read the organization's guidelines on their website, contact them via email or you can contact them by phone.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
My Grant Basics 101 Podcast!
I have just started my own Grant Basics 101 Podcast!
It's just in its beginning stages!
If you take a look on the left side of this blog you will see the widget for the podcast. You can also go to the podcast page by clicking here.
Like I posted above this podcast is in it's beginning stages but there is already one caller who called asking about possible grants for their for-profit daycare business and I gave my reply to them.
I hope to be adding more content to the podcast very soon!
Home Owners In Louisiana May Be Eligible For Cash Grants! This money is from a government program that was put in place to bring insurance companies to the state. (No doubt this has to do with the effects of hurricane Katrina and all the home insurance problems stemming from that). This is UNUSED money from one of the expired 2007 government grant programs! The funding was originally set up as a matching grants program for private insurance companies that agreed to begin writing policies in the nearby coastal areas. It was targeted for improving a homeowners' access to private insurance after the 2005 hurricanes, and to reduce the number of policies written by the state's insurer. The insurance department issued $29 million in grants, and state law says the remaining money should be divvied up and given to holders of homeowners policies. |
$2 Million in Grants to Help Persons
with Disabilities Stay in Their Own Homes!
This will be a statewide program that adds ramps, chair lifts and other features to homes so low-income seniors and residents with disabilities can continue to live in their communities. The state's Housing Development Authority will allocate the grant money to 14 non-profit organizations and public agencies around the state to administer the program.
New Ruling For Government Contractors - Maybe?The U. S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against a new government ruling that says that businesses must file online if they want to be considered for government contracting work. Originally the ruling was going to take effect on February 15th of this year but since the lawsuit has been filed the date has been moved back. The lawsuit contends the government doesn't have the authority to make E-Verify mandatory for contractors. The online verification process provides an Internet-based means for employers to compare the names and Social Security numbers of newly hired employees against government databases. So far about 100,000 businesses have participated in the program, which is now voluntary. Under a regulation issued Nov. 14, however, companies that receive federal contracts of $100,000 or more must use the online verification process to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires and reconfirm the eligibility of existing employees that are assigned to federal contracts. These requirements also apply to most subcontractors. It is hoped that the delay in the rule's effective date will give the new Obama administration "an opportunity to re-evaluate the efficiency of the policy. You can find out more information about this online. |
Basically what this means is that if you are considering becoming a government contractor once you are awarded a federal contract worth more than $100,000 that has a performance term of 120 days or more, or if you have a subcontract worth more than $3,000, you will have 30 days to enroll in the federal contractor online verification program. Enrolling involves signing a non-negotiable Memorandum and registering the individuals who will be using the system.
If you and / or your business are considering becoming a government contractor then I suggest that you take a look at their online user's manual that explains more in detail.. This online manual will help you to get an idea of your options and what it will be like to use the system. The people you select to be “users” of the system will have to register and take the on-line tutorial before you can actually begin using the system.
You might want to register now and begin using the standard online verification system for new hires to give you a chance to get a head start before the deadline. If you are already enrolled in the online verification program as of January 15, 2009, and you have a qualifying contract or subcontract, you will have to modify your enrollment to switch to the federal contractor version. Within 90 days of enrollment as a federal contractor, you will have to begin using the new verification process for all new hires in the U.S. (including people who are not working directly on a federal contract), within three days after the employee begins working for pay.
You will also need to become familiar with some of the rules for avoiding discrimination while using the new online verification process. They are listed in the online user manual.
then (until a final decision is made)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
In The UK - Tax Rebate Program Goes Begging!
Owners of small businesses are being urged to claim millions of pounds of tax relief on their office buildings.
This relief program was introduced in 2005 to help businesses in properties with a low rateable value to reduce their business outgoings.
The rateable value of a building is based on the cost and value of the property itself, which is reviewed every five years by local councils.
Companies based in a property with a rateable value of £5,000 or less are eligible for rate relief of 50%. This falls by one percentage point for every £100 of rateable value between £5,000 and £10,000.
About £200m in rebates is unclaimed every year and fewer than half of the 87,000 UK businesses that qualify for relief have applied for it. Previously, business owners had to apply for relief every year, but since April 2007 they need to apply once every five years.
It is believed that many companies may not realize they are eligible for a rate rebate.
The director of this program has said "The Government needs to do much more to promote the scheme to help small firms, which need more help now than ever."
Another business owner has said:
"I think the relief is a good thing. The problem is that the Government doesn't do enough to ensure that small businesses know about this. There should be a one-stop shop where firms can find out what business benefits, reliefs and grants they are entitled to."
| In My Own State Of Pennsylvania: A one-time scholarship grant has been designed to double the number of high school graduates as well as the number of children attending college. Over the past year the program has provided more than 4000 students with assistance in furthering their education. This scholarship program, which awards up to $3,000 in scholarships to eligible seniors attending Pennsylvania state institutions, has contributed more than $7 million toward advancing the education of Philadelphia's youth. |
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Are You Looking To Buy A Home At A Discount?
So many people are looking for government (or other) grant money to be able to buy their own home. Here is a government grant program that allows eligible applicants to buy a home at a discounted price.
If you are a law enforcement officer, this program may help you purchase a home in a HUD-revitalization area by offering qualified purchasers a 50% discount off the list price of homes available from HUD's inventory. You must agree to live in the home for three years and it may be your only residence during that time.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be or have been a law enforcement officer who is employed (full-time) and is a current or prospective homeowner.
Application Process
For more information about applying for this program, you can visit the government's website.
Update! - If you are a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, or teacher, this program may help you purchase a home in a HUD-revitalization area by offering qualified purchasers a 50% discount off the list price of homes available from HUD's inventory. You must agree to live in the home for three years and it must be your sole residence.
General Program Requirements - In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be or have been a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, or teacher who is employed (full-time) and is a current or prospective homeowner.
Objectives - To strengthen America's communities by providing homeownership opportunities to law enforcement officers in HUD- designated revitalization areas, and to improve the quality of life in these neighborhoods by their presence.
Types of Assistance - Sale, Exchange, or Donation of Property and Goods.
Uses and Use Restrictions - Law enforcement officers may purchase HUD-owned single unit properties located in designated revitalization areas at a 50 percent discount off list price. Officers must agree to occupy homes as their sole residence for a period of 3 years. The officer must also agree to execute a second mortgage and note in the name of the Department for an amount equal to the 50 percent discount. This zero interest note will gradually decrease over the 3-year mandatory residence period until it reaches zero. Should the officer leave the home before the 1st anniversary of occupancy, 90 percent of the discounted amount will be due to HUD. Departure before the 2nd anniversary of occupancy will require a 60 percent repayment, and departure before the 3rd anniversary of occupancy will require a 30 percent repayment of the discounted amount. Officers must certify initially, and once annually, for each year of the occupancy term, that he/she continues to own and live in the home as a sole residence, and that no other residential real estate is owned.
Eligibility Requirements - Applicant Eligibility
This program is limited to a specialized group. To be eligible for this program, participants must be law enforcement officers. A law enforcement officer is defined as an individual who is employed full-time by a Federal, State, county, or municipal government or a college or university, and is sworn to uphold, and make arrests for, violations of Federal, State, county, or municipal law. The authority to make arrests must be general arrest power - not simply arrest authority which is confined to a specific building, facility, or group of persons.
Beneficiary Eligibility - Law enforcement officers purchasing a HUD-owned home in a designated revitalization area for use as their residence.
Credentials/Documentation
Application Procedure - Interested law enforcement officers apply by submitting a bid for a property listed through HUD's sale disposition program. Properties for sale are listed on the internet at sites accessible to the general public. Bids are submitted electronically. The bid amount submitted must be displayed list price.
Award Procedure - A winning bid is selected randomly each week. The winning bidder is offered the property at a 50 percent discount off the list price. A document package is mailed to the selected bidder. The bidder accepts by signing and returning the sales documents. The selected bidder receives title to the home at a sales closing. The selected bidder arranges for financing of the purchase price.
Deadlines - Properties eligible for this program are offered exclusively to officers for bidding for five days beginning with the first listing of the property. Unsold homes continue to be available for purchase through the program under modified rules related to the length of time the property is unsold.
Formula and Matching Requirements - The assistance is in the form of a 50 percent reduction in the list price of the home selected for purchase.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance - The assistance is provided in exchange for the buyer's commitment to occupy the homes as a personal residence for three years. Each year of occupancy results in the forgiveness of one third of the discount value. Early vacation of the premises requires repayment of a pro rata amount of the discount.
Post Assistance Requirements - Reports - The officer purchasing the home must submit an annual certification for each of three years that he or she resides in the home and does not own any other residential real property.
Program Accomplishments - As of April 1, 2003, approximately 7,352 officers have purchases homes under this program in the United States and the District of Columbia, with an estimated value of $367,600,000. Sales in fiscal year 2003 are estimated to be approximately 1,500. Projections for fiscal year 2004 are about the same.
Program information is available on HUD's official website.
There are also related programs for teachers!
For policy questions not covered on the website, you can contact the office division by regular mail, email or by phone (this is not a toll free number).
If you are a law enforcement officer, this program may help you purchase a home in a HUD-revitalization area by offering qualified purchasers a 50% discount off the list price of homes available from HUD's inventory. You must agree to live in the home for three years and it may be your only residence during that time.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be or have been a law enforcement officer who is employed (full-time) and is a current or prospective homeowner.
Application Process
For more information about applying for this program, you can visit the government's website.
Update! - If you are a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, or teacher, this program may help you purchase a home in a HUD-revitalization area by offering qualified purchasers a 50% discount off the list price of homes available from HUD's inventory. You must agree to live in the home for three years and it must be your sole residence.
General Program Requirements - In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be or have been a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, or teacher who is employed (full-time) and is a current or prospective homeowner.
Objectives - To strengthen America's communities by providing homeownership opportunities to law enforcement officers in HUD- designated revitalization areas, and to improve the quality of life in these neighborhoods by their presence.
Types of Assistance - Sale, Exchange, or Donation of Property and Goods.
Uses and Use Restrictions - Law enforcement officers may purchase HUD-owned single unit properties located in designated revitalization areas at a 50 percent discount off list price. Officers must agree to occupy homes as their sole residence for a period of 3 years. The officer must also agree to execute a second mortgage and note in the name of the Department for an amount equal to the 50 percent discount. This zero interest note will gradually decrease over the 3-year mandatory residence period until it reaches zero. Should the officer leave the home before the 1st anniversary of occupancy, 90 percent of the discounted amount will be due to HUD. Departure before the 2nd anniversary of occupancy will require a 60 percent repayment, and departure before the 3rd anniversary of occupancy will require a 30 percent repayment of the discounted amount. Officers must certify initially, and once annually, for each year of the occupancy term, that he/she continues to own and live in the home as a sole residence, and that no other residential real estate is owned.
Eligibility Requirements - Applicant Eligibility
This program is limited to a specialized group. To be eligible for this program, participants must be law enforcement officers. A law enforcement officer is defined as an individual who is employed full-time by a Federal, State, county, or municipal government or a college or university, and is sworn to uphold, and make arrests for, violations of Federal, State, county, or municipal law. The authority to make arrests must be general arrest power - not simply arrest authority which is confined to a specific building, facility, or group of persons.
Beneficiary Eligibility - Law enforcement officers purchasing a HUD-owned home in a designated revitalization area for use as their residence.
Credentials/Documentation
Application Procedure - Interested law enforcement officers apply by submitting a bid for a property listed through HUD's sale disposition program. Properties for sale are listed on the internet at sites accessible to the general public. Bids are submitted electronically. The bid amount submitted must be displayed list price.
Award Procedure - A winning bid is selected randomly each week. The winning bidder is offered the property at a 50 percent discount off the list price. A document package is mailed to the selected bidder. The bidder accepts by signing and returning the sales documents. The selected bidder receives title to the home at a sales closing. The selected bidder arranges for financing of the purchase price.
Deadlines - Properties eligible for this program are offered exclusively to officers for bidding for five days beginning with the first listing of the property. Unsold homes continue to be available for purchase through the program under modified rules related to the length of time the property is unsold.
Formula and Matching Requirements - The assistance is in the form of a 50 percent reduction in the list price of the home selected for purchase.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance - The assistance is provided in exchange for the buyer's commitment to occupy the homes as a personal residence for three years. Each year of occupancy results in the forgiveness of one third of the discount value. Early vacation of the premises requires repayment of a pro rata amount of the discount.
Post Assistance Requirements - Reports - The officer purchasing the home must submit an annual certification for each of three years that he or she resides in the home and does not own any other residential real property.
Program Accomplishments - As of April 1, 2003, approximately 7,352 officers have purchases homes under this program in the United States and the District of Columbia, with an estimated value of $367,600,000. Sales in fiscal year 2003 are estimated to be approximately 1,500. Projections for fiscal year 2004 are about the same.
Program information is available on HUD's official website.
There are also related programs for teachers!
For policy questions not covered on the website, you can contact the office division by regular mail, email or by phone (this is not a toll free number).
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Want To Get PAID For Smoking Marijuana?
Hard to believe but there are a group of scientists who are offering to pay people as much as $600 to essentially smoke marijuana!
Here is an excerpt from an article that explains about it more:
"A group of scientists are looking for marijuanamarijuana to help gain insight into the drug's effects. And they plan to pay subjects as much as 600 dollars to smoke their pot.
The study will examine how marijuana affects brain function and cognition, with particular attention to the duration of use and the age of first use. The measure is brain imaging studies and achievement tests, such as for math and verbal skills.
The scientists are looking for pot users and control subjects who consume alcohol and tobacco -- but not marijuana -- to participate in the study.
Subjects receive 20 dollars for an initial screening session. Those that participate fully pocket 600 dollars.
This kind of study is being done to decide / determine whether such use of marijuana is cause for criminal penalties.
Apparently this seems to be a big issue of concern with politicians and no doubt the results of this study will provide politians with information that they will need when they discuss such issues.
Since I posted this blog post about how people get paid to smoke marijuan, I have found that these kinds of programs are still in existence! In fact there are other similar programs such as this one - for example - you can actually get paid to drink alcohol! You can also get paid over $1,000 for safe-sex research!
So yes, there are still programs out there that pay people to smoke marijuana - as hard as it is to believe!
Here is an excerpt from an article that explains about it more:
"A group of scientists are looking for marijuanamarijuana to help gain insight into the drug's effects. And they plan to pay subjects as much as 600 dollars to smoke their pot.
The study will examine how marijuana affects brain function and cognition, with particular attention to the duration of use and the age of first use. The measure is brain imaging studies and achievement tests, such as for math and verbal skills.
The scientists are looking for pot users and control subjects who consume alcohol and tobacco -- but not marijuana -- to participate in the study.
Subjects receive 20 dollars for an initial screening session. Those that participate fully pocket 600 dollars.
This kind of study is being done to decide / determine whether such use of marijuana is cause for criminal penalties.
Apparently this seems to be a big issue of concern with politicians and no doubt the results of this study will provide politians with information that they will need when they discuss such issues.
Updates!
updated 9/5/12
Since I posted this blog post about how people get paid to smoke marijuan, I have found that these kinds of programs are still in existence! In fact there are other similar programs such as this one - for example - you can actually get paid to drink alcohol! You can also get paid over $1,000 for safe-sex research!
So yes, there are still programs out there that pay people to smoke marijuana - as hard as it is to believe!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Do You Want To Go Back To School But Need Help With Daycare?
There is one college that has a program which is geared toward students with children. The program offers on-campus daycare and reimbursement for child-care expenses to students who qualify.
It also help students struggling to get back in the flow of math or other curriculum after being out of practice for years. Keeping students engaged in non-class activities helps pave the way for success.
Some of the activities included to help more older students adjust to the college campus life include events such as blood drives, exam preparation and career counseling. The college also offers programs for students of all ages who have hearing or sight loss, are in wheelchairs or have other special needs.
Many older students are involved in the Adult Life and Learning Program, which is geared toward them. Skills include computer classes and refresher courses, and range from flower arranging to phlebotomy.
Also as an added benefit, it seems that teachers and professors prefer having some older students in their classes.
Financial aid is always a concern, and usually the amount of financial aid that one gets is based on the student’s income, assets and circumstances. Each case is different. A good first step for anyone looking to attend college is to fill out a an application for federal student aid. You can fill out a financial aid form online by going to the website.
Financial aid is available for those who seek it.
"Work programs, grants, student loans and other programs designed for specific fields are widespread"
One student has said that scholarships help and their job pays for half. “I was amazed at how much financial aid there is out there.”
“The biggest thing is quit making excuses because there are none.
“If you want to do it, you can do it!”
Here is another college.......
At another college, dozens of students receive scholarships. There are scholarships based on academics, ethnicity, need, course of study, for women re-entering the workforce,, for community heroes and a variety of other reasons.
There are scholarships for dual enrollment students, scholarships for nursing, those in teacher education, and even incarcerated students through the college's prison program.
"There are drawers full of scholarships but students need to apply and to apply early," said the college's scholarship coordinator.
"If you are planning on going to college you need to plan ahead. A lot of students seem to wait until the last minute to apply. Don't wait until crunch time.
Students who apply early not only have more scholarships to chose from but also have more time to meet with academic advisers and counselors.
Although this is the best time to apply for scholarships to attend college in the fall, scholarships are awarded throughout the year.
Last week, nearly a dozen nursing students were awarded $1,000 scholarships!
The scholarship money means that one student won't have to pick up an extra graveyard shift to pay for daycare while she goes to school full time, works part time and takes care of her two children. "I was so excited because I have never gotten a scholarship before," said the student. The 23-year-old mother of a 3-year old and an 8-month-old has been taking her nursing prerequisites at the college for the last couple of years. In January, she started her first semester of nursing classes and didn't know how she would pay for daycare. "This is a great big help. There would have been no time to study and take care of the kids," she said.
Another student who is taking online courses offered by the college has also received a scholarship! "I was very excited to get the scholarship. I couldn't believe it," he said. He plans to use the scholarship for tuition and expenses.
For more information about this college and their financial assistance and scholarship programs you can contact them by phone or via their website.
It also help students struggling to get back in the flow of math or other curriculum after being out of practice for years. Keeping students engaged in non-class activities helps pave the way for success.
Some of the activities included to help more older students adjust to the college campus life include events such as blood drives, exam preparation and career counseling. The college also offers programs for students of all ages who have hearing or sight loss, are in wheelchairs or have other special needs.
Many older students are involved in the Adult Life and Learning Program, which is geared toward them. Skills include computer classes and refresher courses, and range from flower arranging to phlebotomy.
Also as an added benefit, it seems that teachers and professors prefer having some older students in their classes.
Financial aid is always a concern, and usually the amount of financial aid that one gets is based on the student’s income, assets and circumstances. Each case is different. A good first step for anyone looking to attend college is to fill out a an application for federal student aid. You can fill out a financial aid form online by going to the website.
Financial aid is available for those who seek it.
"Work programs, grants, student loans and other programs designed for specific fields are widespread"
One student has said that scholarships help and their job pays for half. “I was amazed at how much financial aid there is out there.”
“The biggest thing is quit making excuses because there are none.
“If you want to do it, you can do it!”
Here is another college.......
At another college, dozens of students receive scholarships. There are scholarships based on academics, ethnicity, need, course of study, for women re-entering the workforce,, for community heroes and a variety of other reasons.
There are scholarships for dual enrollment students, scholarships for nursing, those in teacher education, and even incarcerated students through the college's prison program.
"There are drawers full of scholarships but students need to apply and to apply early," said the college's scholarship coordinator.
"If you are planning on going to college you need to plan ahead. A lot of students seem to wait until the last minute to apply. Don't wait until crunch time.
Students who apply early not only have more scholarships to chose from but also have more time to meet with academic advisers and counselors.
Although this is the best time to apply for scholarships to attend college in the fall, scholarships are awarded throughout the year.
Last week, nearly a dozen nursing students were awarded $1,000 scholarships!
The scholarship money means that one student won't have to pick up an extra graveyard shift to pay for daycare while she goes to school full time, works part time and takes care of her two children. "I was so excited because I have never gotten a scholarship before," said the student. The 23-year-old mother of a 3-year old and an 8-month-old has been taking her nursing prerequisites at the college for the last couple of years. In January, she started her first semester of nursing classes and didn't know how she would pay for daycare. "This is a great big help. There would have been no time to study and take care of the kids," she said.
Another student who is taking online courses offered by the college has also received a scholarship! "I was very excited to get the scholarship. I couldn't believe it," he said. He plans to use the scholarship for tuition and expenses.
For more information about this college and their financial assistance and scholarship programs you can contact them by phone or via their website.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Piano Competition!
While I do a LOT of grant research concerning grant programs there are other ways of being able to get money besides (or I should say in additon to) grants.
One of those ways is with contests and competitions and the like!
Now comes word of a piano competition being held in one state.
The grand prize of this piano competion is a BRAND NEW PIANO! And other prizes will be given away as well!
One of the best things about this particular competion is that there is NO entry fee!
The Deadline to enter is March 17th, 2008!
There will be different competition levels for students (both high school and college level) and for those of "all ages".
To download their competition form which includes the rules and regulations of the competion, you can go to the competition's website and download their form in .pdf format.
This is just one (good) example of the different and varied kinds of competitions and contests that are out there that people can enter - especially when there is no entrance fee!
I even read recently about one man who was trying to sell his house and he couldn't get any buyers for it. So what he decided to do was hold an essay contest with the property being put up for sale as the grand prize. Unfortunately there is a $200 entry fee to enter this essay contest. But for people looking for a house that free - sort of speak - then this should be something that they should look into.
One of those ways is with contests and competitions and the like!
Now comes word of a piano competition being held in one state.
The grand prize of this piano competion is a BRAND NEW PIANO! And other prizes will be given away as well!
One of the best things about this particular competion is that there is NO entry fee!
The Deadline to enter is March 17th, 2008!
There will be different competition levels for students (both high school and college level) and for those of "all ages".
To download their competition form which includes the rules and regulations of the competion, you can go to the competition's website and download their form in .pdf format.
This is just one (good) example of the different and varied kinds of competitions and contests that are out there that people can enter - especially when there is no entrance fee!
I even read recently about one man who was trying to sell his house and he couldn't get any buyers for it. So what he decided to do was hold an essay contest with the property being put up for sale as the grand prize. Unfortunately there is a $200 entry fee to enter this essay contest. But for people looking for a house that free - sort of speak - then this should be something that they should look into.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The Government Doesn't Care About Nurses?
Unfortunately when peop;e don't know (or don't have) the right information about grants they come to their own conclusions. Here is a reply that I posted to some who said that the government didn't care about nurses:
Unfortunately this is not true. As someone that does grant research I can tell you that there are many grant and scholarship programs out there for nurses and the reason is because of the shortage of and the need for nurses.
There are also programs that provide financial help for single mothers. My very first grant research client was a single mother who was looking for financial help with both starting her own business and continuing her education. Since this was a few years back I was able to find her 4 such programs that provided finacial assistance including providing financial help with her student loan. Yes there is actually an organization out there devoted to helping single mothers financially with their student loans.
Just because you can't find the information about these programs doesn't mean that they don't exist - it just means that you haven't found the information yet.
Unfortunately this is not true. As someone that does grant research I can tell you that there are many grant and scholarship programs out there for nurses and the reason is because of the shortage of and the need for nurses.
There are also programs that provide financial help for single mothers. My very first grant research client was a single mother who was looking for financial help with both starting her own business and continuing her education. Since this was a few years back I was able to find her 4 such programs that provided finacial assistance including providing financial help with her student loan. Yes there is actually an organization out there devoted to helping single mothers financially with their student loans.
Just because you can't find the information about these programs doesn't mean that they don't exist - it just means that you haven't found the information yet.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
How do I become a non-profit organization?
Question: What is a 501(c)3 agency? Why are the requirements? How do you obtain this "certification"?
A private nonprofit is a state corporation that is usually incorporated through a simple form through your Secretary of State's office. When your agency becomes a state private nonprofit corporation, you can then apply for a 501(c)3 private nonprofit through the IRS. Once certified through the IRS, any donations to your charitable organization is tax deductible. Most foundations prefer to give to 501(c)3IRS certified private nonprofits. It is simply a nonprofit legal entity that most charitable organizations operate under. We recommend that universities, schools, and government agencies create a separate private nonprofit to apply for grants that their usually legal structure will not allow.
Who Can Obtain a 501(c)3?
A governmental entity such as a sheriff's department, could get 501,(c),(3) status so they could apply for foundation grants. How is that possible when they don't fall into any of the 501,(c),(3) categories, (ie. charitable, educational etc.)? I would really like access to these grants but I'm scratching my head.
Any organization or group can apply for a private nonprofit, 501(c)3 status provided their charter or mission focuses on the nonprofit's objective. For example lets say that a county government agency wants to organize a 501(c)3 so they are eligible to apply for foundation grants. Most foundations require that an organization be a certified 501(c)3 to receive a grant. The county government may assemble a group of community agencies whose purpose is to use the 501(c)3 to apply for and possibly share funds from foundations to address community problems. They might name the 501(c)3 the York County Community Partnership and its mission may be to prevent and reduce homelessness, provide affordable health care to those in poverty, create jobs for the unemployed, reduce crime, etc. I would go after very broad human issues as the mission so the private nonprofit could be used to pursue a wide variety of grants. The county government could be the fiscal agent (something that would be well received by foundations) and could receive funds from the 501(c)3, but what you will have created is a separate and legal entity. Many school districts have foundations just like this.
Another option is to apply for a 509(a)1 status which falls under the 501(c)3 umbrella. Being a 509(a)1 designates your organization as a tax-free public charity that receives most of its support form a governmental unit or from the general public. Becoming a 509(a)1 provides public recognition of your tax-exempt status, advance assurance to donors of deductibility of contributions, exemption from certain state and Federal taxes, and nonprofit mailing privileges. Organizations that typically qualify are churches, educational institutions, hospitals, and governmental units. To see if you qualify, simply fill out an IRS form. You can visit the IRS's website or call their tax-exempt help line.
A private nonprofit is a state corporation that is usually incorporated through a simple form through your Secretary of State's office. When your agency becomes a state private nonprofit corporation, you can then apply for a 501(c)3 private nonprofit through the IRS. Once certified through the IRS, any donations to your charitable organization is tax deductible. Most foundations prefer to give to 501(c)3IRS certified private nonprofits. It is simply a nonprofit legal entity that most charitable organizations operate under. We recommend that universities, schools, and government agencies create a separate private nonprofit to apply for grants that their usually legal structure will not allow.
Who Can Obtain a 501(c)3?
A governmental entity such as a sheriff's department, could get 501,(c),(3) status so they could apply for foundation grants. How is that possible when they don't fall into any of the 501,(c),(3) categories, (ie. charitable, educational etc.)? I would really like access to these grants but I'm scratching my head.
Any organization or group can apply for a private nonprofit, 501(c)3 status provided their charter or mission focuses on the nonprofit's objective. For example lets say that a county government agency wants to organize a 501(c)3 so they are eligible to apply for foundation grants. Most foundations require that an organization be a certified 501(c)3 to receive a grant. The county government may assemble a group of community agencies whose purpose is to use the 501(c)3 to apply for and possibly share funds from foundations to address community problems. They might name the 501(c)3 the York County Community Partnership and its mission may be to prevent and reduce homelessness, provide affordable health care to those in poverty, create jobs for the unemployed, reduce crime, etc. I would go after very broad human issues as the mission so the private nonprofit could be used to pursue a wide variety of grants. The county government could be the fiscal agent (something that would be well received by foundations) and could receive funds from the 501(c)3, but what you will have created is a separate and legal entity. Many school districts have foundations just like this.
Another option is to apply for a 509(a)1 status which falls under the 501(c)3 umbrella. Being a 509(a)1 designates your organization as a tax-free public charity that receives most of its support form a governmental unit or from the general public. Becoming a 509(a)1 provides public recognition of your tax-exempt status, advance assurance to donors of deductibility of contributions, exemption from certain state and Federal taxes, and nonprofit mailing privileges. Organizations that typically qualify are churches, educational institutions, hospitals, and governmental units. To see if you qualify, simply fill out an IRS form. You can visit the IRS's website or call their tax-exempt help line.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Grant Basics 101 - Page 2!
I have had to split my Grant Basics 101 page into 2 continuing pages. The reason why is because there was so much information about grant programs, the grant program process and just general questions and answers that the information was making the one page too big in size!
But it does prove a very valid point and that is that there is just so much information out there about grant programs and the grant program process in general. It also shows that people have a lot of questions about grant programs because they are not familiar with what it is all about.
Hopefully my pages and this blog will help to answer a few questions that you may have about grants and the grants process in general.
Most people who are not familiar with it seem to think that they can just apply for a grant and get the grant money and this is not true. What I want to make a point of here is that one is not automatically guaranteed a grant! You have to apply for the grant and your application has to be chosen to be awarded a grant. It is not an automatic process and you will not automatically get a grant just because you have applied for it!
Hopefully though my pages will show you that there are a number of grant programs out there which you may be eligible to apply for. These pages should also help dispel the myth that there are no grant programs out there for for-profit businesses and that there are no grant programs for those that either want to start their own daycare business or that there are no grant programs for those that already have a daycare business but who are looking for grant funding to help their daycare business.
There may even come a time when I will have to split the pages even more because there is just so much information about grant programs out there and there are new grant programs being created all the time!
But it does prove a very valid point and that is that there is just so much information out there about grant programs and the grant program process in general. It also shows that people have a lot of questions about grant programs because they are not familiar with what it is all about.
Hopefully my pages and this blog will help to answer a few questions that you may have about grants and the grants process in general.
Most people who are not familiar with it seem to think that they can just apply for a grant and get the grant money and this is not true. What I want to make a point of here is that one is not automatically guaranteed a grant! You have to apply for the grant and your application has to be chosen to be awarded a grant. It is not an automatic process and you will not automatically get a grant just because you have applied for it!
Hopefully though my pages will show you that there are a number of grant programs out there which you may be eligible to apply for. These pages should also help dispel the myth that there are no grant programs out there for for-profit businesses and that there are no grant programs for those that either want to start their own daycare business or that there are no grant programs for those that already have a daycare business but who are looking for grant funding to help their daycare business.
There may even come a time when I will have to split the pages even more because there is just so much information about grant programs out there and there are new grant programs being created all the time!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Other Sources Of Money?
Unclaimed Money!
Grants are not the only source of "free money" when it comes to our government. There is also such a thing as "unclaimed money". I have started an Unclaimed Money blog that talks about this issue as well.
My last blog entry was about how the state of Louisianna has over $300 million dollars in unclaimed money! As a matter of fact the office is making an effort to process the claims faster so that more people will have more money to shop with during the holiday season. (* - It's interesting to note that with all the devastation that has gone on in New Orleans I didn't see one article about the amount of unclaimed money that was available in the state until now!). You have to remember that the more money that people spend the more in sales tax that will be gotten by the state and that money will be used for the state!
Of course this "unclaimed" money is not just limited to one state. My own state of Pennsylvania publishes a listing of people that have unclaimed money waiting for them. As a person that does research I have started to keep a copy of this information when I get it. I also believe that now since I am posting about this I am going to contact the office to find out more about how people can claim their unclaimed money.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Grants versus Loans? Your Opinion?
Here is an interesting question:
Do you think that the government should provide loans or grants to areas affected by flooding?
There are so many variables to consider here. For one you have to remember that the government doesn't have an endless stream of money. And also too the money that is being provided is coming from taxpayer dollars.
The government wants to provide a t0 / 50 split between government grants and loans. That is half the money would be provided in government grants and forgiveable loans and the other half would be repayable loans.
Of course to the individual or business that needs the money the answer would of course be to have the grant instead of the loan.
But remember just in this year alone we have seen a lot of flood-affected areas that have been declared a state of emergency which makes them eligible for federal funding. And thats not including areas affected in past years.
There have been claims by those applying for federal assistance that the process has been made too difficult or complicated to apply for. Other complaints include businesses being told that it would be much better for them if they applied for the loans instead of the grant programs. Understandably businesses would rather apply for the grants because on top of them having their businesses being affected by flooding they don't want to incur more debt by applying for a loan.
The government's side does raise some valid points though. You have to remember that each area eligible for federal assistance has to be (or should be) treated the same - meaning if one area is eligible for grants then any other area affected should also be eligible for grants - again - meaning a 50/50 split. There shouldn't just be one area that can get grants and then another area with the same problems only being eligible for loans.
However I have to be on the side of the possible applicants because if one's business has been devasted by flood-related weather if they don't get the money to be able to revive their business then they may not want to revive it and then that makes the economy in that area go down. It will mean loss of jobs and loss of income for that area.
But what do you think about this?
Remember that your opinion counts and while some people think that they don't - they really do.
Do you think that the government should provide loans or grants to areas affected by flooding?
There are so many variables to consider here. For one you have to remember that the government doesn't have an endless stream of money. And also too the money that is being provided is coming from taxpayer dollars.
The government wants to provide a t0 / 50 split between government grants and loans. That is half the money would be provided in government grants and forgiveable loans and the other half would be repayable loans.
Of course to the individual or business that needs the money the answer would of course be to have the grant instead of the loan.
But remember just in this year alone we have seen a lot of flood-affected areas that have been declared a state of emergency which makes them eligible for federal funding. And thats not including areas affected in past years.
There have been claims by those applying for federal assistance that the process has been made too difficult or complicated to apply for. Other complaints include businesses being told that it would be much better for them if they applied for the loans instead of the grant programs. Understandably businesses would rather apply for the grants because on top of them having their businesses being affected by flooding they don't want to incur more debt by applying for a loan.
The government's side does raise some valid points though. You have to remember that each area eligible for federal assistance has to be (or should be) treated the same - meaning if one area is eligible for grants then any other area affected should also be eligible for grants - again - meaning a 50/50 split. There shouldn't just be one area that can get grants and then another area with the same problems only being eligible for loans.
However I have to be on the side of the possible applicants because if one's business has been devasted by flood-related weather if they don't get the money to be able to revive their business then they may not want to revive it and then that makes the economy in that area go down. It will mean loss of jobs and loss of income for that area.
But what do you think about this?
Remember that your opinion counts and while some people think that they don't - they really do.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Grant Programs Outside The United States - Wales versus London!
Of course its not only the United States that has grant programs. There are grant programs all over the world! There are even some grant programs that are open to any location on the globe (as long as they meet the other grant requirements). You can find out about some of these grant programs outside of the United States by going to my grants page and scrolling down to "Grant Programs Outside The United States. You can also visit my Dream Job Forum where there is a separate folder about grants outside the United States.
Wales vs London - It seems that there is quite a contrast as far as there being government grant programs being available for businesses in Wales. There are government grant programs available for businesses in Wales and in fact it has been charged that businesses in Wales depend too much on grants. This is supposed to be as opposed to London which is a more popular area nad has more access to more business networking opportunities. In other words it has been hinted that businesses in Wales should stop relying on government grants and work to bring their businesses to the attention of the (more popular) London area.
According to one study it seems that businesses in Wales rely or depend on government grants more than any other area of the UK for start-up money and financing.
Wales vs London - It seems that there is quite a contrast as far as there being government grant programs being available for businesses in Wales. There are government grant programs available for businesses in Wales and in fact it has been charged that businesses in Wales depend too much on grants. This is supposed to be as opposed to London which is a more popular area nad has more access to more business networking opportunities. In other words it has been hinted that businesses in Wales should stop relying on government grants and work to bring their businesses to the attention of the (more popular) London area.
According to one study it seems that businesses in Wales rely or depend on government grants more than any other area of the UK for start-up money and financing.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
New Blog - Unclaimed Money
I have started a new blog called The Unclaimed Money Blog.
While unclaimed money is not technically a grant, it is money that you get free and clear and you don't have to pay it back.
Unclaimed money is simply that - money that has not been claimed. Examples would be unpaid life insurance benefits, lost bank accounts and other such kinds of payment due. If the person that is entitled to this money has passed away then the money would go to the heirs/next of kin.
If this money is not claimed within a certain amount of time then it goes to the government!
While unclaimed money is not technically a grant, it is money that you get free and clear and you don't have to pay it back.
Unclaimed money is simply that - money that has not been claimed. Examples would be unpaid life insurance benefits, lost bank accounts and other such kinds of payment due. If the person that is entitled to this money has passed away then the money would go to the heirs/next of kin.
If this money is not claimed within a certain amount of time then it goes to the government!
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