State Grant Program For Businesses That Sell Heavy Equipement!

There is a state program that gives money to businesses that upgrade to cleaner-burning equipment! This state assistance program was started to help businesses that are heavy-equipment vendors and so far over $50 Million Dollars has been committed towards this goal! (So far over $700 Million Dollars has been committed since the program started over 5 years ago) The purpose of this grant program is to help provide more cleaner air. The program is funded through state tax receipts but also through higher fees levied on car title registrations in that state.


Examples of the types of businesses that can benefit from this state grant program include businesses involved with the selling and / or operation of oil tankers, buses and even tractor-trailors so that these businesses can retrofit or replace old machines that further pollute the air or cause additional smog conditions.

Any business owner or individual with a qualifying vehicle can apply for this state-only program! If the machine is old enough and spews enough pollution, the owner can get a new vehicle for free, although the grants usually go toward retrofits or upgrades.

One of the grant recipients is a firm that makes concrete and they were able to secure $350,000 in grant money to replace 12-year-old equipment as well as other equipment. When asked about the grant program itself the owner said, "We've done extremely well" and "Why more people don't take advantage of it is beyond me."

For information about this grant program and to see whether or not your business is eligible to apply for assistance you can reach them by calling their toll-free 800 number.




Here is a copy of a recent email I got:

Dear rose,

$50,000 for filling out a simple application?

Government and private Grants help people like yourself during these hard times. We've uncovered secret programs and they're available to you.

Click Here to learn more.

These little know programs to pay your mortgage, cover child care, and send your kids to private school.

Go back to school and have your tuition and living expenses covered. The business that you work on part time - get $15,000 to get it up and running.

We've done all the work for you. For less than a gallon of gas, you could get a check for $1,000 by sending in a form with your name on it.

Anyone can do that! You can take the next step.

Click Here to get your grant money!

I guess the people that sent me this email don't know that I do this kind of thing for a living and already know about these different kinds of grant programs because I have found many grant programs for my clients.

A Safe Haven for Those in Need

This is a call for those who are in need, know of any who are in need, or those who are able to provide out of the surplus of their blessings.

The mission of Arks of Safe Haven is to connect via an extensive network and online message board forum, those individuals and families who have been affected by recent
economic downfalls and are in need with those individuals who are ready, willing and capable of providing assistance to those in need with employment, shelter, work and food.

authorized by Rose

Money Basics 101 Blog

Do You Consider This To Be A Legitmate Grant Program?

I'll let you decide! Do you consider the program mentioned below a legitimate grant program? Would you be interested in applying for this program? I only ask because when I see that a funding program requires an applicant to pay a fee - I really do not consider it a grant program!

A woman's non-profit, private organization has a funding program which gives business grants to women who have been dreaming of starting their own business! This funding program is also open to those women who have already started their own business but are seeking more funding to grow their business!

One of the past grant recipients won a $500 grant to start their own crafint business!

In order to apply you must:

• be a woman a U.S. resident over the age of 18
  
  
• have made at least a $15 donation/application fee to this organization

Each business grant is awarded on the quality of the business plan and application materials. Because the grants do not have to be repaid, your credit history is not taken into consideration.

The grants are awarded on the quality of your business plan, not your credit rating.

Are You A Budding Entrepreneur Looking For Funding?

There is currently a contest that provides money, mentoring, marketing and technology tools for women entrepreneurs that need help in growing their own businesses. You can find out more about this program by visiting the organization's website

Grant Program For Your Non-Profit Boating Organization! There is a organization that provides grants to non-profit boating organizations in the United States to help encourage boating safety projects! Over the past 20 years, this organization has awarded over $800,000 in grant money! While all applications will be considered, the organization will give preferential consideration to grant proposals that incorporate new and innovative ideas that focus on how to reduce alcohol related fatalities. Some of the grant money has been used for: creating a online chart that highlights local area safety issues the making of publich service announcements for a movie theater flying a blimp with safety messaging above popular boating spots Grant awards of up to $4000 will be awarded! So far over 15 boating groups have been awarded grants from the over $$40,000 dollars available! Your organization can find more about this grant program and download an application by going to the grant program's website. You can also contact them by phone via their toll free number. Your application can be either emailed or snail mailed to them directly!

Scholarship To Study

Parapsychology!

Parapsychology is the study of paranormal psychological phenomena, such as extra-sensory perception, psychokinesis, and survival of consciousness after death.

There is a scholarship program available that was designed to assist a student attending an accredited college or university who wishes to pursue the academic study of the science of parapsychology. Remember that the scholarship program is for undergraduate or post-graduate students who are pursuing or wishing to pursue the academic study of the science of parapsychology, and is not a general scholarship award.


The scholarship award is $3,000 and eligible applicants must demonstrate a previous interest in parapsychology by including a sample of writings on the subject with the application form. Letters of reference are also required from three individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s work and/or studies in parapsychology.

Scholarships are awarded annually.

To apply for this scholarship program you can go to their website and download the application form (which is in .pdf format. Once you have printed out the application form, fill it out and return it to the foundation by the due date. You can also request an application form by email. Applications and collateral material may be submitted via post, fax or as MS Word or Adobe Acrobat attachments to an email directed to the email address above.

Past Recipients:

• One past scholarship recipient was a student at a university in Indiana where he was completing his PhD coursework through that university's Folklore Department. His master’s thesis centered on the Victorian folklorist and psychical researcher Andrew Lang who attempted to integrate both fields but succeeded in alienating both. Much of this student’s research project was to have focused on the connection between parapsychology and folklore, including an examination of paranormal photographs as texts of belief and objects of veneration.
  
  
• Another scholarship recipient was a student at a university in Israel. At the time of their scholarship award the student was looking forward to teaching a course at the university based on his master’s thesis, Paranormal Abilities and the Kabbalah. His studies centered on the relationship between paranormal abilities and the Kabbalah utilizing a parapsychological perspective. Through exploration of the Kabbalistic literature dealing with clairvoyance, psychokinesis, prophecy, out-of-body experiences, altered states of consciousness, and reincarnation, he planned to contrast the phenomena of the Kabbalah with the scientific experimentation conducted in parapsychology laboratories.
  
  
• Another scholarship recipient was both a psychotherapist and a doctoral candidate at an institue in California. She had done extensive research on dreams and her dissertation was an outgrowth of that work. She hopes to write a book based on her dissertation and pursue the implications of parapsychology for clinical practice.
  
  
• Another student who received the scholarship was involved with the Institute for Parapsychology in North Carolina and was interested in continuing his training in experimental parapsychology, and working on a proposed masters thesis entitled “Dissociation and ESP.” He was also working on an historical investigation of the poltergeist case on which William Blatty’s book, The Exorcist was based.

Start-Up Businesses Receive Grants!

Four local businesses received grants of up to $50,000! last month to move them closer to the goal of stronger businesses and a stronger community.

This grant program is funded by federal and state grants and works with industry, government and universities to help companies and ultimately make the United States more competitive. The purpose of the program is to provide grant money to help defray the financial burden of maintaining and growing a start-up technology-based business.

The funding program helps support state businesses and business-related organizations with training, technology assistance, conferencing services, procurement services and business incubation. For incubator companies, the program offer entrepreneurs, many of them startup businesses, affordable office space, shared services, education programs and business counseling. These grants aren't designed to hire employees, but to acquire services to help incubators leverage their business. This money will help their businesses grow.

Among the incubator companies awarded funding was a company which has 2 locations and sells and services renewable energy systems. A cooperative, the company is owned by its five employees. The owner said he will use the grant to expand his business.

Another of the grant recipients provides precision prototypes and CAD assistance to various industries. The president of the company said his company needed a $50,000 grant to develop a laser scanner cranial implant model for skulls. The implant model is a breakthrough technology applicable to the medical technology industry.

And yet another business that has also received the grant, provides engineering and project management services for the design, fabrication and installation of metal finishing, waste treatment and special process equipment systems. The company will use the grant money to increase its marketing effort.

All appropriate applications will be considered for funding. The money can be used for various things from business plan preparation to market analysis and prototype development.



For more information about different grant programs, please click here

Do You Need Help Buying College Textbooks? A non-profit organization has been established to help award textbook grants to college students. There are plans to award the grants each school semester. The textbook grant amounts are in the $500 and $1000 range. The organization also receives (and is asking for) donations from both individuals and businesses to help fund the college textbook program! To find out more about this grant program you can visit the organization's website.

How Would You Like The

Chance To Win Money

To Start Your Own Business?

You could have the chance to win $10,000 to start your own business!

Eligible applicants can submit their business idea and get a chance to win $10,000! One idea every month will win $10,000!

You can visit their website for more information.

Our US Government Starting A Grant Program For Those In Haiti Who Want To Start Their Own Business

A $2 Million Dollar Investment Fund has been set up to help those Haitian Americans who have long dreamed of starting a business of their own but have lacked the capital to do so.

Requirements to be eligible for this funding include having a viable business plan and applicants must be willing to partner with Haiti's private sector to create jobs in the country.

This grant funding program is still in the process of being designed but applicants will be allowed to apply for up to $100,000 (£54,000) grants.

The US House of Representatives has approved the inclusion of $100m for hurricane relief and reconstruction assistance to Haiti and other Caribbean nations. So far the US has committed $30m in emergency relief to the island so far, including $2m for emergency bridges to help reconnect the country after eight major bridges collapsed. Also, with more than half of this year's harvest destroyed, the US program is redirecting the $279 Million Dollars it had already committed to the country to address agriculture needs and other concerns.

Greetings Rose,

My name is G~ and I found information about you as it relates to grant funding from google.com. While I don't want to take up much of your time, I believe that it is very necessary for me to ask for your assistance. My family is in a financial crisis and in need of grant funding to eliminate certain bils such as late mortgage payments, utility bills and other past due bills, credit cards and if possible, we are in need of funding for repairs to our home. Both my wife and I are disabled, we reside in Biloxi, Mississippi and we are african american. Although we are employed full time, our checks along are not nearly enough to deal with our overall costs for living, especially when you factor in the medical and work related transportation expenses. If you could be of any help at all, please reply to this inquiry as it is very important to us. If you offer any grant writing/proposal services please inform us of your pricing. If you are unable to assist us at all, we understand, please accept our apologies and I will not contact you any longer. We truly thank you for taking the time to reply to this inquiry and we truly thank you very much for your anticipated support and understanding.

The basic title of the services that I perform is called grant reasearch - which means I find grant programs that my clients are eligible to apply for.

Once they receive the grant program information they then decide whether or not they want to apply for the programs themselves or whether or not they want a grantwriter - either me or someone else they choose - to write the grant(s) proposal(s) for them.

Grant Program Discrepencies? Investigators from the Department of the Interior found that $5.7 million in contracts that were supposed to go to "small businesses" were actually given to several Fortune 500 companies! The problem seems to have been brought about when it was found that some government workers "often click through mindlessly when entering information" into the computer system thus bringing about the errors! Some of the businesses that benefited from these errors includ Sherwin Williams and Home Depot! Other businesses and state agencies have also received money when they were ineligible to do so! Although a small percentage of grant monies went to the wrong (or ineligible) recipient, such an investigation raises concern! It is not known whether or not the funded money will be returned.

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.

State Scholarship Program!

Here is a scholarship and grant program that rewards students with financial assistance in degree, diploma, and certificate programs at eligible state public and private colleges and universities, and public technical colleges. Since this Program began in 1993, over $3.8 billion in funding has been awarded to more than 1.1 million students attending some of the state's colleges, universities, and technical colleges.

Also too there is a loan program for individuals pursuing a masters, specialist or doctorate degree in education in a critical shortage teaching field, and another loan program for undergraduate education majors!

For the scholarship program, if you are a resident of the state and enrolling in a degree program at an eligible state public or private college, university, or public technical college, you may be eligible for this scholarship program!

Recipients must demonstrate academic achievement. The award at public institutions covers tuition, program-approved mandatory fees, and a book allowance. If you wish to enroll in a state private institution, you may be eligible for a $3,500 per academic year scholarship for full-time study or $1,750 for half-time study (6-11 hours).

If you are a resident of the state and enrolling in a technical certificate or diploma program at an eligible public college, university, or public technical college, you may be eligible for the grant program regardless of high school graduation dates or grade point averages. This grant covers tuition, approved mandatory fees, and a book allowance.


Legal residents of the state who earned a General Education Development (GED/high school equivalency) diploma awarded certain technical colleges after June 30, 1993 may receive a one-time $500 grant award. This award can be used toward tuition, books, and other educational costs at an eligible state public or private college, university, or public technical college in a degree, diploma, or certificate program.

Here Is A Grant Program For Faith-Based Media Productions BUT You Must First Be A Member Of The Organization! One of the nation's largest coalition of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith groups dedicated to media production, distribution and promotion, has chosen the winners for its 2008 member productions grants. The awards were given to members whose productions showed an innovative use of broadcast and digital media, as well as engaging subject matter that is meant to be informative, educational and thought provoking. The productions that were awarded these grants are in various stages of development. The 2008 Production Grants, totaling $300,000, were awarded to the following projects: A series of short form documentaries on topics of personal faith, featuring people from a wide spectrum of religious traditions and demographics, including Christian, Jewish and Muslim subjects. Currently in development, a television series that will educate the general population about the faith and culture of Islam and the burgeoning Muslim communities throughout America. A series of intimate radio interviews that will feature high-profile celebrities from all walks of life, from newsmakers like Bill Moyers and Al Gore to film and television stars like Rainn Wilson and Martin Sheen. All will be people for whom faith — or doubt — has fundamentally shaped the way they live today. A series of short form Internet videos that will focus on a bereaved family as they share their feelings about losing a loved one and their bafflement that the family member left his home in India because of ethnic and religious intolerance – only to be destroyed by it in the U.S. when a hate-filled killer mistook him for an Arab Muslim in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. A Media company received a grant to start a 15-minute weekly radio program speaking to the real and practical issues and difficulties facing families and individuals in North America. The program will feature an interview with an individual or family experiencing the pain of broken relationships, grief over the loss of a loved one, anger and disappointment from unresolved conflict, difficulty over tough parenting issues, poverty, mental illness, surviving the suicide of a loved one, and more. A coalition of Rabbis, whose production will consist of web videos and will feature five leading rabbis from the main Jewish denominations explaining the weekly synagogue Torah reading. The rabbis will also use artwork and images, a key point of the weekly reading, to explore why it has meaning for adults and children alike. A church has received a grant to produce a video. This video will use the story of rebuilding a UCC church as a vehicle to demonstrate the daily hardships and the triumphs faced by Katrina victims throughout New Orleans as they strive to pick up the broken pieces of their lives and try to put them back together again. This faith-based, non-profit organization, is one of the nation's largest coalition of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith groups dedicated to building bridges of understanding among people of faith through electronic and broadcast media. Its member association is made up of faith organizations with more than 200,000 congregations and 120 million congregants. A list of its members can be found on their website. MEMBERSHIP - This association is made up of faith groups, organizations and individuals who encompass Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions in the United States and Canada. Together, these faith groups have more than 200,000 congregations with 120 million congregants. You can click on the members link to see a current listing of members. There are three Categories Of Membership: Open to faith groups who are theologically and historically related to the Jewish, Christian or Islamic tradition in the United States and Canada, are incorporated or are qualified for incorporation as a not-for-profit body. (You can download a copy of their application form by going to their website. The application download is in .pdf format) ORGANIZATION - Open to organizations whose primary purpose is religious, and who are related to the Jewish, Christian or Islamic tradition in the United States and Canada. INDIVIDUAL - Open to people who are members of a Jewish, Christian or Islamic faith group in the United States and Canada and who spend a major portion of their time in faith-related media work. - dues = $150 Application forms for each classification of membership can be downloaded via the association's website.

Announcement of a new Stat Program created to provide new funding aimed at providing grants to cover the cost of rising utility bills!

In partnership and working along with six of the state's largest utility companies and other groups, low-income residents will be able to apply for grants to help cover the costs of utility bills. A network of assistance agencies for processing the applications is being set up by the Salvation Army and an Emergency Funding Program!

The state's govenor has said, "that the program will be especially useful as winter - and the climbing cost of heating homes - approaches.

Need Help Purchasing A Home?

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.

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.

Application Process - For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information - To obtain a FHA-insured mortgage, look in your local Yellow Pages under "Mortgages" or contact a FHA-approved lender or you can visit the government HUD website.

The Managing Agency for this program is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The objective of this program is 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 Available - 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.

Do You Still Think That Individual Artists Can't Get Grants?

Here is a current listing of individual artists who have recently received grant money from a grant program in Ohio!

• A state university motion pictures graduate has received a $5,000 grant award. The graduate heads a group that produces and films original sketch comedy shows.
  

• A local sculptor who has also received grant money from this program says that his grant award "relieves financial worry, but it really makes me feel good about this place. When I tell artists who live elsewhere that my county gives tax money to individual artists, the envy is palpable."
  

• A Watercolor artist was given a $10,000 lifetime achievement award
  

• A Fiber artist was recognized for special achievement.
  

• Nine other visual artists were presented with a $5,000 fellowship following a competitive review of applicants
  

• Most of the money — $600,000 — went to 16 major arts and cultural groups for general operating support. Among them:
  
  • Farm
    

  • local museum
    

  • A Ballet Company
    

  • A Contemporary Dance Company
    

  • An Opera Company
    

  • A Philharmonic Orchestra
    

  • A Public Television Station
    

  • A Theatre Company
    

  • A Rhythm Group
    

  • A local radio station

A total of $137,415 in grants supporting special projects were awarded to 28 small and mid-sized groups following a competitive review process which included:

• A Youth Leadership Group
  

• An Asian American Council
  

• A Holocaust Center received $5,500
  

• An International Festival received $4,000
  

• A Jazz Orchestra received $5,000
  

• A Ballet Company received $6,000
  

• A Chorus Group received $5,282
  

• A K-12 program received a $10,000 grant award!
  

  *Please see my Grant Basics 101 - Daycare-Related Page for more information about grant programs for daycare!
  

• A Children's Choir received $9,000
  

• A Firefighters/EMS Association received $2,500
  

• A Dance Collective received $7,000
  

• A Church received $5,000
  

More information about this annual grant program is available by phone and website!

*

".....Armed with government grants, libraries began to digitize photo collections and other critical print material....."

Are There Any Grants For Home Repairs?

here is an excerpt from my Grants-Related Page:

HI MY NAME IS Y~. I AM INTERSTED IN A GRANT FOR REPAIR TO MY HOME PLEASE HELP ME OUT IN THIS SITUATION THANK YOU IN ADVANCE TELEPHONE# #`, PHILADELPHIA PA

When looking for a home repair-related grant the one thing that you are going to have to realize is that there is no one place that has grants for repairs to a home. It will depend on the type of repair(s) that you want. There are programs that help with the cost of heating-related repairs - such as getting your heating system repaired or replaced. In my own area (PA) there is a grant program for $25,000 worth of repairs to homes that fall within a certain area. There are also programs that provide assistance such as "emergency" funding for repairs and/or needed necessities so you can also look outside the realm of house repair categories as far as grant programs are concerned. So you assess the repairs that you need done and then you find the funding programs that you qualify for. It is as simple as that.


added 11/4/05

Being old, female and poor should be enough to find some sort of help to get $$ for home repair. I sent in paperwork for weeks and then was told I make too much (SS) for a grant and I don't have good enough credit to get a low interest loan. I thought they were for low income people. Only reason I have no credit is cause I don't buy on credit! Where do you go to find help? My house is in need of repairs badly.

I don't know which program you applied for but there are programs for those that are elderly. Case in point - I'm working with someone now because their heating system is not working and the program will repair it for free! It's really crazy because the same program will also pay an amount to her heating bill as well. It won't cover the whole bill but there will be 2 grants that will be applied towards the heating bill plus the repair work to her heating system. As a matter of fact if her heating system is shot they will install a new one! There are also programs that are tied in with the lottery - you know the money being used for programs to help the elderly with as much as a $500 check that can be deposited to a bank account - from a government program. In the area where I live the residents are eligible for $20,000.00 in repairs from a grant program. So you may not be looking in the right places or the specifics of the program that you were applying for have to be better known.


added 6/6/05

I was reading your message about the Gov-grant you are aplying for. I am a single and looking for any gov grant programs that I will be able to apply for. I have search the internet about all kinds of programs, but always comes up with these bokks that you have to buy in order to get these address to these company that you have to apply with. I would like to know if you could tell me a addres(s) where I can write to to apply for a grant. I need help in doing some work to my house in order to live in it safely. Any information would be much appreciated.

You will definitely have to start doing some homework. Just going from your post alone you would first have to see what is available in your area. If you are on any kind of assistance like food stamps then you should have a case worker. A lot of grant programs that relate to home repairs have to do with the elderly and disabled. However you should first check and see what programs are available under HUD and then from there check your state government and then from there your local governement facilities. There are also grants provided that are from organizations other than the government. For instance there is a grant of $125 for winning essays from single mothers to help inspire others. You have to look into all the options available to you.

Business Plan Competition!

This Business Plan Competition is aimed at students, university graduates, scientific staff and professors as well as entrepreneurs, business employees, inventors and developers. Anybody from anywhere in the world, who has an innovative and high-growth nanotechnology or polymer-based materials business project can participate.

To participate in the competition any idea must have the following characteristics:

• Nanotechnology or polymer-based materials related - Nanotechnology is defined as the techniques and procedures used to manipulate the matter at the nanoscale level (10-9 m). For a broader definition please refer to classification systems of Patent Offices (i.e. USPTO, EPO, WIPO, etc.).
  

• Business oriented - The fundamental objective of the Competition is to promote the creation of start-up ventures, in any application field of nanotechnology and polymer-based materials, in specific regions of Italy. Participants must aim at developing their ideas into real businesses.
  

• Start-up phase - The competition is intended for new business ideas, and not to provide expansion capital to existing businesses.
  
  Owners of existing businesses are not precluded from entering the competition. However, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to evaluate the eligibility of teams that have already started operations (the product or service has already been delivered to the customers, or the company has already been established), on a case-by-case basis. Within such limitations, existing business owners are encouraged to enter.

Only after registration, Entry Teams will be allowed to submit an Executive Summary of their business project. Early submissions are encouraged. The Executive Summary must be emailed in PDF format to the competition's email address.

Receipt confirmation will be given within 24 hours.

The Executive Summary must not exceed 4 pages (excluding title and appendices) of text typed, single spaced, 10 or 12 font size, and at least 2 cm margins on all sides. Detailed spreadsheets and appropriate appendices should follow the text portion of the Executive Summary, and will not be counted in the 4-page limit. However, each Team should presume the judging panel will not necessarily read the appendices. Nevertheless, appendices should be included only as support to the presented findings, statements and observations.

Executive Summaries must be written in English.

Each Team must indicate a team member as referent for the verification of the contents of the submitted Executive Summary. If necessary, this reference will act as a contact point during the preliminary screening by the Organising Committee.

Executive Summaries must include/address the following indications:

1. Business Concept: explain your idea and its innovation. Be direct and effective. Basically, how you would describe your business to a potential investor/customer.

2. Opportunity and Strategy: focus on the existing problems/needs you solve/meet with your services or products. Highlight the primary benefits your idea brings to customers and how you would tackle them.

3. Technology: outline the technology at the base of your business idea. Do not be too technocratic, focus on the core technological features of your offering. For specific information about the technology involved use the appendices. Describe your position regarding the protection of Intellectual Property.

4. Market Analysis and Competitive Advantage: describe the target market, how big it is and its key features and trends. Highlight why customers would buy the products, and the market opportunity for sustainable margins and growth in the long term. Consider and indicate the competitors and how your company would face them. Highlight your competitive advantage and entry barriers for potential competitors. Keep the focus on the keys to success in your competitive environment.

5. Economics and Financials: explain in more details the assumptions used for revenues and expenses projections. Give an essential prospect on when cash flow would become positive. Outline your capital needs and what you would use such capital for. Try to be as clear as possible so the judges can see what your business potential is.

6. Team and Organisation: give a short summary of each Team member's background, what they would bring to the company, and how he/she would help the company to succeed. Briefly describe an implementation plan, with milestones and key success factors. Illustrate existing and potential risks involved.

7. Appendices: any additional detailed or confidential information that could be useful to the readers of the Executive Summary but not appropriate for distribution can be presented here. Appendices can include: detailed technology description; patents; market studies; highlights of Profit and Loss statement and/or Balance Sheet; etc.


For more specific information you are kindly requested to consult their Official Rules and Requirements which is available as a .pdf download

A Total Amount of € 600.000 Grand Prizes - Anybody anywhere with an innovative and high-growth nanotechnology or polymer-based materials business idea can participate and try to win one of the 2 Grand Prizes of € 300,000 each, using the money to start operations in Italy.

The two prizes are not cumulative: Teams must compete either for the nanotechnology or the polymer-based materials category.

Nanotechnology category - The winner of the nanotechnology Grand Prize will receive the € 300.000 to start its operations inside the national nanotechnology cluster in a specific region of Italy.

Polymer-based materials category - The winner of the polymer-based materials Grand Prize will receive € 300.000 to fund a start-up in the technological district on polymeric and composite materials of a specific region of Italy.

Financial Grants For Sailors And Marines?

There is a non-profit organization that helps support Sailors and Marines and their family members in times of need! This support ranges from support for injury or death, household needs and car repairs. In addition to its financial services, this organization offers food lockers, layettes for newborns, classes and more.

Here is just a sampling of the kind of support that this organization has provided:

• A service couple was married in 2003. The spouse had had a kidney transplant in 1991, but the procedure had failed and the spouse was on dialysis now and had incurred over $4,000.00 in medical bills since the marriage, and had credit card debt totaling over $15,000.00 due to prescriptions and medical expenses. Subsequently the husband joined the Navy and the medical costs were covered! The service couple requested assistance from this organization for the earlier bills and the organization authorized assistance as a grant for the medical bills, and authorized an interest free loan for the credit card debt, to be repaid over a 24-month period.
  
  
• Another couple had difficulty adjusting to living within their income and started using payday lenders. The husband who was a petty officer got behind in his rent and also borrowed funds from loans which compounded their financial problems. The service member requested assistance from the organization for one month's rent, food and gasoline and funds to pay off six payday loans. The organization authorized the assistance as an interest-free loan. Repayment was deferred for 3 months and a repayment plan was set up for 10 months to minimize the impact on the family.
  
  
• A Lance Corporal, who was seriously injured in Iraq, was experiencing a lot of pain and having difficulty sleeping on his regular mattress at home. The Naval Medical Center conducted a sleep study and determined that the service member was able to sleep through the night on the TEMPUR-PEDIC mattress and foundation beds they have at the medical center. This organization granted funds for the purchase of a new orthopedic mattress.
  
  
• A service couple purchased a home 2 years ago, and they financed it with an interest only loan. The mortgage payments started out low, but soon escalated to $1,200.00 more than the original payment. The family started falling behind in payment of their bills. They needed help with car payments, medical bills, childcare, and also asked for help with food and gas. They lost their house to foreclosure and asked for assistance. The organization assisted with a loan for two car payments and grants of nearly $2,500.00 for their rent, food, childcare, gas and the family's cost share for medical and dental bills.
  
  
• Another service couple living in Navy housing had a fire destroy all of their household possessions. The cause was determined to be a defective air conditioner. The family requested help and were provided with an interest-free loan of over $3,600.00 for a new bedroom set for their young son, a mattress and box spring for the service couple, bed linens, blankets, pillows, towels, cooking and eating utensils, a chest of drawers, a dinette set, a couch, lamps and a microwave.
  
  (The service member had initiated legal action against the manufacturer of the air conditioner, and if a settlement was received the service member was going to repay the loan, but if his claim was denied then the entire assistance was going to be given as a grant.)

India - Startup Business Funding! There is an Entrepreneurial Program that has been put in place in such a way that the entrepreneur can find access to money and mentors in the same place. Given the limited pool of mentors, the candidates are filtered and selected, but on ventures that are very promising, there are individual angels within the chapter who have funded them. * There is yet another funding program that has been put together for entrepreneurs looking for seed money up to INR 50,00,000. The chartered members of this program and the likes have pooled in money and do invest on personal capacities on ventures they find to be of interest. This is applicable only to startups based out of Chennai, as of now.

Real Estate Company Gets Federal Money!

This $1 BILLION Dollar a year real estate company has built military housing for the U.S. armed forces in at least 18 states and has a backlog of more than $6 billion in future construction work. This is a fee-based real estate developement which brings a full range of services that include property management, construction, development and long-term maintenance and they collects fees for all of that work. They also put a small amount of equity into each of their projects. There are multiple income streams. It gives us a lot of diversity. The firm, which handles planning, construction and property management for military housing areas, is a leader in energy-efficient construction, too. This company has the ability to win government projects and grants while other real estate developers cope with tighter financing requirements and slower national home sales! The owner has been part of various developer teams working on military real estate projects and redeveloping closed bases. The company has also won another military project in Alaska!

Here's a little secret:

"On the day that we close on a project, we typically receive ownership to all the buildings and utilities and structures in the family housing area on the military installation."

*As I have said many times before, grant programs have been put in force to help with a compelling need - which in this case is about upgrading military housing. And this is something that is widely supported by the American public. Rose

What I Do........................................

I am a teacher with 14 year experience, I have triple degress- 3-5 years of age, regular education K-5 grade, and special education Multiple disabilities K-12, and I have my masters in Ele Guidance. I would like to open an "educare" center in my county. Can you help me find grants for doing this? Do you have a book you are selling or do you actually help secure the grants and how much do you charge- thank you g~

What I do quite simply is find the grant programs that clients are eligible for. I send them all the information about the grant programs and then they can decide whether or not they want to apply for the funding on their own or whether they want someone to help them whether it be me or someone else. You can find more information on both my Grant Basics 101 page and my contact information pages.

One thing that you will have to understand about the grant process is that it is a process. You have to submit your application and it has to be reviewed before any grant award decision is made. Applying for a grant does not automatically guarantee that you will get the grant.

Bio-technology Company Receives A $3.4 Million Dollar Grant From The Government!

First off let me state that this grant award will span over a 2-year period.

The reason why this company is receiving the grant is because they will use the grant money to develop technology to advance vaccine research and development. This
technology will help with the development of vaccine systems used to protect
military personnel from biological agents.


(*On a more personal note, I really am not in favor of using animals as test models!)

Also the grant money will be used to continue the development of a trademarked technology for rapid generation of vaccine candidates and high-throughput testing in animal models. The work will be done in collaboration with another company. By creating multiple vaccine leads in parallel, the two companies hope to increase the odds of successfully advancing promising vaccines into late stage clinical trials.

This company also has vaccine programs in the areas of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza, and encephalitic alphaviruses, which are funded through various external agencies. Researchers at this company have also generated thousands of lead candidates for their vaccine programs using their trademarked platform.


The company has announced that they are pleased that the government will continue
to fund their work.

The grant which was announced last month will allow the company to continue work done
under a previous contract with the Department of Defense.

The same company also has a HIV program that is also being funded by the U.S.
Government's National Institutes of Health and it's Small Business Grant Program. The company has also received funding for the development of vaccines against influenza and encephalitic alphaviruses.


A recent news release contains forward-looking statements about the research and business prospects of the company including whether the Department of Defense will maintain its recent grant to them for the development of vaccine discovery technology and whether any other government agency that provides them with funding will maintain, renew or replace existing grants for any of their vaccine programs. Risk factors are more fully discussed in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, including under the caption "Risk Factors," and in
the company's other periodic reports filed with the SEC, all of which are
available from the company or from the SEC's website.



Basically what this all means is that the government does have grant programs for for-profit companies and if you noticed this grant program has to do with a small business!

This company is developing technology (biological) that will help in keeping their military less susceptible to biological threats!

Now I know that this may seem like a grant program that it out of your league but you should realize that the government has other needs as well and when they can't solve the problem themselves there will usually be a grant program created and /or a subcontractor (whether it be an individual or an entity) hired.




________________________________________________________



Grants & Single Mothers

(an excerpt)


"There are numerous foundations offering grants for single mother assistance. These foundations generally only require that the applicant be a single mother or the child of a single mother in order to be eligible for the grant. Some foundations offer grants to assist in paying off student loans. The applicant is often expect to perform community service or do volunteer work in order to qualify for the grant. Professional women who are willing to volunteer their professional services to the community are especially eligible for grants to repay student loan debt. Teachers who are also single mothers may qualify for these grants without doing additional volunteer service, as teaching is considered to be a contribution to the community in and of itself."

________________________________________________________

Dental Students Receive Grants!

Over sixty dental school students received nearly a quarter of a million dollars in grants this year from various dental-related organizations.


These 2008 Awards were presented to students at 20 dental schools in 12 states and the District of Columbia, recognize graduating dental students who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities.

-- Awards total $212,500;

Individual amounts range from $2,500 to $12,500

The awards were established in 1977 in honor of one of the first chief executive officers of a dental organization in California, which is now part of the largest dental benefits delivery system in the country.

Yes, Individual Artists DO Get Grant Awards Too!

There is another city-wide grant program that awards grant money to both non-profit organizations and individual artists!

The purpose of this financial grant program is to recognize the importance of the arts to the cultural, educational and economic well-being of its diverse population and location. The city’s goal is to encourage artistic quality and program innovation by providing funding for arts and cultural programs.

This year alone over $100,000.00 will be awarded!

For over 5 years now this grant program has awarded over $400,000.00 in grant money to both non-profit organizations and to individual artists

Here is just a partial listing of some of the organizations that have received grant money:

• Black History Society received $2,500
  
  
• Symphony Orchestra received $5,000
  
  
• A Dance Company received $4,000
  
  
• Pipes and Drums Corp. received $500
  
  
• Individual artists received a maximum of $2,000.

For more information about this grant program (and to find out whether or not you meet the eligibility requirement) you can visit their website.

"How Do I Get Grant Information Without Paying For It?"

The most simplest way to get grant program information is to do the research yourself.

As far as the government grant programs are concerned you have to understand that since government grants are funded by taxpayers, the government has to make information about their grant programs freely accessible to the public.

They have done that with both having a website devoted to the government grant programs that are out there and they also provide printed publications that you should be able to find at your local library. Even if you aren't able to find the information you can always ask the librarian about it.

Not all grant programs are provided by the government. There are other entities that have grant programs as well and they include non-profit organizations, clubs, associations and even some businesses.

In fact you may be able to find out about grant programs for free if you go to your local social service agency. You should know that these agencies have been established by the government to help people (and sometimes they even get grants theirselves!) and who would know better about government grant programs than them?

Many times I will get people who want me to provide them with information about grant programs and I guess they just don't realize how much work is involved when finding grant programs that one is eligible to apply for.

Everytime I get a new client (or when I get an old client looking for more information about new or other grant programs), they must first fill out a questionaire that I have set up on one of my pages. Filling this out lets me know a lot of information and helps me to pinpoint the kind of searching that I will have to do when looking for specific types of grant programs.

However finding these grant programs is really no secret at all. You just got to keep on searching until you find the information - sort of comparable to finding a needle in a haystack - the needle is there but you just have to find it.

Over 90% of the information that I have found about grant programs has been online. If you have access to a computer you should be able to find this kind of information as well.

After you have been doing this for a while (like I have) you will start to get the information about grant programs mailed to you which helps to make your research more easier.

But to put it simply - to get information about grant programs without having to pay for it the solution is to simply find the information yourself. It is available online and as far as the government grants are concerned information about them is also provide in printed form and you should be able to find them at your library.

Is There A Member Of Your Family That Has Downs Syndrome?

Here is an organization whose purpose is :

• The education and assistance of individuals with Down Syndrome so that those individuals may realize their full potential to live independently and to contribute to their communities and to society at large.
  
  and
  
  
• The encouragement of a better understanding of Down Syndrome and support of the study of the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities.

In August of 2008 the Funding Program announced the recent award of four scholarship grants to area residents interested in studying in the field of Special Education. Among the winners honored was a June graduate of high school who has had several years experience as a student aid in the High School Special Education program and will pursue a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Special Education at a University. Also receiving a scholarship upon her recent graduation was one student who has worked as an intern in the district elementary school and with special needs children in a summer camp program. She will attend a state university to pursue her studies! Another recent scholarship recipient is also heading for a degree in Special Education. She has had an internship in the elementary school, working with handicapped children, has been a counselor for three years in a summer camp program and has worked for Family Childcare with a focus on special needs young people.

In addition to the three high school scholarship awards, this funding program has also given a grant to a very deserving individual who currently has a Master's in Education degree and teacher certification from Plymouth State University. She is aiming for a doctoral degree focused on young children, disabilities and psychopathology and their interconnection with community resources and public policy.

This Funding program supports people entering Special Education fields and also programs to support and enrich the lives of families with a Down's Syndrome member.

Here is a partial listing of some of the grant awards that this program has issued in the past:

• $1,000 Financial Assistance to person w/ Down Syndrome
  
  
• $1,200 Tuition for 10 Down Syndrome Campers
  
  
• $1,440 Therapeutic Riding Lessons - Down Syndrome
  
  
• $1,000 Financial Assistance for 6 year old with Down Syndrome and Leukemia
  
  
• and various tuition payments in the form of scholarships for Special Education programs

Thinking About Grantwriting As A Career?

I came across your Working From Home blog while searching for information on grant writing. I recently left a counseling job after being in social services/non-profit industry for around 10 years. I am looking for a more family-friendly career change, or at least a new slant on what I can do with my experience in social services, and have been thinking of looking into grantwriting. However, I have no idea how to get started or where to find more information on typical requirements to become a grantwriter or prospects for employment. If you have any basic advice or can point me to some good websites or contacts I would really appreciate it! Congratulations on all you have accomplished, it looks like you are juggling a lot of different roles in your professional life!

~M

Well since grantwriting is going to involve a LOT of research I can think of no better way to get yourself acquainted with research than by going to your local library and finding out as much as you can about the subject of grantwriting.

Even online you can get a lot of research done as well!

Also too I have notices that there have been grantwriting courses being made available by very legitimate learning places - so you may want to check and see if there are any available in your area.

Prospects for employment? If you are able to find grant funding for a program that will help to grow your reputation and judging by the amount of email I get prospects in this career area are very good.

Personally though I would advise you to work on a freelance basis.

Are You Seeking Emergency Financial Assistance?

Many charities provide services and items that you would otherwise spend money on, freeing up some dollars to apply to your most pressing needs. Among
the most common of these are food banks and open-dining opportunities, help or waiver of utility costs, and clothing and other household essentials.

When Is A Grant Program NOT A Grant Program?

This is only my personal opinion but I do not consider a grant program an actual grant program if you have to pay a fee to be eligible to apply for it. Here is an example:


There is so-called business grant program for women who want to start their own business. You have to be over 18 and be a US resident.

According to their literature, this organization started the grant program to help women who had a dream of starting their own business.

Like most of the grant programs for those that want to start their own business you have to submit a business plan. However in order to be eligible to apply for this grant you have to pay a $15 fee along with submitting your business plan.

Although I do not consider this a grant program, I keep its information in my files just in case my clients do want that kind of information.

Rose
More Information About Grants

And Grant Programs

Financial Assistance For Diabetics!

Here is a quote from an article appearing on Live-PR.com:

The Federal Government has billions of dollars in free aid and assistance available for diabetics and diabetic small businesses. Many of these grants, loans and other sources of aid are seldom awarded because eligible diabetics and diabetic businesses do not know about them, do not have internet access or knowledge of existing programs.

For instance, did you know that there are financial grant programs out there for diabetics who are handicapped, sixty-two to sixty-five or older that can provide assistance with necessary home repairs such as roofing and both inside and outside home repairs?

One of the staff members of these programs has said:

"There are billions of dollars in assistance and grants earmarked for people previously identified as credit risks. Public and private funds are now available for them to repair homes, start a business, consolidate debts and any worthwhile purpose." . In addition there are also several reduced-cost and free programs that already exist now to help diabetics and the economically disadvantaged who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Such programs include energy assistance, free prescriptions, home repair and legal aid.

The programs also includes job training, financial assistance, phone bill assistance, diabetic recipes, free grants and scholarship information.

For additional information on these programs you can contact the program director or you can visit the organization's website. The organization can also be contacted via their offices, telephone, email and website.

Local Area Teacher Gets Grant Award For Classroom!

While it is true that there are grant programs for school programs and projects, there are also grant programs for the individual teacher!

There is a grant program that is designed to encourage and support collaborative efforts among teachers, administrators, parents, and community organizations, based on merit and innovation.

One elementary school teacher recently received a grant to purchase a computer, video camera, digital camera and a projector that will be used to create educational movies in their classroom.

Another teacher who teaches science received a $10,000 grant to help fund a classroom science project.

The organization that funds these grants hold fundraisers throughout the year and also receive funding from individual sponsors.

The grants, awarded once a year in the spring, are designed to encourage and support collaborative efforts among teachers, administrators, parents, and community organizations, based on merit and innovation.

You can find out more about this grant program and whether or not you are eligible to apply for it by visiting the organization's website.



Please be advised that this is a local area grant program and only certain areas apply!

Grant Funding For Churches?

Dear Rose,

I am currently looking for funding for my church. Do you know of any possible grants that help with church or religious organizations? I have had a hard time looking for one and would like to finally get some results or help.

Thanks, A. H.

I took the liberty of checking my Grant Basics 101 page just to see what kind of information I had about grant programs for churches. Here is an excerpt from my page:

"Church Related Grant Programs

-Rural Methodist Churches may be eligible to apply for a grant program that awards grant amounts between $15,000 and $50,000 to help fund after-school programs for children.

added 10/14/07

- Repair and Restoration Grants - Provide much-needed capital improvement dollars for church buildings. The Fund recognizes that a church's greatest and most urgent need often can be to maintain and repair the buildings that provide the place for ministry to happen. Under this program, churches can receive up to $50,000 from the Fund to renovate or repair their buildings. All dollars raised by the church will be matched on a 2:1 basis by the Fund. In 2004, nine organizations received Repair and Restoration Grants totaling $400,764.

~added 12/12/05

"



Mind you that this is just the "tip of the iceberg" but it should show you that there are indeed grant programs out there for churches and religious organizations.



I get information about grant programs emailed to me all the time so I know that there are grant programs out there for churches and religious organizations.

$10,000 Scholarship Program!

Here is an announcement of yet another scholarship program!

This scholarship program was established to help support students who are pursuing careers in children's media.

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship program:

• Only those students who are college juniors, seniors and graduate students and who have demonstrated a commitment to early childhood education and /or child development/child psychology.

Amount of Scholarship Award: $10,000

You can find out more about this scholarship program by either visiting their website, and/or contacting them by phone or email.

All of this contact information is included on the website.

Scholarships For Student Pursuing A Health-Related Career

Scholarships come from many different organizations including non-profit organizations and the government however this is a scholarship program being offered by a big business corporation!

There is an annual scholarship program for secondary education students who are pursuing a career in the health industry. The grant program was started to help provide students with access to the best education as they prepare for a career in the health industry.

Last year over 100 students received scholarship funding from this funding program. The maximum scholarship grant is $5,000 per student!

You are eligible to apply for this scholarship if:

• you are pursuing a healthcare-related undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited college, university or vocational-technical school.
  
  
• Scholarship applicants will be judged on essay content, work experience, community activities and academic records.

The deadline to apply for this scholarship program is September 2008!. The scholarship recipients will be selected by the end of the year.

You can apply for this scholarship program at the company's own website.

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).

Do You Need A Scholarship To Help Pay For Nursing School?

There is a nursing organization that has scholarship information on their website as well as financial aid information for nursing students. They offer a $2,500 nursing scholarship to a deserving student every 60 days! In order to assist worthy applicants who are not selected, they have also expanded their online database which lists hundreds of grants and scholarship opportunities!

You can find out more information about other scholarship programs by going to my Grants Related page.



___________________________________________________________

Other Nursing-related Grant Programs

There is a nurse's foundation that has a grant program to help fund research on nursing-related topics - mainly topics that have to do with nursing as a career.

In order to be eligible to apply for this grant funding, applicants must be a licensed registered nurse who has obtained at least one degree, either a baccalaureate degree or higher, in nursing. Beginning and experienced nurse researchers are encouraged to apply. Grants range from $3,000 to $25,000.



____________________________________________________________



There is another non-profit organization that offers two annual scholarships (up to $17,500 each) for minority students pursuing degrees in nursing and rehabilitation therapy programs.

You can find out more about this nursing school scholarship program by visiting the organization's website.

Local Artists Get Grant Awards!

Here is a listing of artists in one state who have gotten grant awards:

• A University graduate has received a $5,000 grant award that he will use with his group to help produce films and comedy shows.
  
  
• A sculptor who has also received a grant says "It relieves financial worry, but it really makes me feel good about this place. When I tell artists who live elsewhere that my county gives tax money to individual artists, the envy is palpable."

These artists were among 10 individual artists receiving $55,000 in fellowships when their district awarded almost $800,000 in 2007-8 grants!

Also receiving grant money were major arts and cultural groups for general operating support. Some of these grant recipients include:

• a farm
  

• a ballet company
  

• a contemporary dance company
  

  a watercolor artist
  

• an opera company
  

• a public television station
  

  and
  

• a local radio station
  

• A total of $137,415 in grants supporting special projects were awarded to 28 small and mid-sized groups following a competitive review process:
  
  • A Youth Leadership Group received a $4,450 grant
    

  • an international festival received $4,000
    

  • a jazz orchestra received a $15,000 grant
    

  • a chorus group received a $5,000+ grant
    

  • a children's choir received a $9,000 grant
    

  • a Lutheran School received a $2,000+ grant
    

  • a Firefighter's Association received a $2,500 grant
    

  • a church received a $5,000 grant
    $9,000.

A $10,000 award was given to an individual artist for lifetime achievement.

For more information about this grant program for individual as well as group art organizations you can either reach them by phone or visit their website online for more information about their annualgrant program.

Proposed Grant Program To Help Pay Back Student Loans.....

Although this program is only in the "proposal" stages now this is the procedure of how new grant programs get started all the time!

There is a current proposal underway to start a new state program that will help provide doctors to areas that are medically "underserved".

The proposal includes the offering of grants to help repay education loans and other incentives (including financial incentives) to help make it more attractive to doctors to serve in areas that do not have adequite medical help.

source
Empire State News

So many people have emailed me and asked me about whether or not there are any grant programs out there to help them pay off their student loans and here is a very good example of a grant program (even though its still in its early proposal stages) that talks about just that!

To find out about other grant programs relating to paying back student loans you can take a look at my Grants Related Page and click on the "Student Loans link that appears near the top of that page.

Even Big Companies Like Dell Get Government Grants!

If you still think that there are no grant programs out there then you should read the information below:

Dell, the computer company, will continue to get MILLIONS of dollars in state and local grants. In return the company has promised to create more jobs and invest money in the area.

This comes after a court decision was made when Dell was sued because an advocacy group thought that the government grants that they were getting were benefitting the company more than it was benefitting the community. When the initial court ruling was in Dell's favor, the group decided to appeal but their appeal was rejected by the State Court Of Appeals. The court has ruled in favor of Dell which may possible mean that the computer company will not have to pay income tax on the government grant money that it has received. Basically the decision was that state officials have the right to decide who they give government grant money to.

Texas-based Dell could get up to $278 million in state grants and tax breaks if it makes good on its promise, plus a local package worth $37.2 million that covers taxes and startup and other costs.

Do You Own A Small Trucking Company? Here Is A Grant Program That You May Be Interested In!

The Environmental Protection Agency has started a NEW $50 Million grant program to help reduce the harmful effects of diesel engine emmissions.

Applications have been accepted as early as last month!

This grant program is targeted specifically towards the smaller trucking companies and larger truckings companies are not eligible to apply! If you own a small business that is not a trucking company you still may be eligible to apply!

*There is still not yet a firm determination as to which businesses qualify as a "small" business yet

The grant program itself provides financial grants for those (small) businesses that want apply for grant money to replace and retrofit diesel engines that predate when the EPA started engine standards 10 years ago. Examples of the diesel engines mentioned includ heavy duty trucks, buses, certain farm equipment and construction vehicles.

Grant recipients can use the money to pay for EPA-verified retrofit and idle-reduction technology, EPA-certified engine upgrades and vehicle or equipment replacements.

Applications can be found at the government website and application submissions will be accepted now. For more information you can visit the government's website and you can also contact them by email.

Here is a direct quote from one of the staff members associated with this grant program:

“We intend for this money to go to small companies and small fleet owners that need this kind of support.......”..........“Large companies will not qualify.” ...............................

Are There Any Grant Programs To Buy Into A Franchise?

Hi Rose, I am a "single" mother and I am extremely interested in starting my own business. My aunt in New Jersey is a very knowledgable grant writer in New Jersey, but unfortunately only has the knowledge of non-profit grant programs. I have put together a small business plan at this time, and I am looking at doing a two-in-one type of business. Originally I started out inquiring about a program which offers a birthday (or other celebration ) set up with inflatable toys, bouncers, and slides, that is affordable to many family classifications. I was interested in doing this for my daughter, but found that there is no such business operating in any area even remotely close to me. So I inquired about operating one of their franchizes. There is a small start up cost of $3,000 as well as 3-day training course that must be taken in New Orleans before being accepted. They also offer a trailer purchase at $4,000, to transport the equipment, and I think this type of business would be extremely successful. We would be leasing the equipment from this company, with a 40% to us from the sales. I then did further research to see about starting up our own indoor playground for children and youth that would be extremely affordable and at a reasonable location for easy access to a diverse population of people. I have looked into building leases (cost) equipment purcahse prices, operating costs, business set-up, marketing ideas, and concessions. With the proceeds we make, I would love to set up a "free fun day" for children and youth to come and experience the fun that has never been offered in or around our city, which would also help in our marketing. I would like to operate the birthday party set-up as an additional option for families, so that we can bring the party to them, wherever they may want to celebrate! I have done lots of research the past few weeks on attempting to find grants that would assist in my business start-up, as my credit situation is not that good. My fiance is an African-American, and he would also be co-opearating this business with me. He doesn't have bad credit, just the unfortunate problem of having NO CREDIT! Any information you can provide would be extremely helpful, I have found the CAFE site, and its great...but I am looking for any additional grant information you might be able to help with, or inform me more of the grant services you provide. Thank you so much...I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience!

Best Wishes
J~

....there is quite a difference between starting one's own business vs buying into a franchise - at least the grant process sees it that way.

There seem to be quite a few loan programs to help people buy into a franchise but so far I have not seen any grant programs for this sort of thing. So if you really want to go the route of the franchise-thing you may have trouble finding grant programs for it but may be able to find some loan programs for it.

However if you are still considering grants then I would look into the possibility of taking the concept of the franchise that you want to buy into and turnig it into a business that would qualify for grant funding such as daycare or a business relating to children.

As I have noted on my grants pages and blogs there are still grant programs out there for those that want to start a business of their own (as opposed to buying into a franchise). In fact I just recently answered a question similar to your email from another woman who wanted to buy into a franchise with a government grant. My answer to her appears here

then in a later email................

Hi Ms. Rose...you have read my mind, I actually have decided against the franchise idea, I have decided to run my own business doing the same thing without having to give away over half my commission/profits back to the company themselves. It makes much more sense to start my own similar company, as we have very little competition for this. I am debating two options for my start-up business, and I am torn between the two, but both have to do with providing fun and professional service to children. I was wondering if you could maybe give me your opinion on which may be easier in obtaining a grant, and where I might find grants for this type of business. The first is an inflatable bouncer rental business for children's birthday parties, carnivals (schools/daycares), or other celebration events where kids may participate, the start-up costs would be about 20-25,000 and we would be able to keep our jobs and start this over the weekends without too much effort. (2-3 competitors in my particular city, with more within 60 mile radius). The other is an indoor play center for children and toddlers, possibly with both concessions and a cafe sitting area, with inflatable bouncers/slides, interactive games/obstacle courses, arcade games, gym court for basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, as well as a smaller toddler area wth age appropriate toys and fun things to do and learn with. (only one competitor..no cafe and we would like to have a larger variety of equipment than the competitor) The start up costs for this would be much higher and my fiance would quit his job to run this (he only makes about 1200/month). However, our profits would probably be much larger in this business as would our beginning debts....unless we would be able to obtain some larger grants? If you have time and are interested in responding, I would be much obliged. We will soon be adding another addition to our family in the next 2 months, Im wanting to have as much time with my family as I can. My credit is not good right now as we were a couple that got into those ARM mortgages and our payments have been late for the past 4-5 months (we are currently trying to short sale our home..) and my fiance doesnt have bad credit, he just has NO credit..and when I say NONE..he has NONE....so if you have any ideas how to start with our financing and maybe the best decision on what might be easier for us to apply for grant assistance or any funding asstance...thank you so much for responding to my previous email...that was extremely thoughtful of you...I appreciate your opinions and knowledge! :)

thanks so much! :)
J~

It is my opinion that you should combine your idea(s). The more that you have to offer the more potential money your business will make.

Grants do not depend on someone's credit rating.

It is also my opinion that you find a way to make your business a combination non-profit and for-profit because that tactic is now a growing trend. It also (will) give you the "best of both worlds".

If you are looking for getting the most grant financing possible then you are going to have to adapt your business plan to those grant programs that relate to the types of services that you will be providing.

There are grant programs for those that want to start their own business as well as there being grant programs related to childrens' services. You should research and go through these grant programs - read what their requirements and qualifications are as far as eligibilty is concerned and see if you can adapt your business to qualify for eligibility for as many of them as you can find. The majority of grant programs being offered allow for one to apply for other grant programs in addition to their own so you can apply for as many as you are eligible for.

Over 90% of all the information that I have found about grant programs for clients has been online so there would be a good place for you to start looking for these kinds of grant programs.

Grant Program For Entrepreneurs!

Here is a quite bold grant competition program that is seeking entrepreneurs who have ideas to help solve the problems of the world!

The goal of this funding competition is to promote the creation of sustainable new business ventures that combine financial returns with social and environmental benefits. These can include new products and services, operational processes and business models.

The competition encourages ground breaking innovation and problem solving – challenging entrepreneurs from across the world to make a real difference through developing new markets and making a sustainable profit.

This funding opportunity is an open funding competition. They are looking for the best business ideas from across the world!

Entries will be accepted from individuals, teams, new companies, existing companies creating spin-offs, students, scientists, academics and entrepreneurs.

Regional, national and international participation is encouraged.

Business ideas can be based on a new product, a service, operational process or business model.

To be considered eligible for this competition, all entries must:

• Be innovative
  
  
• Be a commercial, for-profit venture
  
  
• Address one of the major points of the organization itself
  
  
• Not have received more than $100K in funding by the submission deadline
  
  
• Demonstrate a positive social and/or environmental impact as well as an economic return

If you are not sure whether or not your business idea meets the above criteria, the sponsors of this funding program are happy to discuss your particular case. You can visit their website for more details and contact information.

All entrants will be required to submit a 5-page executive summary of their business idea. Up to five additional pages will be allowed for relevant exhibits and appendices e.g. team CVs, financial reports, letters from potential customers.


All entries must use 10-point or larger font and be submitted as a single Word or PDF attachment. This should be no more than 2MB in size.


Entries will only be accepted via the 4-step registration process accessed via the 'Submit your idea' page of our website.


Executive Summary Guidelines


All executive summaries should contain the following information and headings:

Team Name
Opening Statement
The Idea & Unique Selling Point (USP)
The Market Opportunity
The Management Team
The Financial Plan
The Environmental and Social Benefits

To download detailed guidance on the Executive Summary please click the link that is provided on the website. (This download is in .pdf format)

All teams must have one designated team leader. The team leader will be the main point of contact for the competition organizers and will take responsibility for coordinating with each team members.


All work submitted must be the original work of the members of the team which they are free to disclose. Teams will not be able to submit the same proposal in to more than one category, though contestants can be members of more than one team.

Entrants need not have registered a company at the time of entry to the competition but will be required to do so in order to receive cash prizes.

Financial assistance will be offered to all competition finalists. For international entrants this will cover travel and accomodation costs. For UK entrants financial assistance will cover accomodations costs on the reqired dates only.

All entries must be submitted via website!

If you have a question or query about a plan that you have already submitted, please contact the competition organizers via email.