Every day, 25 to 50 grant applications hit my email box,
and I can tell you that on average, only 1 applicant every
day will even make it to the final review process. I
quickly scan each application and move 99% of them over to
the "does not meet requirements" folder.
Am I being cold and heartless? No, not at all. In fact,
most of the applications are heart wrenching tales of
people who truly need the money - the problem is that they
are not applying for the right grant.
You see, each grantor, whether it is a government or
private sector entity, has certain guidelines and protocols
that MUST be met before an application can even be
considered for the grant funding to be awarded.
In my case, I award a small business grant several times a
year, The Amber Grant For Women Entrepreneurs. The average
grant size is $500, and each grant period deadline is
clearly stated on our web site, along with the amount to be
awarded.
We also have a terms & conditions page that advises
grantees to make sure that their project can be completed
with the amount awarded, or that the amount would make a
substantial impact on the project.
Instead, at
least half of the applications are for building purchases
or renovations, or the purchase of manufacturing equipment,
autos etc.
Obviously, these applications never make it past the
initial review because the funding needed is far beyond our
grant award - and yet, these applicants are no doubt
sitting and waiting for their grant application to be
reviewed - frustrated when they don't get their
money.
The next problem that I encounter is the description of the
applicant's business proposal. We ask for a detailed
description of the business venture, and how the funds will
be used. "I don't know what I am going to do but I know
that if I had the money I would be able to start a
business" shows up more times than you would believe.
Want to guess where these applications wind up? You guessed
it - they certainly don't get moved on to the 'finalists'
round.
The FIRST step in finding a grant for any venture is to
make sure that you are applying to the RIGHT SOURCE! Read
the Grantor's guidelines thoroughly BEFORE you apply.
You are simply wasting your time if you apply for a grant
that doesn't fund the kind of project you are planning, or
for the amount that you need.
The second step is following the instructions - answer the
questions in detail, put some thought into it. Make it
sound as though it matters - because if you want the money
for your business, it SHOULD matter!
Grants for businesses are almost impossible to find - don't
lessen your chances even more by ignoring the
guidelines!
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Melody Wigdahl is a serial entrepreneur, lifelong geek and
founder of http://www.WomensNet.Net , a networking and
resource site for women entrepreneurs, and the home of the
Amber Grants for Women in Business. Visit
http://www.WomensNet.Net for more free information on
finding and applying for business grants for women!
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