decoding grants

decoding grants

It is difficult to determine the source of the notion held by some individuals that grants solve financial obligations and desires. For instance, I was recently asked about the possibility of purchasing land with grant funding. 

Misconceptions about grants can result in disappointments. Grants are usually offered by Foundations, Government entities and Corporations for specific purposes. Funding organizations have interests that are centered on their mission. Thus, funders channel their funding to those non-profit entities whose mission align with theirs. A key factor that funding organizations look out for when it comes to awarding grants include the ability of the requesting agency to implement the proposed project they are seeking funding for. Also, they look out for attributes such as the reputation of the non-profit and its' track record. Funders are not in the business of providing funding for the purchase of items such as land and vehicles for personal use.

Unscrupulous scammers offering the promise of grants for personal use should be reported to relevant law enforcement agencies. Often, they lure unsuspecting individuals with false promises. They request an amount of money in exchange for access to a list of funding organizations that offer money for satisfying every financial need. The list they provide to victims who pay the requested amount of money tends to be false. These scammers do not take the time to perform the due diligence that is required in the creation of a prospective funders list. True to their nature, they disappear upon the receipt of payment.

Non-profits vary in their mission and the types of projects that they offer. A key step in the proposal/grant application process is to seek out a funder whose mission aligns with your organizations goals. This is why we take the time to learn about the goals of clients prior to conducting prospective funders research.

At SNAB, we realize that conducting potential funder research is a time consuming process. By providing this service, we provide you with time to focus on other equally essential tasks. 
  
By Sherita N Brace