Discussion about grants, grant writing classes, seminars, courses, classes, and how to obtain government grants.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Grant Writing Seminars Interesting and Fun
Dear Ms. Ambrose,
I am writing to provide a reference for Ms. Beverly Santicola-a grant writer extraordinairre! I had the good fortune to have attended one of Beverly's seminars in Pittsburgh, PA almost a year ago and the results have been great thus far. In fact, I've been using some of the materials I received at the workshop this past week as I prepare a large federal grant application. Beverly made the seminar interesting and fun, which made the time go fast and I have been successful using the techniques she taught us. If you would like more information or wish to discuss this further, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Dospoy, P.E Harmony Area School District & CIU10 Grant Writer
After 16 years or grants consulting without business grants ever coming up, now I'm starting to get several calls a month and I'm worried it will just get worse. The quick answer is there aren't grants for for-profit businesses. I tell people this and refer them to the small business administration, or credit counseling or home buying programs. But each one takes time and energy. We're the unintended collateral victims of scams.
This is resulting from the late night TV scam artists who have moved onto the Internet and are now doing full page ads in newspapers for "conferences" where they tell people there's "free government money" to pay off your debts, start your business, buy a home, etc. The most aggressive are Mark Lasko and the National Grants Conference, but there are several. Just type "grants" into Google and they pop up in the paid ads on the right side. There's even one that "exposes" the others as scams to get you to buy their books! I actually got a telemarketing call a couple of months ago from someone saying they would guarantee me $8,000 of free overnment money, they just needed all of my bank account information and my mother's maiden name. When I called the FBI, Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau to report this, I was told they get thousands of calls -- but of course no-one can do anything.
Having said all that, there are some very targeted programs for enterprise zones, rural programs, etc. Most of these that I'm aware of are through local development agencies, or local government programs funded from CDBG grants. I don't know of any grants for minority or women owned businesses specifically, but there are some contracting set asides in various local, state and federal programs. None of these are in the purview of the kind of grantwriting most of us do, so the best thing is to refer them to the local development agency.
Michael Wells -- Michael Wells Grants Northwest NOTE NEW ADDRESS 1020 SW Taylor, Suite 545 Portland, Oregon 97205 www.grantsnorthwest.com
The Federal Government: A New Funding Source - Government Grants
Many CPAs' clients might benefit from government grants available for emerging technologies. Robert W. Eimers, CPA, manager of operations, Cato Research, Durham, North Carolina, offers details. During turbulent economic times, traditional financing sources become difficult to find and obtain, especially for ideas that require extended development time. Clients often look to practitioners for assistance in obtaining financing. As business advisers, practitioners should be aware of both traditional and new financing sources. Without access to traditional sources of capital, America's technological advantage could decline significantly. THE ATP In 1988, Congress established a program aimed at supporting and stimulating investment in advanced technologies. Although many believe government intervention normally is a poison pill,. this program offers a legitimate solution to a complex problem. It solicits proposals from industry for technology development, evaluates the proposals and awards grants for industry-led projects that would yield great benefits to the U.S. economy if successful but are considered too risky from a technical standpoint to attract private capital. The Advanced Technology Program (ATP) is administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an arm of the Commerce Department. In its first two competitions in 1991 and 1992, the program committed about $140 million in grants, matched by over $150 million from industry. The program assists businesses in developing precompetitive and genetic technologies. "Precompetitive" means the technology is far from the commercialization stage, while "genetic" means it precedes specific application and relates to a range of products and applications that could be affected by a new technology. As a result, the technologies selected * Are not attractive venture capital investments. * Underlie a wide range of applications. Projects are conceived, led and partly paid for by industry. The proposing organization can be a business, a for-profit research institute or a joint venture. Universities and government organizations can be joint venture members or subcontractors but cannot lead projects. The maximum award for single applicants is $2 million over up to three years. Funding is limited to the direct costs of research and development. There is no specified maximum award amount for joint ventures, and projects can run for as long as five years. Joint ventures must provide matching funds. In order to receive an award, an organization must * Respond to an ATP proposal request, which is announced in the Federal Register and the Commerce Business Daily. (The most recent request appeared in late May 1992. ) * Furnish information outlined in proposer kits available from NIST; call (301) 975-2636. * Satisfy criteria, including 1. Scientific and technical innovation. 2. Potential economic benefits. 3. Organizational experience and qualifications. 4. Intent and ability to carry through on commercialization. 5. Level of commitment and appropriate organizational structure. THE IMPORTANCE OF BUSINESS PLANS Not all applicants receive funding. Proposals that rate high in terms of technical and scientific merit are evaluated on the strength of their business plans, which are a major component of the proposal. Many organizations fall to receive awards because their business plans are inadequate, a problem that business advisers can help remedy. While an important competitive factor in the awards process, the business information that is requested in the proposal is also crucial for start-up organizations. The proposal process raises many questions that probably have yet to be addressed. Regardless of the award, the process is an excellent developmental tool. A BENEFICIAL PROCESS Simply becoming involved with the ATP is very worthwhile. The proposal process provides tangible rewards and the award, if granted, provides significant cost-free financing. CPAs can introduce clients to the ATP and help them prepare competitive proposals, analyze business plans that weren't accepted and create workable new ones. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY * DURING DIFFICULT economic times, traditional financing sources are hard to find and obtain, especially for ideas that require extended development. Clients often look to practitioners for help in obtaining financing. * A COMMERCE department program solicits proposals from industry for technology development, evaluates the proposals and awards grants for industry-led projects that might yield great benefits but might not attract private capital. * AMONG ITS OTHER benefits, the proposal process forces an organization to craft a workable business plan, which is a major component of the proposal. Click here for more information on grant writing. COPYRIGHT 1993 American Institute of CPA's COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
Director Of Nursing County Health Department Indiana
Jenn, I am the Director of Nursing for a County Health Department in Indiana. I and five other employees from the Health Department had the opportunity to attend Beverly Santicola's two-day grant writing workshop. The workshop was a wonderful learning experience for all of us. We each had differing levels of experience in grant writing. Beverly's workshop provided all of us with new knowledge and greater understanding. Each one of us left Beverly's workshop feeling more comfortable in our ability to find and write grants. Beverly creates an easy learning environment where everyone is comfortable asking questions. Beverly has the unique ability to keep her audience captivated. We all looked forward to the second day of her workshop! I am in the process of creating my own not-for-profit agency. Beverly has been a wonderful resource for me during this process. I ensure you that your agency will benefit from Beverly's workshop. Please feel free to contact me to discuss the workshop further. Sincerely, Melinda K., BSN, RN Director of Nursing
Ten Seats Still Available for San Antonio Workshop
Only ten seats remain open for a Two Day Grant Writing Worksho in San Antonio March 14-15, 2005. Registrations will be accepted through Sunday, March 13, 2005. With over 700 participants trained to date, these grant writing workshops are receiving rave reviews. For more information on the workshops go to www.us-government-grants.net or call Beverly Santicola, President of USGG to register at 1-866-843-3493.
Three Grant Writing Workshops are scheduled in Indiana this spring in collaboration with the Art Circle Institute and Center for Rural Outreach and Public Services. All workshops begin at 8:30 am and end at 4:00 pm. For more information on the workshops go to www.us-government-grants.net or contact Beverly Santicola, President at 1-866-843-3493 to register. Partial scholarships are available for students and nonprofit or faith-based organizations.
March 22-23, 2005, Holiday Inn, Michigan City Indiana
April 13-14, 2005, Art Circle Institute, Knox, Indiana
April 18-19, 2005, Battell Community Center, Mishawaka, Indiana
Hello Jennifer, I understand that your agency is interested in contracting with Beverly Santicola to conduct a two-day grant writing workshop in Idaho. I am e-mailing you to provide a reference for Beverly. In January 2005, I was preparing to write my first grant proposal to obtain federal grant funds from the Office of Traffic Safety. I had never taken a class in grant writing, and I only had examples of previously approved proposals as a guide. I was not feeling very confident about how to write a good proposal. Then I received a flyer from my Training Officer for Beverly's grant writing workshop, and I signed up. Talk about good timing! I typically don't like to sign up for a course that has not been referred by someone who can tell me if the course was beneficial, but I was desperate for some knowledge and I had no time to research a course. Beverly's instruction was a blessing! She covered all the important elements of a grant proposaland spent considerable time on how to write a strong and concise problem statement. Beverly's extensive experience in writing successful grant proposals makes her a credible and knowledgeable instructor. She also cares about the students and what they want to get out of the training. She values student input and strives to ensure that each student, regardless of their experience in grant writing, leaves the course with the training and information they needed for their current project. After the class, I felt confident that I could write a good proposal. I have submitted my grant proposal and will find out in April if my proposal is approved for funding.
Do you plan to hold any grant writing classes in the Philadelphia area?
Kim
Answer:
Dear Kim:
I currently do not have grant writing classes in the Philadelphia area scheduled for 2005; however, I do have grant writing classes scheduled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as well as grant writing classes in California, Indiana, Texas, and Wisconsin. I realize it is quite a long drive from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, but I believe you would find my classes to be well worth the invest-ment. One of my previous students who attended grant writing classes in Pittsburgh wrote an e-mail to me which said, "Beverly, I received word yesterday that our grant was funded for the total amount of $97,410! It was one of 54 across the nation. Thank you for all the help that you have given me. In the past few months we've received several smaller grants in the $2,000 - $5,000 range based on the methods that you taught in PGH. As far as I'm concerned, WE did it!" Bob. If you cannot attend my grant writing classes in Pittsburgh, I do offer private grant writing classes anywhere in the U.S. My fees for private classes are $1,000 for two days, $1,500 for three day, plus expenses. During the private grant writing classes we actually develop one or two quality proposals for your agency to submit before I leave. If you would like more informa-tion my grant writing classes, feel free to call me toll free at 1-866-843-3493 or check out my websites at www.santicola.com or www.us-government-grants.net.
Grants for Park Revitalization and Youth Enrichment
Question:
Are there grants that might help us in areas of Park Revitalization and Youth Enrichment in Indiana?
Eddie
Answer:
According to the Foundation Directory (www.fconline.fdncenter.org) there are 120 grantmakers in the United States interested in funding Park Revitalization and Youth Enrichment projects in Indiana. Local governments, state governments, and the federal government all provide grants for park revitalization and youth enrichment projects. The trick is in finding out which agency is offering a grant opportunity when. To receive e-mail notices for free about federal grants for park revitalization and youth enrichment projects sign up at www.fedgrants.gov. For information on local and state grants for park revitalization and youth enrichment projects get to know your county commissioners, city officials and agency heads for the Departments of Natural Resources, Health and Human Services, Education, HUD and others. The real key to winning grant awards is in the relationship building and grant proposal writing. U.S. Government Grants has three upcoming workshops in Indiana (in collaboration with the Center for Rural Outreach and Public Services) where you can learn more about grants for park revitalization and youth development projects. For information on our grant writing workshops in Indiana go to www.us-government-grants.net or www.ruralgrants.org. You may also call me toll free at 1-866-843-3493.
I work part time for a ministry for Orphans and widows in Haiti. I have been asked and have a desire to learn to write grants for them. I came across your web site and would like to know a little more about your workshops. I live about 2 hours from Michigan City, Indiana but do not know if that is the one for me to go to or if that even matters. The founder is looking for grants to help with rent, help and other things. I would appreciate any guidance you may provide.
Pam
Answer:
Dear Pam,
Yes, our grant writing workshop in Michigan City, Indiana would be a perfect workshop for you to attend to learn about grants to pay for rent, help and other things such as salaries, benefits, travel, supplies, and educational materials. While we have two other grant writing workshops in Indiana scheduled this spring in Knox and Mishawaka, the closest grant writing workshop in Indiana from Chicago, Illinois is Michigan City. I will personally be conducting all grant writing workshops in Indiana and all of them will cover the following information over the course of two days:
· Where to get new money · Why 50% of grant proposals fail · Sample winning grant proposals · How to develop good problem statements · Eleven key components of a proposal · Five step process for program planning · 28 items to have prepared in advance · Federal, state & private foundations · Evaluation methodology · Fascinating case studies · Individualized coaching for improvement · Grant Writing as a career · Collaboration exercises · Workbook and handouts · Follow-up courses for free
Please feel free to call me toll free for more information; or click on the following link for a complete description of Day One and Day Two training:
U. S. Government Grants is offering three grant writing workshops in Indiana this spring. The first of the three grant writing workshops in Indiana will be held in Michigan City, which is only a short communte from Chicago, Illinois. The second and third grant writing workshops in Indiana will be held in Knox and Mishawaka. The Art Circle Institute is co-sponsoring the grant writing workshop in Knox and a special session will be included regarding grant writing for the arts. The Mishawaka grant writing workshop is being co-sponsored by the Battell Community Center and City of Mishawaka. All grant writing workshops in Indiana are open to the public. For more information on these grant writing workshops in Indiana call Beverly Santicola, President of U.S.G.G. toll free or visit our websites below.
Information On Grant Writing Classes In North Carolina
Question:
I am very interested in taking one of your grant writing classes, and would like to know when a session will be held in the North Carolina area.
Leilani
Answer:
I currently do not have grant writing classes in North Carolina scheduled; however I do have grant writing classes in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin and California. I will provide grant writing classes in North Carolina if I can find an agency that is willing to provide a meeting place. In addition, I offer private grant writing classes in North Carolina for non profit organizations. Please call toll free for more information.
Beverly Santicola, President Phone: 713-840-1380 or 866-843-3493 Fax: 713-960-0537 Web-based Subsidiary: http://www.us-government-grants.net
