Small Business Grants
How to find free government assistance
By Sheletha Jones
The search for small business government grants can be a taxing experience. With so many scams and phony sources of information out there to confuse, misdirect and con, the task can seem almost impossible. If you know where to look, however, it can be somewhat easier and rewarding. Here are a few leads to help you get started.
Great Websites
Firstgov.gov is an excellent website for anyone seeking grant or loan assistance from the federal government. It contains tabs for private citizens, for businesses and nonprofits, for federal employees, for government-to-government, and for visitors to the U.S. There are also links that list agencies by organization, information on how to contact your government, and a reference center which provides data and statistics, forms, laws and regulations, and more resources to help you with the application process.
In addition, this site offers the option to sign up for free e-mail updates and newsletters to keep you instantly abreast of new opportunities and grant openings.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance is a database of all federal programs available from the federal government. Also an excellent source of information, the CFDA lists types of assistance, provides practical information on applying for assistance, and even offers help with writing grant proposals. From this website, links can be accessed to Grants.gov, and FedBizOpps.gov, all excellent sources of information for the grant seeker. In addition to the online CFDA catalog, a print version can also be purchased.
The Next Step
Now that you know where to look, you need to know what you’re looking for. Narrow your search so that it will be easier to scan databases to find the assistance you require. You will be able to search by keyword, agency or program number. Each program contains a link that will provide all the information you need to apply for a particular grant, such as the deadline, who may apply, any requirements and / or conditions and a contact person. As a timesaver, seek information only for programs you qualify for. When you apply, furnish exactly what is called for - nothing more, nothing less.
Put in Some Leg Work
A good rule of thumb is to contact the person listed on the grant announcement by phone before you even begin to fill out the first form. He or she will be eager to help you and answer any questions you might have. In many cases, he / she can provide you with assistance in responding to a Request For Proposal, and ultimately putting your grant packet together.
The contact person is a valuable resource that should most definitely be used if you hope to secure federal funding. Still, there is no guarantee that you will receive a federal grant even if you do everything correctly. Thus, it’s good to have a backup plan.
Certain foundations and corporations may be able to provide you with the resources you seek. Though many of these opportunities are only open to nonprofit organizations, you shouldn’t let that discourage you. Do your homework as always, because guidelines can change. The Foundation Center puts out Grant Guides which list grant opportunities by selected foundations. Contact them for more information on various foundations that allocate funds.
In short, the Internet is the best place to start when searching for federal grant opportunities. Be diligent in your search and don’t give up. And if you’re turned down, ask why - build on what you learn and utilize all the resources at your disposal, particularly the contact person listed on the grant announcement. With a bit of luck and lots of determination, you should find marked success in your search.
