5
Keys to Grant Eligibility, AKA Are you Likely To Win a Grant?
By
Sarah Aubrey
The
most important place to start in the grant writing and funding process is with
grant eligibility. Never apply for a grant where you either doubt that you are
eligible or don’t know how to determine if your project is a fit. Take a look
at these top five fits for learning if your project is likely eligible to
receive funds.
Key
One: Is your project clearly defined?
Be
ready to indicate very clearly what the size, scope, location, timeline,
technology and objectives are for your proposed project. If you can’t
articulate these well, you’re not ready for grant funding. Head back to the
planning stage and get this outlined. Better yet, have a good business plan or
project management plan to send with the grant application.
Key
Two: Does the agency fund projects like yours?
It
is always a good idea to see who else is out there doing is the same thing and
getting grant awards. Check the websites for possible grant agencies you may
like to work with and see what similar projects are being funded now or have
completed a grant award in the past. One to try is www.grants.gov.
Key
Three: Do
you have the needed documentation to be considered for an award?
This topic is
a blog or three on its own! For now, just know that all grants are going to
require a certain level of documentation and pre-work including business plans
and projections, letters of intent for community partners, technical material
and budgets, feasibility studies if the work is for an emerging business, and
often even personal or business tax returns.
Key
Four: How
does your project serve others?
You
don’t have to be a not-for-profit or religious group with a charitable mission
to serve others. Many grant awards are made for for-profit entities. Still,
those entities must show that they can provide a highly visible benefit to the
grant agency in return for completing the work. Can your project enhance a
certain aspect of your industry or community? If so, this is a good indicator
of eligibility.
Key
Five: Is your organization solvent?
If
you are involved in legal proceedings, have judgments against your firm or are
in bankruptcy, it is not likely the best time to seek a grant. You will be
required to sign a variety of statements depending on the grant agency
indicating that your firm is in good standing.
Hopefully
these quick tips will get you started. For more information see the related
video I did called "Are You Eligible for a Grant?" (below) or visit www.prosperityagenergy.com.
