Tuesday 29 April 2014

How Can Your Non-profit Organization Compete for Grant Funds?

Although financial need continues to grow, funding has remained essentially the same - is your organization staying competitive and doing all it can to secure funds?  Non-profit organizations are vital to our nation’s growth and humanity as individuals and communities are impacted daily through charitable giving and human services.  Sadly each year many non-profit organizations are forced to close their doors – could they have been saved if they had been able to locate grants for non profit organizations?   

Where can you find grants for non-profit organizations?
Grants are available from Federal, State, foundations and private sources.  Each geographical area may vary depending on government funds and local corporations and foundations.  Some funders will assist organizations serving any location in the U.S., however, others are very specific on which geographical locations they fund.  For example some corporations only provide grants to non-profit organizations serving locations where they have an office or stores. 

What types of grants are there?
Grants may come in the form of volunteer hours, in-kind donations (goods and services), or cash. 

What kinds of things do funders provide grants for?
The types of programs and projects non-profit organizations may receive funds for include, but are not limited to: animal welfare, arts, economic development, education, health, human rights, human services and research.  There are various types of programs/projects supported by funders - the most important thing to remember is to look for grants that match your organization's mission and goals. 


GrantVine strives to assist as many individuals as possible; the Non-profit category of the
Grant Database does not only aid the organization seeking funds but also individuals and communities who are beneficiaries of the organization’s aid. GrantVine’s Grant Search Engine and Database makes it very simple to find what you are looking for; having resources all in one location will help you achieve your goals and save hours of tedious research! Receiving funds is competitive so why not increase your resources by searching GrantVine’s Database today and start benefiting your organization and those it serves; find out what is available to you at http://www.grantvine.net/.

Find Grants for Your Needed Home Repairs!

Maintaining your home is pertinent to its overall health.  However, sometimes there are situations out of your control that need to be fixed.  Many people don’t have extra funds available to make needed repairs so their home deteriorates or they have to borrow funds in order to make the repairs causing financial strain.  Have you ever thought about receiving home repair grants for your home repair needs?  Below are details about receiving home repair grants that may just help you with your home improvement!

What types of homes can receive grants?
Home improvement grants are available to single and multi-family dwellings, as well as mobile and manufactured homes.  Each program will specify which structures it will provide assistance with.

Who provides grants for home repairs?
Assistance may include aid from state agencies, units of local government, Native American tribes, nonprofit organizations and private sources.

What type of home repair assistance can be gained?
Assistance may include home repair grants, payment to service providers, free or reduced labor, materials or supplies, rebates, tax credits, and low interest, no interest, deferred, or forgivable loans and may be located via various sources including a grant database.

Who can receive home repair grants?
Although there are home improvement programs available to a wide range of individuals, priority is often given to mid-low income households and/or household with disabled or elderly members or children. Home improvement assistance may also depend on your states’ allocated funds and resources, geographical location and additional demographic requirements. Even if you are renting your home or you are a landlord, there are still home repair programs that you may be able to take advantage of.

GrantVine’s comprehensive database has 16 searchable grant categories such as home repair grants, grants for utilities, grants forfirst time home buyers, etc.  GrantVine’s Grant Search Engine and Database makes it very simple to find what you are looking for; resources all in one location will help you achieve your home repair goals and save hours of tedious research!

To learn more and start gaining support today, visit http://www.grantvine.net/

Thursday 10 April 2014

Tips To Help You Start Your Own Non-Profit Business

Non-profit organizations facilitate great ways to contribute to society and make a difference.  If your passion lies in helping others, starting your own non-profit organization is an option you may consider. Starting a non-profit organization is almost similar to starting a business; you need to have a clear objective, original idea and a passion to grow. Below are some tips to help you start a non-profit organization of your own, brought to you by GrantVine, the best grant search engine.

1.      Do your research and identify your niche
Before forming a nonprofit, your first step is to find out if other non-profit organizations are already doing the same or similar work in your community.  If you are just duplicating and existing service, then you will may struggle to attract increasingly limited funding.

2.      Write a plan
Since a non-profit is simply another version of a business, you'll need to develop a solid plan and steer its implementation. A good plan is essential for procuring non-profit funding from donors and the government.
3.      Complete all the paperwork
Ensure your organization is recognized as a non-profit by the IRS and conforms to state laws.
·         File an article of incorporation with your state.
·         Write to the IRS to request nonprofit status. Once you've been approved, you'll need to apply for the same status through your own state.


  • Write a list of bylaws for the organization.
·         Formally register your nonprofit organization with your state and apply for sales tax exemption

Finding funding to start a non-profit organization
Funds are the life line of any non-profit. To effectively raise funds you must be able to communicate your organization’s mission and need. To start up your non-profit, you can explore the following options:
·         You can obtain grants from businesses, foundations and the government. You can also look for grants from your state government.

·         Go to the Grants.gov website.

·         Visit GrantVine at http://www.grantvine.net/ to find 1,000’s of grants for nonprofit organizations.
Starting a nonprofit organization can both serve a worthy community purpose, as well as give you the satisfaction of having done something good for the society, but finding grants is not an easy task. Therefore, increase your chances of finding the right fund for your needs; search GrantVine’s Database today and start benefiting your organization and those it serves.

To know more, or to find assistance with grants such as grants for non-profit organizations,  senior citizen grants, business grants and loans, or home repair grants

                                                                  




How To Get Small Business Grants For Entrepreneurs

There’s nothing better than being your own boss and having your own business. It gives you the opportunity to work on your own terms and set your own rules. By having a business of your own, you can create work you love, constructed to fit with your own life goals. No matter what the motivation is to be your own boss, you can start today, by applying for grants for starting a business. Read on to find out some tips to help you get started.

Write a business plan
A business plan is an essential roadmap for business success. This living document generally projects 3-5 years ahead and outlines the route a company intends to take to grow revenues. Ensure your business plan outlines all of the start-up costs and investment capital that is required to create a successful business.

Research the grant opportunities
·         There is a range of grants and loans available for startup founders or growing businesses from federal, state and local governments. However, you will need to do your research. Some of these business grants are only available for specific types of businesses, while others are only available for specific needs or only in specific geographical areas.

·         You may visit Grants.gov to find government grant applications, however, be sure to read the eligibility guidelines as many programs are specific to nonprofit organizations.
·         Another resource for finding business grants and loans for small businesses is the GrantVine website. GrantVine’s team of researchers has compiled 1000’s of programs available from every state, as well as nationally, into one easy to use grant database to make finding grants for starting your business fast and simple.

Send your application
When you find a small business grant, be sure to follow the application guidelines and submit your application before the deadline.

Important points to consider
·         Provide complete and accurate information in the application. An incomplete application may not make the review process or can delay grant approval.
·         Maintain an open line of communication with the grant office. 
·         Writing a well prepared business plan will improve your chances of getting grants.
Getting a suitable grant for your business is your first stepping stone towards success. So, visit GrantVine for a plethora of grant opportunities and pave your way to success. GrantVine’s comprehensive database program has 16 searchable grant categories such as business grants, grants for woman and minorities, college scholarships & grants, home repair grants,  home improvement grants etc.

To know more, visit-http://www.grantvine.net/