My “leap of faith” escape from the traditional office was probably the most scary and invigorating thing I have ever done.

My name is Margie Cintron and I have managed for the last 5 years to work at home and make a living doing consulting work, mostly grant writing for agencies throughout the State of Texas.

Prior to entering the “home based office” world, I worked for 30 years for a city, workforce board, various non-profits, and a business resource center.

Working at home I began to explore the Internet bidding process for grant writing opportunities and discovered websites that cater to this kind of service. A good number of the ads labeled “Grant Writers” were for persons who looked for opportunities to start businesses. There were non-profits that did seek persons who could raise funds through grants for programs that addressed certain populations, different causes and missions but wanted to pay the writer a percentage from the grant funds awarded, which incidentally is considered unethical.

Because I was exploring all my revenue-generating options and working at home was a new experience, I responded to many of the postings. I have given more free consulting advice to many who responded, more then I can count and I have realized that with the challenges to make ends meet, many people are experiencing and interacting with predators who are convincing them that grants are the answer.

I wanted to start this blog to try to give non-profits information about grants. For those new to grants…I am going to try to help those interested persons understand how the grant process works to figure out if they really are eligible and ready for funding.

After spending 30 years learning how to connect ideas and missions with resources, it just seemed a shame to not share the benefit of my experience and knowledge with others. Go ahead; ask me.

Some Questions From Our Readers:

Question:
How do I get a 501(c)3 from the IRS. Is that what I need to apply for grants? If so, how do I go about that process?
Answer:
-The 501(c)3 application can be found at IRS.gov – Getting a non-profit status will require you to set up a board of directors and bylaws – there are many sample of bylaws you can find on the internet. The application approval process can take anywhere from 4 months to 6 months. Now remember this is the structure from the IRS (federal), you will have to file your non-profit paperwork with the state you are serving. Once you get the 501(c)3 then you can apply for foundation grants
Question:
How can I get a grant for my the kids in my Youth to help teach them work skills by having a monthly sit down dinner
Answer:
Do you have a 501©3 non-profit status? If you do, then you are eligible to receive grants from foundations. I think the concept you are describing is using a sit down dinner as a means to teach job skills. If that is the case, then you would need to have curriculum that would incorporate the particular job skills you want the kids to receive – there are non-profits that have some experience matching culinary skills to workforce skills and then afterward the participants are put into jobs that utilize these skills here is a website address that gives good information on – how they did it Once you establish a curriculum plan with goals/objectives/measurable outcomes then you are ready to go forward to see which funding stream best meets your need. If this is the first time your organization will receive a grant – start with the local foundations in your area – research their missions, guidelines and see which best fits your concept. Most of the foundations that I have seen have very minor applications, some require a Letter of Inquiry first to determine if your concept really does fit their mission – then you are invited to submit the full application; however, all require you to submit a copy of your 501©3 certification and financial documentation; i.e. audit, tax returns.
Question:
I am looking for a grant but all I can find online is scams that want you to get their free disc for shipping cost. I HAVE TRIED THEM AND THEY HAVE TAKEN LOTS OF MONEY OUT OF MY ACCOUNT LEAVING ME BROKE. All I want to do is apply for a grant. Basically I need a grant to add on to my house with a couple extra bedrooms for the children I am adopting and I would like to add an office and get rid of debt so I can take over my husbands electrical business allowing me to work from home. Is there anything you can help me with?
Answer:
Yeah, there are a lot of scammers out there – there are grants for housing rehab but they are based on income qualifying – the monies come from HUD and for the most part are placed in the hands of cities and counties to administrate. A lot of the funds are what are termed forgivable loans – where you live in the home for a certain amount of time and the loan is forgiven – but like I said these are based on income qualifying (80% below Medium Family Income for your area) – what town or city do you live in -check the housing programs – a lot of time they list the programs on their websites. Another opportunity is the State – here in Texas the state offers several housing grants and forgivable loan programs. The Federal Home Loan Program also has some affordable housing rehab grants – again, these are based on income qualifying and are administered by affordable housing entities.
Question:
My wife and I are interested in starting a nonprofit, how hard is it to get grants for a new nonprofit. Also can you give me the titles for the board of directors and the officers?
Answer:
New non-profits have a difficult time getting grants from Foundations that give to the entire United States – the local foundations – those that just give to your area are a little less competitive – they are also more willing to work with a new non-profit.
When you start a non-profit – you will have a Board of Directors – the number is determined by each non-profit – the Officers of the Board are the ones who hold office – President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer… – the officers positions and appointments… are determined by the
Organization’s by-laws
Question:
I am on the board of a not-for-profit martial arts school, The Martial Arts Center has approximately 60 members and has been in operation in one form or another for over 30 years. Along with so many others, we are experiencing a very difficult financial situation. The president does not draw a salary and is also the landlord of the building we use. If this weren’t the case, our situation would be even more grim. Have you ever heard of a grant being available for our type of school?
Answer:
The key is trying to fix your project to meet the funding streams – example – there are summer programs for youth that want the kids to learn job skills and workforce behavior…if you can adjust your program to provide these outcomes then your program will meet the funding stream expectation and have a better chance to get funded. Is there a possibility that you can talk to the city Park and Recreation Department, a lot of times they offer youth programs. Partnering with other organizations like the Boys Club, Girls Club…may also provide funding options.
Question:
I’m looking for a grant to start a business but don’t want to subscribe to any grant kits that are for sale on the web.
Answer:
That is good – do not subscribe because every grant is different – I am also sorry to say there are not grants to start a business – the Small Business Administration (SBA) does help with loans – it is in their website – you do have to have a business plan – there are sample business plans in the SBA website – the loans are actually done by local banks – the SBA “co-signs” you loan for up to 80% – but your business plan has to show how you are going to repay the loan – this is based on cash flow projections -how much you are projecting to make each week, month…
In some areas there is a program called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) these are grants that are awarded to non-profits and they administer the fund – you would go through business workshops and put at least $1,000 into a account (you have to sign and they have to sign) and the non-profit would match your $1,000.00 with $2.000.00 – giving you $3,000.00 to start