How to Find Free Money

Discover the trick to getting some of the millions of dollars available each year for different projects and groups.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use the internet to research grants available in your area by searching for key phrases like "grants for writing in California" and use your own location.

2. Check out the reference tools in your local library that offer listings of foundations and organizations that offer grants.

3. Use the Foundation Directory Online to narrow the number of organizations that you should contact.

4. Click through the different government websites (state and federal) that are designed specifically for grants.

5. Read the guidelines of each grant that you are considering and follow those particular guidelines.

6. Invest in a book on grant writing (or check some out from the local library). You will want some that offer examples of other grant proposals.

7. Let your creative juices flow and create a narrative proposal that presents the dire situation you are trying to fund. Be blunt but do be truthful.

8. Enlist a friend or associate to check the spelling and grammar of your proposal.

9. Read the requirements of each grant you are considering. Many (particularly government grants) require a portion of matching funds that will have to be raised apart from the grant money.

10. Be bold in asking for funding. The very worse that can happen is that you will be turned down.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not comfortable writing the creative narrative portion of the grant then you should consider hiring a grants writer to assist in the matter. Some are willing to take an upfront fee for services and also a percentage of received grants (that will be written into the proposal).