Resources for Grants, Scholarships, Financial Aid and School Loans
TEACHERS | GRANTS | SCHOOL LOANS | ONLINE CLASS | FREE EDUCATION | EDUCATIONAL LOANS | FINANCIAL AID | SCHOLARSHIPS
1. Grants -
Resources for grants, scholarships, financial aid and school loans.
2. Government Funding Resources
Sponsored Programs Information Network, National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital
Technologies, Investing in Innovation, The Registry i3 - MANY MORE GRANTS
3. Education Grants, Scholarships & Loans
4. Funding Your Education + State Agency Phone Numbers for Student Financial Aid
What college aid is available?
provides information about all our programs and links to other helpful resources.Basics of paying for college, the kinds of help available, and getting the most for your money
Am I eligible?
Early estimate of how much aid you might be eligible for. It also explains the basics of the federal student aid programs and the application process. You must meet the same eligibility requirements to receive aid from any of the federal student aid programs.
How do I apply?
You can apply for federal student aid online using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many schools also use this information for state and school aid. Check with your school to see if they have other application procedures.
5. Federal Dept of Ed Tech Grants
6. Grants For Women and Girls
7. Scholarship Opportunities
8. Arts Grants
9. Give or Get Free Computers
10. Resources for Women Entrepreueurs
GRANTSALERT.COM
Help America's K-12 teachers and schools find the funding they need to educate our children. We research,
identify and share information on available grants for K-12 teachers and schools. Programs that directly
or
indirectly benefit our schools will also find funding opportunities here.
HHSGov is a big investor in rural areas. Search TAGGS to find out what's happening in your state. HHS' Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
Technology Innovation Challenge Grants
Literacy Language and Reading School Grants
NEH Grants Available, Save America's Treasures
Folklife Grants, Research Projects and Folklife
Online Tools help you apply to college
Grants, Scholarships, Financial Aid and School Loans
VIDEO Over the past 20 years, federal investment in higher education has decreased significantly. The maximum Pell Grant award used to cover over 60% of the average tuition and fees. HIGHER EDUCATION AID Today, the average award covers just 33% of those cost. Student loans, both federal and private, represent a much greater percentage of a student's financial aid package. In the past year alone, we have seen the largest cuts in the history of the student loan program, totaling $12.7 billion and the average Pell Grant award has decreased approximately $120.
Publicly available data sources, to examine (1) how much states and districts received in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) K-12 education funds and (2) whether and how the distribution of funds varied by key characteristics.
GET A FREE EDUCATION ON THE INTERNET
File a complaint with the FTC. If you think you may have been a victim of a government grant scam. The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a new video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
- MODEST NEEDS AND NO WHERE ELSE TO TURN
- DONORS CHOOSE Teachers Ask, You Choose, Students Learn, micro-philanthropic integration.
- The Federal Government Eligibility Provides grants and in-kind services for people in need, jobless people, Part time workers and people with less income Funds are offered on short and long-term basis. According to specific personal needs this category comprises diverse programs like Purchase of a new home, renovation, world tour, Purchase of car etc.
- Search through Government Grants - Overview Find Grant Opportunities 1-800-518-4726
- Explore Government Documents
- Government Benefits
- Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance from GPO, call the Superintendent of Documents at 202-512-1800 or toll free 1-866-606-8220 or you may reach GPO's on-line bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov. This is for buisness contractors to get gov't jobs Type of Assistance Offered - see the guide
- Benifits.gov Services are available to individuals seeking a job or developing work skills. Services include job search assistance, referral and placement assistance, reemployment services to unemployment insurance claimants, labor market information, and individual skills assessments.
- The Foundation Directory
Online is a fully searchable database that includes detailed profiles of all active U.S.
foundations, as well as an extensive file of recent grants awarded by the nation's top funders. And
the Foundation Grants to
Individuals Online is a directory of grants available to individuals. Library/Tutorial
Find Your Local Library who provides visitors with free public access to grantmaker directories, books on fundraising and nonprofit management, and the Foundation Center's electronic database. - Unclaimed Money Search
How to Apply for Government Grants : Step-by-Step Guide
Government Grant Search + Grant Pre-Application + Guide to Government Grants and Loans. Grant Search Software + 6,000 Page Database + Pre-Application Wizard + Guide to Federal Funding Download and install Federal Money Retriever®
Business & Finance :: Finance Tools,Grants and Loans,Foundation Grants and Loans,Non-profit
organizations Grants and Loans,Grants and Loans for Individuals from GrantGate® from
http://www.idilogic.com
1. Make a list of all government programs matching your needs as an applicant.
Federal Money Retriever® offers various ways of creating lists of government programs corresponding to
the
needs of the user. See How to Search and Create Lists of Programs.
Use the Browse by Single Program Section option for the Official Program Report to quickly look up
specific
sections of the government programs' descriptions.
A review of the Program Objectives and Uses, Restrictions sections can point out which programs might
provide funding for an idea. Do not overlook the Related Programs as potential resources.
Keep in mind that both the applicant and the grantor agency should have the same interests, intentions,
and
needs if a project (or a funding request) is to be considered an acceptable candidate for funding or
assistance.
Carefully study the Eligibility Requirements for each government program. You may learn that you will be
required to provide services otherwise unintended such as a service to particular client groups, or
involvement of specific institutions. This may necessitate the modification of your original concept in
order for your project to be eligible for funding.
Check for application deadlines (if any) in the Application and Award Process heading. Deadlines for
submitting applications are often not negotiable. They are usually associated with strict timetables for
agency review. Some programs have more than one application deadline during the fiscal year.
2. Prepare and mail a pre-application inquiry letter and project info-sheet.
Basic requirements, application forms, information and procedures vary with the government agency making
the
grant award. It is important to confirm application deadlines, funding availability, and the application
process used by the grantor agency before engaging into the time consuming process of developing the final
grant applications (proposals).It is strongly recommended to prepare and mail a Pre-Application.
3. Establish a good contact with program administrators.
Once you receive a response to your pre-application inquiry, get to know some of the grantor agency
personnel. Ask again for suggestions, criticisms, and advice about the proposed project. In many cases,
the
more agency personnel know about the project, the better the chance of support and of an eventual
favorable
decision. A personal visit to the agency's regional office or headquarters is also important. A visit
not only establishes face-to-face contact, but also may bring out some essential details about the
proposal
or help secure literature and references from the agency's library. If the response to your inquiry is
unfavorable and differences cannot be resolved, ask the examining agency (official) to suggest another
department or agency which may be interested in your project.
4. Prepare a grant application (proposal).
Federal Money Retriever® software allows you to prepare a request for samples of awarded grant proposals
for
given government program. You can use a recently funded grant proposal as an example of effective proposal
writing and as a source of useful information and guide. A successful grant proposal is one that is
well-prepared, thoughtfully planned, and concisely packaged.
How To Write a Succesfull Government Grant Proposal
A successful grant proposal is one that is well-prepared, thoughtfully planned, and concisely packaged.
The
potential applicant should become familiar with all of the pertinent program criteria related to the
federal
program from which assistance is sought. Applicants should remember that the basic requirements,
application
forms, information and procedures vary with the Federal agency making the grant award. See Pre-Application
Wizard. Individuals without prior grant proposal writing experience may find it useful to attend a
grantsmanship workshop. A workshop can amplify the basic information presented here. Applicants interested
in additional readings on grantsmanship and proposal development should consult the references listed in
Guidelines and Literature and explore other library resources.
Developing Ideas for the Proposal
When developing an idea for a proposal it is important to determine if the idea has been considered in the
applicant's locality or State. A careful check should be made with legislators and area government
agencies and related public and private agencies which may currently have grant awards or contracts to do
similar work. If a similar program already exists, the applicant may need to reconsider submitting the
proposed project, particularly if duplication of effort is perceived. If significant differences or
improvements in the proposed project's goals can be clearly established, it may be worthwhile to
pursue
Federal assistance.
Community support for most proposals is essential. Once proposal summary is developed,
look
for individuals or groups representing academic, political, professional, and lay organizations which may
be
willing to support the proposal in writing. The type and caliber of community support is critical in the
initial and subsequent review phases. Numerous letters of support can be persuasive to a grantor agency.
Do
not overlook support from local government agencies and public officials. Letters of endorsement detailing
exact areas of project sanction and commitment are often requested as part of a proposal to a Federal
agency. Several months may be required to develop letters of endorsement since something of value (e.g.,
buildings, staff, services) is sometimes negotiated between the parties involved.
Many agencies require, in writing, affiliation agreements (a mutual agreement to share services between
agencies) and building space commitments prior to either grant approval or award. A useful method of
generating community support may be to hold meetings with the top decision makers in the community who
would
be concerned with the subject matter of the proposal. The forum for discussion may include a query into
the
merits of the proposal, development of a contract of support for the proposal, to generate data in support
of the proposal, or development of a strategy to create proposal support from a large number of community
groups.
Getting Organized to Write the Proposal
Throughout the proposal writing stage keep a notebook handy to write down ideas. Periodically, try to
connect ideas by reviewing the notebook. Never throw away written ideas during the grant writing stage.
Maintain a file labeled "Ideas" or by some other convenient title and review the ideas from time
to time. The file should be easily accessible. The gathering of documents such as articles of
incorporation,
tax exemption certificates, and bylaws should be completed, if possible, before the writing begins.
Criticism
At some point, perhaps after the first or second draft is completed, seek out a neutral third party to
review the proposal working draft for continuity, clarity and reasoning. Ask for constructive criticism at
this point, rather than wait for the Federal grantor agency to volunteer this information during the
review
cycle. For example, has the writer made unsupported assumptions or used jargon or excessive language in
the
proposal?
Signature
Most proposals are made to institutions rather than individuals. Often signatures of chief administrative
officials are required. Check to make sure they are included in the proposal where appropriate.
Neatness
Proposals should be typed, collated, copied, and packaged correctly and neatly (according to agency
instructions, if any). Each package should be inspected to ensure uniformity from cover to cover. Binding
may require either clamps or hard covers. Check with the Federal agency to determine its preference. A
neat,
organized, and attractive proposal package can leave a positive impression with the reader about the
proposal contents.
Mailing
A cover letter should always accompany a proposal. Standard U.S. Postal Service requirements apply unless
otherwise indicated by the Federal agency. Make sure there is enough time for the proposals to reach their
destinations. Otherwise, special arrangements may be necessary. Always coordinate such arrangements with
the
Federal grantor agency project office (the agency which will ultimately have the responsibility for the
project), the grant office (the agency which will coordinate the grant review), and the contract office
(the
agency responsible for disbursement and grant award notices), if necessary.
There are 8 basic components to creating a solid government grant proposal package:
1. The Proposal Summary: Outline of Project Goals
2. Introduction: Presenting a Credible Applicant or Organization
3. The Problem Statement: Stating the Purpose at Hand
4. Project Objectives: Goals and Desired Outcome
5. Program Methods and Program Design: A Plan of Action
6. Evaluation: Product and Process Analysis
7. Future Funding: Long-Term Project Planning
8. The Proposal Budget: Planning the Budget
The Proposal Summary: Outline of Project Goals
The proposal summary outlines the proposed project and should appear at the beginning of the proposal. It
could be in the form of a cover letter or a separate page, but should definitely be brief -- no longer
than
two or three paragraphs. The summary would be most useful if it were prepared after the proposal has been
developed in order to encompass all the key summary points necessary to communicate the objectives of the
project. It is this document that becomes the cornerstone of your proposal, and the initial impression it
gives will be critical to the success of your venture. In many cases, the summary will be the first part
of
the proposal package seen by agency officials and very possibly could be the only part of the package that
is carefully reviewed before the decision is made to consider the project any further.
The applicant must select a fundable project which can be supported in view of the local need.
Alternatives,
in the absence of Federal support, should be pointed out. The influence of the project both during and
after
the project period should be explained. The consequences of the project as a result of funding should be
highlighted.
Introduction: Presenting a Credible Applicant or Organization
The applicant should gather data about its organization from all available sources. Most proposals require a description of an applicant's organization to describe its past and present operations. Some features to consider are:
* A brief biography of board members and key staff members.
* The organization's goals, philosophy, track record with other grantors, and any success
stories.
* The data should be relevant to the goals of the Federal grantor agency and should establish the
applicant's credibility.
The Problem Statement: Stating the Purpose at Hand
The problem statement (or needs assessment) is a key element of a proposal that makes a clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed. The best way to collect information about the problem is to conduct and document both a formal and informal needs assessment for a program in the target or service area. The information provided should be both factual and directly related to the problem addressed by the proposal. Areas to document are:
* The purpose for developing the proposal.
* The beneficiaries -- who are they and how will they benefit.
* The social and economic costs to be affected.
* The nature of the problem (provide as much hard evidence as possible).
* How the applicant organization came to realize the problem exists, and what is currently being done
about
the problem.
The remaining alternatives available when funding has been exhausted. Explain what will happen to the
project and the impending implications.Most importantly, the specific manner through which problems might
be
solved. Review the resources needed, considering how they will be used and to what end.
There is a considerable body of literature on the exact assessment techniques to be used. Any local,
regional, or State government planning office, or local university offering course work in planning and
evaluation techniques should be able to provide excellent background references. Types of data that may be
collected include: historical, geographic, quantitative, factual, statistical, and philosophical
information, as well as studies completed by colleges, and literature searches from public or university
libraries. Local colleges or universities which have a department or section related to the proposal topic
may help determine if there is interest in developing a student or faculty project to conduct a needs
assessment. It may be helpful to include examples of the findings for highlighting in the proposal.
Project Objectives: Goals and Desired Outcome
Program objectives refer to specific activities in a proposal. It is necessary to identify all objectives related to the goals to be reached, and the methods to be employed to achieve the stated objectives. Consider quantities or things measurable and refer to a problem statement and the outcome of proposed activities when developing a well-stated objective. The figures used should be verifiable. Remember, if the proposal is funded, the stated objectives will probably be used to evaluate program progress, so be realistic. There is literature available to help identify and write program objectives.
Program Methods and Program Design: A Plan of Action
The program design refers to how the project is expected to work and solve the stated problem. Sketch out
the following:
The activities to occur along with the related resources and staff needed to operate the project (inputs).
A flow chart of the organizational features of the project. Describe how the parts interrelate, where personnel will be needed, and what they are expected to do. Identify the kinds of facilities, transportation, and support services required (throughputs).
Explain what will be achieved through 1 and 2 above (outputs); i.e., plan for measurable results. Project staff may be required to produce evidence of program performance through an examination of stated objectives during either a site visit by the Federal grantor agency and or grant reviews which may involve peer review committees.
It may be useful to devise a diagram of the program design. For example, draw a three column block. Each
column is headed by one of the parts (inputs, throughputs and outputs), and on the left (next to the first
column) specific program features should be identified (i.e., implementation, staffing, procurement, and
systems development). In the grid, specify something about the program design, for example, assume the
first
column is labeled inputs and the first row is labeled staff. On the grid one might specify under inputs
five
nurses to operate a child care unit. The throughput might be to maintain charts, counsel the children, and
set up a daily routine; outputs might be to discharge 25 healthy children per week. This type of procedure
will help to conceptualize both the scope and detail of the project.
Wherever possible, justify in the narrative the course of action taken. The most economical method should
be
used that does not compromise or sacrifice project quality. The financial expenses associated with
performance of the project will later become points of negotiation with the Federal program staff. If
everything is not carefully justified in writing in the proposal, after negotiation with the Federal
grantor
agencies, the approved project may resemble less of the original concept. Carefully consider the pressures
of the proposed implementation, that is, the time and money needed to acquire each part of the plan. A
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) chart could be useful and supportive in justifying some
proposals.
Highlight the innovative features of the proposal which could be considered distinct from other proposals under consideration.
Whenever possible, use appendices to provide details, supplementary data, references, and information requiring in-depth analysis. These types of data, although supportive of the proposal, if included in the body of the design, could detract from its readability. Appendices provide the proposal reader with immediate access to details if and when clarification of an idea, sequence or conclusion is required. Time tables, work plans, schedules, activities, methodologies, legal papers, personal vitae, letters of support, and endorsements are examples of appendices.
Evaluation: Product and Process Analysis
The evaluation component is two-fold: (1) product evaluation; and (2) process evaluation. Product
evaluation addresses results that can be attributed to the project, as well as the extent to which the
project has satisfied its desired objectives. Process evaluation addresses how the project was conducted,
in
terms of consistency with the stated plan of action and the effectiveness of the various activities within
the plan.
Most Federal agencies now require some form of program evaluation among grantees. The requirements of the
proposed project should be explored carefully. Evaluations may be conducted by an internal staff member,
an
evaluation firm or both. The applicant should state the amount of time needed to evaluate, how the
feedback
will be distributed among the proposed staff, and a schedule for review and comment for this type of
communication. Evaluation designs may start at the beginning, middle or end of a project, but the
applicant
should specify a start-up time. It is practical to submit an evaluation design at the start of a project
for
two reasons:
Convincing evaluations require the collection of appropriate data before and during program operations;
and,
If the evaluation design cannot be prepared at the outset then a critical review of the program design may
be advisable.
Even if the evaluation design has to be revised as the project progresses, it is much easier and cheaper
to
modify a good design. If the problem is not well defined and carefully analyzed for cause and effect
relationships then a good evaluation design may be difficult to achieve. Sometimes a pilot study is needed
to begin the identification of facts and relationships. Often a thorough literature search may be
sufficient.
Evaluation requires both coordination and agreement among program decision makers (if known). Above all,
the
Federal grantor agency's requirements should be highlighted in the evaluation design. Also, Federal
grantor agencies may require specific evaluation techniques such as designated data formats (an existing
information collection system) or they may offer financial inducements for voluntary participation in a
national evaluation study. The applicant should ask specifically about these points. Also, consult the
Criteria For Selecting Proposals section of the program description to determine the exact evaluation
methods to be required for the program if funded.
Future Funding: Long-Term Project Planning
Describe a plan for continuation beyond the grant period, and/or the availability of other resources necessary to implement the grant. Discuss maintenance and future program funding if program is for construction activity. Account for other needed expenditures if program includes purchase of equipment.
The Proposal Budget: Planning the Budget
Funding levels in Federal assistance programs change yearly. It is useful to review the appropriations
over
the past several years to try to project future funding levels (see Financial Information section of the
program description).
However, it is safer to never anticipate that the income from the grant will be the sole support for the
project. This consideration should be given to the overall budget requirements, and in particular, to
budget
line items most subject to inflationary pressures. Restraint is important in determining inflationary cost
projections (avoid padding budget line items), but attempt to anticipate possible future increases.
Some vulnerable budget areas are: utilities, rental of buildings and equipment, salary increases, food,
telephones, insurance, and transportation. Budget adjustments are sometimes made after the grant award,
but
this can be a lengthy process. Be certain that implementation, continuation and phase-down costs can be
met.
Consider costs associated with leases, evaluation systems, hard/soft match requirements, audits,
development, implementation and maintenance of information and accounting systems, and other long-term
financial commitments.
A well-prepared budget justifies all expenses and is consistent with the proposal narrative. Some areas in
need of an evaluation for consistency are: (1) the salaries in the proposal in relation to those of the
applicant organization should be similar; (2) if new staff persons are being hired, additional space and
equipment should be considered, as necessary; (3) if the budget calls for an equipment purchase, it should
be the type allowed by the grantor agency; (4) if additional space is rented, the increase in insurance
should be supported; (5) if an indirect cost rate applies to the proposal, the division between direct and
indirect costs should not be in conflict, and the aggregate budget totals should refer directly to the
approved formula; and (6) if matching costs are required, the contributions to the matching fund should be
taken out of the budget unless otherwise specified in the application instructions.
It is very important to become familiar with Government-wide circular requirements. The applicant should
thoroughly review the appropriate circulars since they are essential in determining items such as cost
principles and conforming with Government guidelines for Federal domestic assistance.
The Federal Register
The Federal Register, published daily, is the medium for making available to the public Federal agency
regulations and other legal documents of the Executive Branch. These documents cover a wide range of
government activities. Here, government requirements are published which involve environmental protection,
consumer product safety, food and drug standards, occupational health and safety, and many more areas of
concern to the public.
Perhaps more importantly, the Federal Register includes proposed changes in regulated areas. Each proposed
change published carries an invitation for any citizen or group to participate in the consideration of the
proposed regulation through the submission of written data, views, or arguments, and sometimes by oral
presentations. Through the publication of proposed rules and notices of public meetings, citizens are
given
the opportunity to be informed about and participate in the workings of their government. The Federal
Register is also a vehicle for the announcement of newly authorized and/or funded programs.
The Federal Register Index is based on a consolidation of entries appearing in the issues of the Federal
Register together with broad references. It is published monthly and is cumulated for 12 months.
Additional Federal Register resources include:
Statistical Abstract of the United States
Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents
The Federal Register: What It Is and How To Use It
All Federal Register publications may be purchased from:
Superintendent of Documents
U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, DC 20402