Category Archives: opportunity

Don’t Let Opportunity Slip Away

The charter member rate for membership in the GrantGoddess.com Member Site expires in 7 days (January 31, 2010). Those of you who follow our blog know that I do not use it as forum for selling stuff.  We’re pretty committed to keeping it as a useful resource for you.  However, I’m breaking my own rule in this case because of the incredible opportunity that will have passed you by if you miss the charter member rate.

We just launched the new website and the member site earlier this month.  We’re offering membership for January ONLY at a ridiculously reduced rate of $5.95 per month (or $59 per year).  On February 1, the rate goes up to $9.99 per month, and in June, it will go up again to $19.99 per month. 

But those who join now at the charter member rate will never see an increase in their membership.  Never.

For just about the price of a Venti Mocha you can have access to an abundance of grant resources, tips, and training – and the collection of resources is growing every day.

So, do yourself a favor and take a look at everything that you get for your membership.

One more thing……On February 1, we’ll be holding a drawing.  One of our charter members will receive a FREE annual membership.  That’s right.  Join at the really low charter rate and win a chance to get a year free.  You can’t beat that.

If you have any questions, just ask.

Don’t Let Opportunity Slip Away

The charter member rate for membership in the GrantGoddess.com Member Site expires in 7 days (January 31, 2010). Those of you who follow our blog know that I do not use it as forum for selling stuff.  We’re pretty committed to keeping it as a useful resource for you.  However, I’m breaking my own rule in this case because of the incredible opportunity that will have passed you by if you miss the charter member rate.

We just launched the new website and the member site earlier this month.  We’re offering membership for January ONLY at a ridiculously reduced rate of $5.95 per month (or $59 per year).  On February 1, the rate goes up to $9.99 per month, and in June, it will go up again to $19.99 per month. 

But those who join now at the charter member rate will never see an increase in their membership.  Never.

For just about the price of a Venti Mocha you can have access to an abundance of grant resources, tips, and training – and the collection of resources is growing every day.

So, do yourself a favor and take a look at everything that you get for your membership.

One more thing……On February 1, we’ll be holding a drawing.  One of our charter members will receive a FREE annual membership.  That’s right.  Join at the really low charter rate and win a chance to get a year free.  You can’t beat that.

If you have any questions, just ask.

Published by Creative Resources & Research http://grantgoddess.com

Grant Opportunities in Tough Economic Times – Separating Myth from Reality

It’s hard to escape messages about the troubled state of the economy these days. On television, the radio, even in casual conversations on the street, it seems like everyone is talking about difficult economic conditions and the dismal prospects for the next few years. I have had several conversations about grant writing with folks in the last few days, and the theme I hear is the same – “There probably won’t be any good grants out this year because of the economy.” Well, that is not necessarily so.

Let’s separate some myth from reality:

Myth – A downturn in the economy always means fewer grant opportunities. This is just not so. There are many factors that affect the availability of grant opportunities.

Myth – There will not be any grant applications out this year. Not so. I already have the scoop on several RFPs that are in the editing process and on their way out. Keep your eyes open.

Myth – The change in presidential administration will mean fewer grant opportunities. Again, this is not necessarily so. In fact, Democratic administrations historically have favored discretionary grant opportunities as a way of distributing funds, particularly for programs for disadvantaged youth. Republican administrations prefer direct grants to states, but they have never eliminated discretionary grant competitions completely (case in point, haven’t there been a bunch of federal grants available in the last eight years?).

Reality – We are going through an economic rough patch and this will have some effect of federal and state budgets. Indeed, it has already had some effect on grant funding. It is unclear, though, exactly what the full impact will be.

Reality – With a change in presidential administration, there are many uncertainties in the grant world. So, we have to watch and wait a bit. What’s new?

Reality – Most economic downturns don’t last more than a year or two.

Reality – When economic times are hard, grant opportunities have historically been one way that government officials have chosen to distribute limited funds.

So, let’s all stay calm. Be patient. There will be grant opportunities available this year – and next year, too. We just need to be prepared for change and ready to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Do your grant planning as you would in any other year, and watch for the right opportunities for your organization to become available.

Are you ready?

Grant Opportunities in Tough Economic Times – Separating Myth from Reality

It’s hard to escape messages about the troubled state of the economy these days. On television, the radio, even in casual conversations on the street, it seems like everyone is talking about difficult economic conditions and the dismal prospects for the next few years. I have had several conversations about grant writing with folks in the last few days, and the theme I hear is the same – “There probably won’t be any good grants out this year because of the economy.” Well, that is not necessarily so.

Let’s separate some myth from reality:

Myth – A downturn in the economy always means fewer grant opportunities. This is just not so. There are many factors that affect the availability of grant opportunities.

Myth – There will not be any grant applications out this year. Not so. I already have the scoop on several RFPs that are in the editing process and on their way out. Keep your eyes open.

Myth – The change in presidential administration will mean fewer grant opportunities. Again, this is not necessarily so. In fact, Democratic administrations historically have favored discretionary grant opportunities as a way of distributing funds, particularly for programs for disadvantaged youth. Republican administrations prefer direct grants to states, but they have never eliminated discretionary grant competitions completely (case in point, haven’t there been a bunch of federal grants available in the last eight years?).

Reality – We are going through an economic rough patch and this will have some effect of federal and state budgets. Indeed, it has already had some effect on grant funding. It is unclear, though, exactly what the full impact will be.

Reality – With a change in presidential administration, there are many uncertainties in the grant world. So, we have to watch and wait a bit. What’s new?

Reality – Most economic downturns don’t last more than a year or two.

Reality – When economic times are hard, grant opportunities have historically been one way that government officials have chosen to distribute limited funds.

So, let’s all stay calm. Be patient. There will be grant opportunities available this year – and next year, too. We just need to be prepared for change and ready to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Do your grant planning as you would in any other year, and watch for the right opportunities for your organization to become available.

Are you ready?

Published by Creative Resources & Research http://grantgoddess.com

Opportunity All Around

This is a really interesting and different year for us.

On the one hand, we keep hearing terrible news of doom and gloom about the economy. Organizational budgets are being cut like crazy and people are nervous. Some are downright scared. In California, schools are looking at budget cuts amounting to over $500 million. That’s a lot of books, pencils, and teachers. I heard on the news yesterday that there may be 100,000 Californian teachers laid off over the next couple of years. Wow! I know a lot of teachers, and that number staggers me.

On the other hand, it spite of this, we are having one of our busiest grant writing seasons in years. There are so many opportunities with deadlines coming so close together that we can’t take advantage of them all. It’s a real shame. In addition, we’re seeing clients turn down opportunities that are perfect for them because they are either a) overwhelmed and busy, or b) so focused on budget cuts and scarcity that they can’t see the opportunity clearly. I actually heard someone say to me, “We can’t apply for a grant right now. We have to cut $2,000,000 from our budget!”

Huh?

It’s really frustrating when people are so overwhelmed and afraid that they just can’t see the possibilities. They call it “trying to focus,” but it’s just another way of saying that they just can’t handle one more thing. They just can’t take the chance that they might get more bad news (competing for grants is a risk, I know).

I really wish I could help them see that there is opportunity all around. You just have to adjust your vision so you can see it. You have to look at opportunities with an entrepreneurial mindset, not from a position of fear and lack. I’ll be talking more about this in future posts.

Opportunity presents itself in your life (and to your organization) in lots of ways. Sometimes, it’s in the form of a grant or some other new source of funds. Sometimes it’s in the form of a partnership. I had a great conversation today with the owner of http://www.4point0schools.com/. We’re developing a partnership to work together on some data analysis and evaluation projects. It’s a win-win proposition and who knows what it could lead to in the future for both of us. If I were only looking for cash, I would have missed it.

Is your vision so narrowly focused that you are missing many opportunities that might make a huge difference for you? Or are you open enough to see and hear opportunity when it knocks?

Opportunity All Around

This is a really interesting and different year for us.

On the one hand, we keep hearing terrible news of doom and gloom about the economy. Organizational budgets are being cut like crazy and people are nervous. Some are downright scared. In California, schools are looking at budget cuts amounting to over $500 million. That’s a lot of books, pencils, and teachers. I heard on the news yesterday that there may be 100,000 Californian teachers laid off over the next couple of years. Wow! I know a lot of teachers, and that number staggers me.

On the other hand, it spite of this, we are having one of our busiest grant writing seasons in years. There are so many opportunities with deadlines coming so close together that we can’t take advantage of them all. It’s a real shame. In addition, we’re seeing clients turn down opportunities that are perfect for them because they are either a) overwhelmed and busy, or b) so focused on budget cuts and scarcity that they can’t see the opportunity clearly. I actually heard someone say to me, “We can’t apply for a grant right now. We have to cut $2,000,000 from our budget!”

Huh?

It’s really frustrating when people are so overwhelmed and afraid that they just can’t see the possibilities. They call it “trying to focus,” but it’s just another way of saying that they just can’t handle one more thing. They just can’t take the chance that they might get more bad news (competing for grants is a risk, I know).

I really wish I could help them see that there is opportunity all around. You just have to adjust your vision so you can see it. You have to look at opportunities with an entrepreneurial mindset, not from a position of fear and lack. I’ll be talking more about this in future posts.

Opportunity presents itself in your life (and to your organization) in lots of ways. Sometimes, it’s in the form of a grant or some other new source of funds. Sometimes it’s in the form of a partnership. I had a great conversation today with the owner of http://www.4point0schools.com/. We’re developing a partnership to work together on some data analysis and evaluation projects. It’s a win-win proposition and who knows what it could lead to in the future for both of us. If I were only looking for cash, I would have missed it.

Is your vision so narrowly focused that you are missing many opportunities that might make a huge difference for you? Or are you open enough to see and hear opportunity when it knocks?

Published by Creative Resources & Research http://grantgoddess.com

A personal note from the Grant Goddess….

Grant writing is no mystery. It just takes some planning and attention to detail. Of course, one of the most common arguments I hear from people about why they choose not to apply for grant funding is that they don’t have time. I know exactly what they are talking about! We all seem to be busier than ever. However, there are some opportunities that you just can’t afford to pass up.

Mini-grants are a wonderful opportunity to sharpen your grant writing skills without spending hours and hours developing a lengthy proposal. Can you think of anything positive you could do with $500? How about $1,000? Or $5,000? Try your hand at writing a mini-grant or two. Starbucks gives grants between $5,000 and $20,000 and the application is surprisingly simple. New guidelines will be released in early 2008, so be sure to watch the website. Target Foundation grants are another great opportunity for a small project. Check the Target website in January and February. They accept applications between February 1 and October 1 of each year. It is highly recommended that you apply early in the funding window because once the funds are gone no more grants will be awarded. Check with other department stores and businesses to see what grants and/or corporate giving opportunities are available in your local area.

A personal note from the Grant Goddess….

Grant writing is no mystery. It just takes some planning and attention to detail. Of course, one of the most common arguments I hear from people about why they choose not to apply for grant funding is that they don’t have time. I know exactly what they are talking about! We all seem to be busier than ever. However, there are some opportunities that you just can’t afford to pass up.

Mini-grants are a wonderful opportunity to sharpen your grant writing skills without spending hours and hours developing a lengthy proposal. Can you think of anything positive you could do with $500? How about $1,000? Or $5,000? Try your hand at writing a mini-grant or two. Starbucks gives grants between $5,000 and $20,000 and the application is surprisingly simple. New guidelines will be released in early 2008, so be sure to watch the website. Target Foundation grants are another great opportunity for a small project. Check the Target website in January and February. They accept applications between February 1 and October 1 of each year. It is highly recommended that you apply early in the funding window because once the funds are gone no more grants will be awarded. Check with other department stores and businesses to see what grants and/or corporate giving opportunities are available in your local area.

Published by Creative Resources & Research http://grantgoddess.com