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Environmental Consulting Agency Newsletter - Grants
February 25, 2010
by Terrence Gellenbeck

In these difficult economic times, finding funding to put your ideas to work, maintain what you have, improve and grow, or even for a one time project is very difficult. One of those ways to fully fund or more likely partially fund is through grants. The Environmental Consulting Agency (ECA) can help.

Up until a year or so ago, funding existed through government agencies, but, short of the federal government, those sources have disappeared. But that doesn't mean that all of the money is gone. There are many other sources of funds as well through private business, through educational institutions and through various private foundations.

There are a few things you need to put together before searching for grant funding sources.

1. Know what it is you want to do. Doing this allows you to match up with the right grant. "I want to start a business" isn't enough. What type of business? Do you have a business plan? Do you know anything about that industry?

2. Know how much you want to ask for. Give yourself leeway. Be able to truthfully answer this question… What's the most I want to ask for? What's the least I would accept to do the project?

3. If the grant requires a matching funding source, do you have one? Are you willing to match your time and talent? Do you have the insurance requirements that are often asked for? Would you consider having partners in the project?

4. Do I want to share this project with the grantee? Meaning that sometimes, you'll have share the idea with the granting agency and its members.

5. Is my project sustainable after the grant? Many grants won't allow you to pay for indirect costs such as utilities or people or travel. Do you have enough money to keep going if the grant pays say for a baler or a piece of machinery?

6.Are you a good report writer? Can you keep the documentation that's sometimes required monthly, quarterly and annually?

7. And ask yourself this question, if I had this money to give out, would I give it to someone that had my idea?

Grants often sound so easy to get and to use. But there's no "free" money. Approach grant writing as if you are getting a partner in your business, much like a loan, but without the banker. Be ready for disappointment as you'll need to submit several times before you're successful. How-ever, there's nothing better than when your idea comes to fruition and fulfills your dreams and those who grant the money.

So check out the bios about our grant writing experts and let ECA get you started.