Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I obtain a grant for personal needs?

NO! The Federal government does not GIVE GRANTS directly to individuals. However, there are programs that may provide down payment assistance through Community Development Block Grants, but you will have to qualify through your local housing department. There ARE NOT any grants that will pay your mortgage, utility payments, insurance, etc. Please, do not under any circumstances; send $19.95 to anyone for a book that “promises” government money for these items. If it were available, it would be, by LAW, widely advertised by the government and everyone would have access to this information.

Who can apply for grants?

Anyone can apply for grants depending on the need. Most grantors, however, have very strict criteria for who can apply. For the most part, these are the people who are typically identified as “Eligible” applicants:

• Educational Institutions
• Not-for-profit Organizations
• Community Organizations
• Small Businesses
• State and Local Governments
• Health Care Organizations
• Minority Business Owners (MBE)
• Women Business Owners (WBE)
• Entrepreneurs
• Faith Based Institutions with separate Not-for-profit designations

If we do not have a Not-for-Profit designation, can we receive grants?

Yes you can, but foundations would be very hard pressed to provide funding to entities that do not have this designation. Their contributions to Not-for-Profits are what allow them to receive their tax breaks from the federal government.

What kinds of programs qualify?

• Job Training
• Educational
• Youth Development/Athletic programs
• AIDS/HIV Assistance/Awareness
• Health Care
• Community Development
• Affordable Housing Programs
• Small Business Development
• Drug Prevention/Treatment
• Advanced Medical Research
• Social Services
• Childcare for underserved/underprivileged
• and many more...

Do you guarantee we will receive a grant?

NO! Even if your program is a perfect match with a grantor’s mission, there is still a great possibility you will not be funded. We like to use the 10% rule, meaning for every 10 grant proposals submitted, we expect to receive at least one. Sometimes that is even unlikely, which is why so many grant writers charge hourly rates + bonuses or contingency fees.

Who are grantors and other possible funding sources?

There are many different funding sources out there, which is why research can become very time consuming, but is critical in the grant writing process. Some funding sources include, but are not limited to:

• All Branches of the Federal Government
• States, Counties, and Cities
• Local Housing Authorities
• Federally Recognized Native American Reservations
• Local Redevelopment Agencies
• Private Foundations -
  Private Foundations are established for a variety of reasons, but all have the same goal of funding a special interest for the common good of local communities. Of course these foundations provide special tax relief for the governing corporations, but without these foundations, many communities would remain in poor conditions, many underserved children would not attend college, so much of the medical research we rely on daily would not have taken place, and much more.

How do I apply for a grant?

Most grantors and foundations have pre-identified processes. Some require letters of inquiry prior to submitting a full proposal, some require only a proposal, and others require a completed application (which may be found on their website and/or received via mail). You will need to follow the directions closely, as many other organizations are also completing the same process as you, and reviewers “eliminate” many good programs because the “application” process was not followed correctly.

How can It Is Written® help me?

We believe in providing quality service to all of our clients, which includes honest evaluations of proposals. With 15 total years of successful grant writing experience, we believe we can help you attain your organization’s funding priorities via the following methods:

• Thorough evaluation of program proposals,
• Extensive research of foundation and government databases to match your program with the priorities of potential funders
• Preparation of comprehensive proposals with attainable goals and quantitative outcomes, and
• Grant Administration and grant monitoring training (if needed).

How much can I expect to pay for your services?

Because It Is Written® offers different services, from grant research to grant administration, we cannot give you an exact price. What we will promise you is whatever price is given after we have discussed the details of your project needs, you will PAY THAT PRICE. There will be no surprises! Please reference our Basic Services & Fees page.

Do you work on commission?

NO! The industry is very much against this kind of activity and the Association of Fundraising Professionals takes a harsh stance against this. Our fees are to be paid from the organization’s operating budget and not from the grant(s) we write. Any grant your organization receives is to fund the project identified, not us. Also, there are legal and ethical pitfalls with “commission-based funding.” This creates an undue pressure on us to write as many grants possible as soon as possible and hampers our ability to effectively develop a well planned proposal, as well as your ability to develop great funding partnerships.

However, we sometimes receive a bonus for complex grants, which is calculated on a percentage of the contract agreement rather than the amount of your grant award.