“Show Me The Money!" Win Millions: Our Government Grants Playbook (Part 1)
From selection to submission, join us behind the scenes as we demystify the process of winning government funding. Funders: send this series to those you cannot fully fund.
Dear Impact Stars,
Struggling to secure funding or bridge financial gaps? This grants series could be your answer. Sometimes, funders don't decline due to disinterest but timing or capacity. Consider government funding as another option.
Witness our journey with a client as we draft their first million-dollar government grant. Learn how we leverage these assets to secure even more funding.
First step? Finding the right grant — The juice needs to be worth the squeeze.
GRANT DISCOVERY: A GREAT RADAR & A TOUCH OF SERENDIPITY
"This is it, Jack," my eyes scanned the 30 pages of instructions. "You found the perfect grant for them.”
“There's a catch, Neesha.” Jack points to a paragraph, “We need to partner with a specific academic institution to qualify and we have 7.5 weeks to submit."
As I visualize the impact this grant could have, I know we have to do everything in our power to win it. “Let’s make it happen!”
He grins. “I’m in!”
For some clients, it’s all about the pitch deck because they're gearing up for investment capital.
Others need to snag non-dilutive funds before courting investors. For such innovators, grants can be complete game changers.
If you’re being rejected, it may be that you’re going after the wrong type of capital.
ASSEMBLING THE DREAM TEAM
February 21: It’s a crisp morning. I'm savoring my coffee, lounging in my favorite chair with Josie, my 60-pound-lapdog-wannabe, nestled in my lap.
Fingers tapping on my phone, I embarked on a Googling spree (as one does), scouring for the perfect collaborator for this grant.
After a few hours of dead-end searches, I stumbled upon an article that sent stops me in my tracks. "This is it!" I shared the link with the team on our WhatsApp chat. “He’s literally written an industry report on this topic. We need to speak to him about this grant!”
“I'll reach out,” Jack volunteers. A day later, he messages me, “He’s in! He’s calling a professor who could be the academic partner for this, and asking his industry contacts what they think of this research."
The prospect of funding a groundbreaking innovation to combat GHG emissions, fight ocean pollution, and protect coastal ecosystems feels tantalizingly close. But none of this serendipity would've unfolded if Jack hadn't been on high alert with his Grant Radar. He uncovered this opportunity at precisely the right moment, for the right client.
Government funding, despite its paperwork-laden journey, often unleashes a floodgate of capital. I steer some of my clients towards investors, others towards grants, and a few towards both for maximum impact. We’re preparing an insightful video training on various impact capital types.
Reply to secure your copy when it’s released.
The clock is ticking. In less than a few weeks we need to have this grant written and ready for submission. What challenges will we face? Will we get it done?
Stay tuned for the next thrilling episode, where we dive deep into reading instructions, crafting the project plan, and racing against the clock to secure this grant.
Your homework - if you will have it - is to set up your Grant Radar so you never miss that perfect grant opportunity that’s made for you.
Warmest,
Neesha
P.S. What’s your biggest challenge as it relates to grant discovery? Reply and maybe I can help you think through it.
FUNDING ROUNDUP:
United States
🌊 National Sea Grant Marine Debris Challenge Competition: Address the prevention and/or removal of marine debris, fostering behavior change, and producing tangible outputs. 💰 Award ceiling: $3,000,000; Award floor: $250,000. 🐟 🌍 📅 Deadline: March 27, 2024
🌞 Concentrating Solar Flux to Heat and Power 🌞: Seeks innovative projects that harness solar energy to generate heat and power. 💰 Estimated Total Program Funding: $30,000,000.🏆 Expected Number of Awards: 10. 🎯 Award Ceiling: $10,000,000. 💵 Award Floor: $500,000. 📅 Deadline: March 31, 2024
Global
🌾🔬Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program: Funding for individuals from eligible countries to engage in 12-week intensive programs at U.S. research institutions, focusing on agricultural education, research, extension, or related fields. 🏆 Award Ceiling: $75,000. 💰 Total Program Funding: $1,650,000. ⏰ Deadline: Apr 08, 2024
MIT Solve offers solutions addressing climate causes and impacts up to $10,000 grants. Working to address racial disparities in climate action across US communities? Additional support through Black & Brown Innovators in the US Program & Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Ocean Innovation Prize offers up to $100,000. Awarded to a Solver team from the 2024 Global Climate Challenge. ⏰ Deadline: April 18, 2024, 12:00 PM EDT.
Oak Foundation funds global not-for-profits for safety, fairness, and sustainability. Grants are multi-year with a focus on core and project support. Oak values social justice, partnerships, innovation, and sustainability. They seek root cause solutions, replicable models, and diverse funding sources. No support for individuals, scholarships, religious purposes, or election campaigns.
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Only Because The Lawyers Made Us:
Impact Stars and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
💌 Made with Love in Raleigh, NC for Systems Changers and Impact Innovators Everywhere. I only get to do what I do — because you do what you do. So THANK YOU.
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