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Could You Or Your Organization Use Some Financial Donations?

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Misc. Information Relating To Grants

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Most of the things that you are getting for free from the government
are things that your taxes have already paid for!
Shouldn't you get yours?

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Bills! | Caregiving | Contests | Contracting (with the government) | Dental (free/low cost) | Disabled | Emergency |
Endowments | Home (Repairs) | Investors | Medical Bills & Related | Scholarships | Student Loans |
Teachers | Unclaimed" Money | Volunteer Work | Weather-Related Damage

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Grant-Related News

added 7/8/07

"Well when you do the kind of work that I do you become "privy" to certain types of information. First of all hopefully your bank is one of those banks that can only charge this fee for a certain # of days - like for one bank it's $6 per day for 5 days for a total of $30 and you have 30 days from the overdraft to get your account back above $0

Now like I said above there are just some things that go on as far as one's utility bills are concerned that the utility companies don't want you to know about. Now your case may be too late but for those who have been threatened with a shut off notice there is at least one thing that you can do to delay your shutoff. Mind you I say DELAY - you are still responsible for paying the balance owed but you won't get shut off for at least 3 months. Hopefully that will give you enough time to either find a way to make a payment arrangement, get some money to pay the back balance owed or to find a grant program to help you with the utility bill.

Of course "rich" people use this method and it is one of those "loophole" things that the utility companies are trying to get rid of but until they do this "loophole" sometimes turns out to be a person's last resort. Ironically enough this information comes in the bill for your utility bill but people don't read it (or they don't notice it).

I don't even think that its ethical for the social services agencies to suggest it but its not illegal and like I said before its usually a person's last hope - but at least it does provide them with some (temporary) time.

Rose

"Iraq Supplemental. Passed H.R. 1591, U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health and Iraq Accountability Act, which fully funds our troops; honors our veterans by providing crucial health care and other services; holds the Iraqi government accountable; provides a responsible timetable for the redeployment of U.S. troops; and strengthens our military, including adding $2 billion for a Strategic Reserve Readiness Fund, by a vote of 218 to 208. The bill also includes a minimum wage increase, small business tax relief package, Katrina recovery, child health care, heating assistance ), etc. The President vetoed this bill on May 1 2007

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Accountability in Contracting. Passed H.R. 1362, Accountability in Contracting Act, which cleans up government contracting abuses and “no bid” contracts that companies like Halliburton and KBR have made infamous, by a bipartisan vote of 347-73. The Administration opposes in its current form.

excerpt from The California Chronicle
added 6/11/07

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Aid And Relief For Katrina Hurricane Survivors!

Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts
added 7/5/07

Grant Program For Rental Properties Has Been Extended To July 31, 2007!

Applications are now being accepted until July 31, 2007 for grants to repair/rebuild rental properties that have been damaged by the storm. Already over 4,000 rental properties have received grants. For more information on this grant program please visit their website

added 7/2/07

Katrina Victims Lawsuit!

added 6/16/07

FEMA In Hot Water Again!

Some students in New Orleans who have received as much as $5,000 in emergency assistance funds are getting frustrated because they have been contaced by FEMA who wants the money paid back! The news of this has angered many senators and congressmen and now FEMA has changed their ruling. The students may be able to keep the money after all and not have to pay the money back.

added 4/22/07

Grants For Homeowners! - A program has been put in place to administer grants to homeowners in Louisiana to rebuild their homes after the 2005 hurricane.
added 10/24/06

It is not just the government that is providing financial assistance. Others are taking it upon theirselves to provide finacial assistance to help those that have been affected. For instance in Biloxi a corporation has established a relief fund for a specific region that has been affected by hurricane Katrina. This non-profit organization will be providing financial assistance to residents, businesses, and government agencies in the area.
added 9/5/06

Foreclosure Moratorium Has Been Extended - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced it is extending the agency's foreclosure moratorium for Mississippi and Louisiana homeowners to August 31, 2006. In Mortgagee Letter 2006-18, Assistant Secretary for Housing Brian Montgomery noted that the extension is being provided to allow qualifying borrowers affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma sufficient time to locate grant assistance. " We have learned that some Mississippi and Louisiana borrowers whose properties were moderately or severely damaged by the hurricanes may be eligible for grant assistance, but have not yet had the opportunity to apply for and receive funds," he said in a statement.
added 2/15/06

If you were a hurricane evacuee victim of either hurricanes Rita or Katrina and were not eligible for assistance through FEMA there may be other programs that are available to help you. Ethnic minorities, elderly and disabled individuals are strongly encouraged to apply and will receive priority consideration. One of the grant programs provide funding for building materials to repair homes; replacing damaged furniture, appliances, house wares, damaged clothing, food and medicine; and repairing a vehicle needed for transportation to work or from a rural area and damaged or destroyed tools to medical equipment. This grant money also can be used to relocate from a damaged home, restore a private water and septic system at a damaged home and obtain crisis counseling or disaster mental health services.
added 1/11/06

A program is being launched to help pay the mortgage costs of up to 20,000 victims of the hurricanes for up to one year. Victims of hurricanes Katrina, Wilma and Rita may be eligible to apply for this assistance.
added 10/27/05

As of Sept. 22, (2005), the SBA had approved 76 Hurricane Katrina-related disaster loans totaling $4 million. Another 12,000 applications were pending, with thousands of more applications coming in every day. The agency has enough money to support $2.6 billion in disaster loans, and will request more if needed.

added 10/12/05

Although there are loan programs in place to help the businesses in New Orleans, some fear that more will be needed to be done in order to convince these businesses to stay in New Orleans. That "something more" of course is grants. Representatives want Congress to approve a disaster relief package. No set amount was specified. However in the case of the Sept 11th terrorist attack over 15,000 businesses in the NY area received over $1 Billion dollars in grant money and assistance.

  • The AFL-CIO is providing its members with grant money ranging from $500.00 to $2000.00. This money does not have to be paid back and here is what is needed to qualify:

    • Have been a victim of a natural disaster.
    • Have experienced a significant income loss or financial hardship.
    • Have been a Union Plus Credit Card holder for at least 12 months and have opened the account prior to the date of the natural disaster.
    • Document his or her circumstances and income loss.

    To apply for the grant, cardholders can call the Credit Card Disaster Relief Helpline at 1-877-761-5028 to speak directly with a specially trained representative.

    Disaster victims who participate in the Union Plus Loan, Auto Insurance and Mortgage programs may be eligible to receive payment extensions or other special help from the program providers. Assistance plans vary by program provider. To find out more, disaster victims who participate in any of the following Union Plus programs should call the toll-free numbers

  • AT&T will donate $1 million to American Red Cross and will match employee donations up to $500,000. AT&T will donate 35,000 30-minute calling cards and will establish IP-based calling centers to give evacuees and emergency workers access to free calling.

  • Charles Schwab is offers a home equity line of credit up to $25,000 as either a new line of credit or an extension to an existing line of credit. The offer will include residences that have sustained storm damage that normally would not qualify.

  • DirecTV has launched a Hurricane Katrina Information channel.

    Fannie Mae has mortgage relief provisions in place for borrowers in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and other states facing hardships as a result of widespread damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

  • Harrah's Entertainment will establish an Employee Recovery Fund of $1 million and will provide Biloxi, Gulfport and New Orleans casino employees with their regularly scheduled base pay for up to 90 days.

  • Kraft Foods will provide $1 million in food and cash grants.

  • Papa Johns franchisee owner Keith Sullens in Houston is using his location in Reliant Stadium, which is adjacent to the Astrodome, to provide up to 10,000 Pizzas to people arriving at the Astrodome from the Superdome. He is also offering 150 delivery jobs open across the Houston area to people evacuated from New Orleans as a chance for them to get back on their feet. On the corporate Papa Johns will provide water to people evacuated to the Astrodome.

  • Wal-Mart Stores will give $17 million in cash donations and establish mini-Wal-Mart stores in areas impacted by the hurricane. Items such as clothing, diapers, baby wipes, food, formula, toothbrushes, bedding and water will be given out free of charge to those with a demonstrated need.

This information brought to you courtesy of CNNMoney

Scholarships

excerpted from The Reader's Digest - Learn to haggle - Some private colleges have become used to hearing parents say, "Even with your aid offer of $10,000, I still can't swing the other $15,000." In fact, in 1994 New York University heard some 1000 variations on that theme - and listened. The school increased grant money for about 650 of those parents. Schools may be willing to reconsider your aid package. But first you must convince them that you are less well off than they thought. Losing your job is a clear ground for appeal. But don't get too aggressive or try to bluff.

~

added 10/25/05 - A scholarship fund has been announced to help some students whose university or college (not all apply) has been affected by hurricane Katrina. The funds will be disbursed to the colleges that the students will transfer to. Basic information like the student's name, phone number and the schools that they are both transferring from and to has to be submitted in order to be eligible. You can apply by sending email to the foundation.

 

Attention All Teachers!

Questions & Comments
added 7/8/05

"Yes like to many others I have come on hard times and really need a leg up so to speak. That would be a grant and yes a very large one. We have sent out at least 100 inquiry letters asking for information and applications with compete mailing and email also phone information, but have never received a word from anyone. I'm not a quitter , but I'm getting to the point where maybe I should throw the towel in,and call the funeral home. If you think there is something I might do , or write to please email. We would appreciate it tremendously."

It is so hard to believe that after sending out at least 100 inquiries that you didn't get any feedback of any kind. But unfortunately it tells me that either you haven't inquired at the right places or that those places weren't doing their jobs. Recently I applied for a $500 check for one of my older relatives because they were eligible for this government grant program. On the application itself it said that a lot of people did not know about the program but it was there to benefit seniors.

A lot of this will depend a lot on who it was that you submitted inquiries to and whether or not they were the right places to inquire.

There are a number of "emergency financial" grant programs that are available from non-governmental organizations like foundations and non-profit organizations. In order to apply you have to show/demonstrate financial need.

There are also a number of programs that help with utility bills and home repairs. More information about additional programs appear below.

added 3/18/05

"I NEED YOU GUYS EXPERTISE ON THOSE "HOW TO GET FREE MONEY FOR ANYTHING" WEBSITES..ANY SUGGESTIONS? I FOUND THIS ONE QUITE INTERESTING. NEVERTHELESS, I AM NOT SO SURE..IT EXPLAINS HOW YOU CAN OBTAIN FREE GRANT MONEY FOR COLLEGE,EXPANDING A BUSINESS,ETC...."

"Free money" can be had BUT it will really depend on the specifics of what it is you want. For instance the government does provide money that you don't have to pay back like help to pay your heating bill. That particular program requires you to meet their eligibilty requirements but the end result is that you do get the money and it is applied against your heating bill. There is another program where you get a payment if you are over the age of 65, and a renter or homeowner - again from a government program. Yet there is another part of the government that provides "free" money but in reality while the money is free it is money that was either lost or forgotten by those that it belongs to and the governent is just trying to return it to its rightful owner (or in the case of the owner being deceased - the owner's family). So those are some of the examples of "free money".

Now as far as grants for businesses are concerned this has cause a very great (and sometimes emotional) debate. There are companies that have received governent contracts but those are not grants those are you having the government as your client.

Plus there are separate entities like foundations and sponsors that aren't part of the government but do offer financial resources - most notably for artists, writers and such.

Scholarships and getting them isn't new and has been around for quite some time.


(in 6 - 8 Weeks!)

Not everyone qualifies and if you don't maybe you can help those that do!

If you are or know someone who is aged 65 or older and are paying either rent or a mortgage you may qualify to received up to $500 back.

Do You need help with your energy bills?

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The Federal Government provides energy assistance!

Bills - Money Available For:

Emergency/General Assistance/Help

  • added 7/5/07 - There is yet another charitable society organization that provides help for the elderly, needy, and for catholic organizations. This organization provides relief assistance to elderly, infirm, and needy people for basic living, medical and funeral expenses; it also provides support for Catholic churches, organizations and scholarship funds. Grants to individuals total $9,200. You can contact this organization by mail or telephone.

  • added 5/7/07 - There is another charitable organization that provides emergency financial assistance to those who are working but have had an unexpectedly high bill such as a car repair, mortgage/rent assistance or medical bill. You will have to submit an application to show need!

  • added 4/25/07 - There is a charitable organization that provides relief assistance to elderly, infirm, and needy people for basic living, medical and funeral expenses; it also provides support for Catholic churches, organizations and scholarship funds. Grants to individuals total $9,200. They can be contact via their website or by phone

  • Community Services Block Grants - In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must characterize your financial situation as either low income , or as very low income. If eligible emergency assistance can be obtained through loans or grants to meet immediate and urgent individual and family needs, including health services, nutritious food, housing, and employment-related assistance The managing organization of this program is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Caregiving

added 3/5/07
  • If you are a relative of the person that you want to take care of there are some programs that pay you to be their caregiver. The reason that there are programs like this is because the government wants to help keep people in their homes as opposed to putting them in a nursing home. But you have to be careful and know the details about the programs. Some of them tie up the assests of the person that is being cared for - mening to pay you the money comes from their assests.

  • Family Caregiving Programs differ from state to state. For instance in one state eligible families may receive up to $200 on a monthly basis to help with providing care to eligible family members. A grant of up to $2,000 is also available to help with adapting the home to help with eligible family members.

Contracting With The Government

added 7/7/07

"The federal government requires that 20% of its contracts be fulfilled by small businesses, and 25% of those must be women-owned. Learn more about how to get your piece of a government contract"

added 5/26/07

"there is a special interest in doing more business with women, minorities and the "smaller" businesses."

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The government will accept any business structure, LLC, Corp, etc as long as your business is registered in your state. First you will have to acquire a duns numbers (you can do this online). Then you can register with the Central Registry. Normally it takes 30 days to get your duns number but there is also a way to get it sooner (7 days).

Unclaimed Money? - You May Be Luckier Than You Think!

My Blog Entry About "Unclaimed" Money

Have you ever heard of "unclaimed" money? well it is a fact that such a thing exists! In my state alone there is more than $300 Million Dollars! that has been unclaimed. Examples of unclaimed money include bank accounts that have gone unaccounted for, checks that haven't been cashed and insurance benefits that have also not been claimed. This category also includes property(s) that have been left in safety deposit boxes! Here are some examples from Pennsylvania.

  • Cook, A - (city unknown), Pennsylvania
  • Cook, P or J - Norristown, PA
  • Edge~ Corporation - Elkins Park, PA
  • Gibbs, J. - Phila, PA
  • Kinkos
  • Nelson, E - Phila, PA
  • Nelson, M. A. & Mrs - Folsom, PA
  • Schmitt, D - Effort, PA
  • W~ Baking Company - NY, NY
  • W~ Dental Lab - Windber, PA

There is no time limit on claiming this property.

"These are just one of the many programs designed to help those who live on a modest income...There are programs that can help with utility bills, housing and even prescription drugs.....Unfortunately a lot of those that may qualify for these programs either do not know about them or think that they can't apply because they don't think that they qualify...."

Other Funding Opportunities/Resources

Contests

There is quite a stigma attached to grants/contests/competitions that charge a fee. I have seen some organizations justify it as administrative costs or that the fees provide there being a grant at all. There are many other competitions out there that don't charge a fee and it all comes down to whether or not a person feels comfortable with paying the fee or not.

  • $500 Business Grant! - $500 will be given to a new aspiring business owner! Yet another example of one organization that feels strongly and wants to help women who want to start their own business! Sometimes the only thing that's stopping them is a lack of money! Hopefully this grant will help you make your dream come true! To qualify you must be at least 18 years of age or older and you have to have a business plan. Individual women or if yours is a group of women who want to start their own business and you live in the United States you can apply.

  • Fashion Designers

    • You can win a chance to present your designs at a high profile New York Runway Show and compete for one of five $5,000 Awards for Design Excellence and production capabilities. To participate in the open call, you are required to submit digital images of two complete outfits in any one/ or more of the following categories:

      • Accessories
      • Menswear
      • Women's Avant-garde
      • Women's Evening Wear
      • Women’s Ready to Wear

    *Please note that the DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED: Submissions will be accepted until April 4, 2008.

    A Selection Committee of influential market editors, stylists, and buyers will review all submissions at a Prescreening Event in mid April. At this Prescreening, the Selection Committee will choose five finalists in each category. The committee reviews the submissions without knowing who the designer is so that each entry is judged just on the merits of the submitted designs. All finalists will be invited to participate in the fashion Show that will take place on May 19, 2008 in New York City. Finalists will provide the actual garments and accessories shown in the photos to compete at the event. The finalist garments in all clothing categories will be showcased on models from the best New York agencies in the runway show. The finalist accessories will be presented in a static installation at the event. Over 1000 members of the fashion industry, including press and retailers, will attend the 2008 event. (Note: Finalists are responsible for their own transportation to the event.) A Fashion Panel, which in past years has included designers Diane von Furstenberg, Norma Kamali, Betsey Johnson, Cynthia Rowley, Kate Spade, Michael Fink of Saks Fifth Avenue, Robert Burke of Bergdorf Goodman and stylist Patricia Field, will judge the designs presented and select a winner from each category who will receive the $5,000 Award for Design Excellence.

    Qualifications:

    • All contestants who currently design under their own fashion label and have done so for seven years or less. Fashion Students are eligible for entry .

    • All applications must be submitted and received with all required materials no later than April 4, 2008.

  • History

    • $1000 Award for Winning Essays - open to students - added 7/2/07

  • Non-Profit Receipe Contest - Offers cash rewards to non-profit organizations for the best recipe submissions using the company's own product.

  • Photography - There are a number of photography related contests and competions.

  • Science teacher Michael Corcoran (Dickinson High in Jersey City) led his team of student on to win a $100,000 prize at one of the national science competitions.

  • Students - Audio Essay Contest - $25,000 Cash Award - Eligible students are 9th - 12th graders and the essay must have a patriotic theme and can be 3 to 5 minutes in length.

  • Students - Video Contest - College students are invited to submit their own interpretation of an already chosen subject. To be eligible you must be currently enrolled in and attending a graduate or undergraduate program at a college or university. First prize is a $3,000 cash award.

  • Women - Business - Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business? Enter this contest and tell about your dream of starting your own business. The deadline is in March.

  • Writing - The winner receives a publishing contract with a major publishing company in New York!

Endowments

  • Endowments are capital sums attached to the organization in perpetuity. Through interest and capital growth, they provide income. Their big advantage over straight grants is that they go on for ever; and, subject to conditions imposed by the donor, they are controlled by the organisation. Endowments are, according to Colin Tweedy, chief executive of Arts & Business, the holy grail of arts funding, and, thanks to the big, splashy gesture of one philanthropist, the rich are going to be plagued by arts organizations demanding endowments rather than one-off grants .

Fellowships

  • English teacher, Anne MacLeod Cognard spent the bulk of her fellowship grant ($28,000) on computers, books and other materials directly benefiting her students.

  • Photography

    • One foundation annually awards four Fellowships of $25,000 to photographers in Minnesota

Investors

- (Click here for more info)

    There are organizations that help business owners by providing access to investors

  • On November 18th, 2005 women who are entrepreneurs from the New York and New England areas and who are looking for funding will be able to present their ideas to private investors and venture capitalists. Among the funding provided will be for those seeking seed money or funding for their already established business. Eligibility requirement apply. However please note that there is also a $50 application fee.

  • Angel Investors

    • "While most of the nation's estimated 225,000 active angels continue to operate independently, those who join collaborative arrangements represent an increasingly influential minority. Angel financing increased 22 percent last year, to $22 billion, from $18 billion in 2003."

      excerpt from NY Times
      added 8/24/05
* The Investor's Bulletin Board!

Loans

  • Forgivable loans are still loans. However, if your business accomplishes certain mutually agreed upon goals within a specified time (an example might be to hire 50 additional full-time employees within the next three years), then the government agency would agree to forgive the loan, effectively converting it to a grant.

  • ..a New York-based firm that targets female entrepreneurs nationwide, tries to reach women through advertisements in women's magazines. This organization which is funded by private, corporate and government donations, allows new businesses to apply online at their website and decides whether to make a loan based on a person's background and reason for going into business

  • Nonprofit organization that provides loans under $25,000 to new businesses that do not have collateral and have been shunned by banks. Last year this organization loaned $20 million to businesses.

  • Business Loans

    • Pennsylvania - In my own state, a dairy farmer received a $200,000 loan to purchase farmland in Bellefonte. Previously the land (which was adjacent to the farmer's land) was leased. As a result of the loan four full-time jobs will be created. This helps the community which is why the loan was provided.

      My state also has a tourism program that provides $50 million in grants, loans and loan guarantees for businesses and non-profit organizations engaged in tourism-related activities. Grants up to $250,000 are available to fund predevelopment and feasibility studies.

  • Car Loans

    • Pennsylvania - In my own area, there is a program in place to help low-incomed families get a low-interest loan to buy a car so that they can use it to drive to and from their jobs. One of the requirements is that you have to be employed for at least 6 months.

  • Interest Free Loans

    • Writers - There is an organization that provides interest-free loans to help career authors and dramatists who are in financial distress due to an urgent situation. For example, writers with health problems and inadequate health insurance, or older writers whose income has ceased are eligible to apply. You have to be able to show need and documentation of your professional status and you can contact them by telephone, regular snail mail or by email.

  • Micro-Related Loans

    • Jewelery Designer receives a Micro Loan! - Holland received a $25,000 loan from a Utah Loan Fund, which helps small-business owners who are unable to qualify for traditional loans. Even though there was no collateral to help secure the loan the loan was based on Holland's character. This loan has allowed Holland to buy more supplies and increase her inventory. She also was able to hire a company to rebuild her web site, which allows her customers to now shop online.

  • SBA - (Small Business Administration) Loans - If you get rejected by banks, you may still qualify for loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. You still go through the regular process of applying for the conventional loan but to have the loan guarenteed by the SBA it must be approved by the SBA.

    • ActiveMaps Inc received SBA approval on a $150,000 start-up loan. This business provides news, traffic, sports, and weather updates on flat-screen televisions in lobbies and gyms. With the SBA's help the loan was secured using a credit union as the lender.

  • Student Loans

      added 12/30/07

      President Bush recently signed the College Cost Reduction Act -- a law designed to make more financial aid available to the poorest students, as well as to lower interest rates for some new borrowers. As a bonus, the new law also creates an opportunity for students to avoid repayment of some loans -- if they engage in certain public service jobs. Grants made to the lowest income students increase from $4,310 in 2007 to $5,400 by 2012 -- an additional $11 billion in funding over the next five years. The real story behind this news is the fact that many are suddenly waking up to the fact that college has become unaffordable. Middle-income parents despair of receiving financial aid. Students graduate with huge debt burdens -- larger than their parents' original mortgage. As a result, many colleges are reassessing their aid formulas, and are willing to give out more grants -- even to higher income families -- to attract the best students. There is a web site filled with with suggestions to help families qualify for more financial aid.

      Don't take no for an answer!

      There's another huge window of opportunity even after the school has made its initial offer of financial aid. You can appeal, and ask for more! Yes, you can qualify for more aid, and appeal the measly offers you receive. Plus, with schools now more motivated to help good students afford an education, you could be a big winner!




      There is currently someone that has a free offer for readers of this column: If any family has received a financial aid offer that will not solve their problem, he'll review it at no charge and make recommendations. Just send him an e-mail.

    • added 11/29/07 - I am having trouble paying back my student loans. What are my options?

      If you are having trouble making your education loan payments, immediately contact the organization that services your loan. You might qualify for a deferment, forbearance, or another form of payment relief. It is important to take action before you are charged late fees. Contact your loan servicer or the school that made you the loan. You can also contact the lender or agency that holds your loan. For more information on different options, please see the Student Aid website. If you are unsure of what type of loan(s) you have outstanding, you can check your loan history with the National Data system that has to do with student loans.

    • added 8/5/06 - Hi, My name is A~, and I live in San Antonio Texas. I am a single mother with a 1 year old son. I have been picking my brain about what I want to do. I have 3 years of college completed with about 5 thousand in student loans...I am very interested in opening my own daycare facility. Where do I start? Do you know a web-site that I can go to to look for grants!
      Thanks, A~

    • added 3/8/06 - I am completely confused about all of the grant information on the web. I am looking to see if I can get a grant to help pay off my student loans. Any information that you could give would be extremely helpful.
      Thanks, M~

      The information may seem confusing to you but if you want to be able to find such a program you will have to "weed" through that information. It is the same thing that any grantwriter or other such related services has to do. Having dealt with this on more than one occassion it is simply a matter of sorting through the information because it is a fact that there is more than program to help pay back, defer or reduce the amounts of certain student loans. I have seen these programs, some of which are sponsored by very well known and respected organizations. So the programs are definitely out there!

    • added 1/29/06 - Dear Rose, I came across your page looking for some type of grant that could help my boyfriend pay for his student loans. He has been going to school, but he is disabled with Multiple Sclerosis (which is a debilitating and progressive disease). Of course he can't find a job and of course he is concerned about paying his student loans which amount to $10,000 I believe, on his social security disability income. Do you have any advice?
      Thank you, R~

      As I have mentioned on my webpage there are programs that help pay or defer student loans. Of course these programs don't cover every type of student loan so you will have to see if your boyfriend's student loan falls within the eligibilty requirements. Since he is also disabled you should look into programs that are related to his disability as well because a lot of these organizations have funding programs as well.

    • added 1/5/06 - I am looking for information pertaining to grants for teachers, or student loan repayment for teachers.

      Of course it will depend on the specific kind of loan that you have. But if you are a full-time teacher that teaches to the low-incomed then there are programs that both defer and cancel your student loan payments.

      I forgot to include the fact that you have to be able to meet the eligibility requirements. You have to have worked (as a teacher)for a certain number of years, not all schools (that you teach in) are eligible, and it has to include those families that are considered low-incomed. But if you do meet the requirements you may be eligible to have up to a certain amount of your student loan forgiven. Unfortunately not all types of the student loans are eligible. But if you want at least a portion of your student loan forgiven you should at least look into the programs.

      Oh I also forgot to add that if you have a student loan but you're not a teacher there are other programs as well that will defer a portion of your student loan as well. Don't think that its just a matter of signing a piece of paper (although I wouldn't rule that out) but you will have to provide your volunteer services.

      You have to remember why there are programs like this in the first place. There is a need that has to be met. That's why the eligibility requirements for the forgiveness programs (including those for both teachers and non-teachers) are there. With the teachers its because there is a need for teachers to teach at certain schools and for the non-teachers the programs (depending on their objectives) are there to help fill a need. So if you think that this is something that you would be interested in then you should definitely check it out.

    • added 10/13/05 - A lot of searches have been done lately about finding a way to pay off student loans. I did some checking myself and found out a lot of interesting information. Usually these student loans are signed without reading all of the terms. I mention this because there are some loans that don't have to be paid back and/or are forgiven. But it will depend on the terms of your student loan.

      There are also some programs in place where if you perform some public/non-profit service your repayment amount will be reduced and in some cases the loan will be forgiven totally.

      • added 12/11/05 - For instance performing specific types of community service can help to reduce the cost of your student loan debt by receiving monetary awards to pay down your student loan even if you only participate on a short term basis. One program will even pay you a stipend to participate!

      There is also a program in place where teachers can receive a total loan forgivenenss if they teach in low-incomed areas and/or they teach certain subjects.

      • added 12/11/05 - There is a similar program that can forgive your student loan up to $5000.00 of specific student loans!

      So it will depend on many things and it will also depend on the terms of your original student loan.

  • Women & Business - One organization makes loans of $500 to $10,000 to women across the country who have nowhere to turn for their first business loan. This same organization also offers a program where the winner will receive a $45,000 loan plus an open OPEN credit card business charge card!

Misc.


added 1/19/06
  • In Texas a woman received $600 to help start up her business. For every $1 that she put in the government put in $2. She's started her business in a one bedroom studio and her business offers relaxation for stress.

    There is talk about eliminating the program that provided her with this grant. It is currently being hotly debated and there is always the possibility that the program will be eliminated but it was originally started to help bring business into the state of Texas. This is a government grant although not provided directly from the government - but provided indirectly via non-profit agencies. Congress created this program in 1998 aspart of its ongoing desire to help individuals and families be more independent and self-sustaining.. It distributes $25 million a year through non-profits to be matched by private sector dollars and dollars from the account recipients themselves.

    If you think that you may qualify for a similar grant such as this you should check your state's resources. This grant allowed the woman to start up her business by providing her with the funds she needed to buy equipment and miscellaneous items and she also noted that without this grant she would have never been able to start her business without it.

Scholarships

  • Art

    • Foundation sponsored scholarship program whose objective is to allow young people from minority and economically disadvantaged backgrounds to only realize their artistic dreams, but also have a chance to give back to their communities. Categories include architecture, cartooning, crafts, environmental graphics, fashion design, film/theater design (costume, set, lighting), film/video, fine arts, furniture design, graphic design, illustration, industrial/product design, interior design, landscape architecture, new media, photography, surface/Textile design, and urban planning.

  • Cinematography - Tuition scholarships for junior, senior and graduate-level students of cinematography at U.S. colleges and universities offering 4-year degree programs in motion picture filmmaking.

  • Ex-Prostitutes - In Canada there is an actual scholarship program for ex-prostitutes! Of course the objective of the scholarship is to help empower women!

Venture Capitalists

  • 100 Venture Capitalist Looking To Invest In Poor Areas! - Over 100 venture capitalists want to help advance the livelihoods of low-income people and the economies of distressed communities through entrepreneurial activity.

  • For instance, in New England, there is a funding source of Venture Capital. for those that have business ideas that relate to technology.

  • Many states also have venture capital programs or will help you locate private venture capitalists

  • The U.S. Treasury provides business loans and venture capital to people in low income neighborhoods who would otherwise not have access to funding

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This page was last updated on: July 14, 2008

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