WCWB Blog
UNDERSTANDING GRANTS
Many people come to the WCWB asking about grants so I thought it would be helpful to explain what grants are and the process of obtaining one.
Many people come to the WCWB asking about grants so I thought it would be helpful to explain what grants are and the process of obtaining one. A grant is a sum of money provided by a government, organization, foundation, or individual to support a specific project, activity, or initiative. Grants are typically awarded to individuals, groups, nonprofits, institutions, or businesses with the intention of advancing a particular goal or cause. They are often given to fund research, educational programs, community projects, artistic endeavors, scientific studies, and more. It is important to note that grants are particular and have specific requirements that recipients must adhere to.
Grants can take various forms, including:
- Project Grants: These are awarded to support a specific project or initiative, such as a research study, community development program, or art exhibition.
- Operating Grants: These provide funding to cover the ongoing operational expenses of an organization such as salaries, rent, and utilities.
- Research Grants: These support scientific or academic research projects, helping researchers cover costs related to materials, equipment, and personnel.
- Scholarships and Education Grants: These are given to individuals to fund their education or training, covering tuition, books, and living expenses.
- Nonprofit Grants: Philanthropic foundations and government agencies provide grants to nonprofit organizations to help carry out their missions and activities.
- Government Grants: Governments at various levels (local, state, national) provide grants to promote economic development, research, & community welfare.
- Arts and Culture Grants: Supports artists, cultural organizations, and creative projects that contribute to the enrichment of a community's cultural landscape.
The guidelines around a grant may include reporting on how the grant funds are being used, achieving specific milestones, and demonstrating the impact of the funded project. In addition, applying for and receiving grants can be competitive, as there are often limited funds available and many applicants vying for the support. Successful grant proposals typically demonstrate a clear understanding of the project's goals, a well-thought-out plan, a reasonable budget, and a convincing argument for why the funding is necessary and how it will contribute to the intended outcomes.
Grants can be hard to achieve for several reasons: limited funding, high standards, stringent evaluation, matching priorities, competition, demonstrated need, project viability, grant writing skill, reporting and accountability, and proposed budget. If you are interested in looking for available grants, you can find possible grant opportunities from government agencies, philanthropic foundations, nonprofit organizations, corporate giving programs, professional associations, research institutions and universities, online grant databases, community and local resources, arts and cultural organizations, and social media and networking. Remember, that the grant application process is competitive, so it's a good idea to start early, thoroughly research each opportunity, and submit well-prepared applications. For more information on grants, you can request a coaching appointment through the WCWB website.
Recent Blog Posts
ENGAGE CUSTOMERS TO BOOST SALES: EVENT IDEAS FOR RETAIL BUSINESSES
Event Ideas for Retail Businesses!
BUILDING WEALTH AND FINANCIAL SECURITY AS A WOMAN BUSINESS OWNER
Financial Security as a Woman Business Owner
GREEN GROWTH: BALANCING PROFIT AND PLANET IN THE NEW ECEONOMY
BUILDING GENUINE CONNECTIONS WITH COLLEAGUES THROUGH SHARED INTERESTS
LEVERAGING AUTOMATION TO STREAMLINE YOUR WORKFLOW
LAUNCHING A MENTAL HEALTHCARE CENTER
A guide to mental healthcare.
NAVIGATING SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS
A guide to running a small business efficiently.
BEYOND THE BRICK-AND-MORTAR
Beyond the Brick-and-Mortar: Exploring the Boom in Online Small Businesses
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Leadership Development: A Pathway to Personal Growth and Employee Wellness
APPLYING FOR GRANTS
What is the typical process when applying for grants?
LEVEL UP YOUR TIME MANAGEMENT
Time management is on another level once you become a business owner. Let’s take a look at how we can increase our time management skills to meet the needs of entrepreneurship!
WHAT THE HECK IS SEO?!
Many business owners do not know what SEO is or its importance and it could be drastically hindering their business.
UNDERSTANDING GRANTS
Many people come to the WCWB asking about grants so I thought it would be helpful to explain what grants are and the process of obtaining one.
STARTING AN EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Opening an Early Learning Center in Washington State involves several steps and requires compliance with certain regulations and licensing requirements. Here's a general outline of the process.
2023 BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES
Here are some general business practices that have been widely recognized as effective and continue to be relevant in 2023.
IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL LITERACY
Being a business owner requires a level of digital literacy that not all feel they can meet. It is crucial to increase one's expertise regarding digital literacy in today's technology-driven world for several reasons.
GETTING A LIQUOR LICENSE IN WASHINGTON STATE
Those looking to sell, manufacture, import, or distribute will need a liquor license in Washington State.
STARTING AN ADULT FAMILY HOME
Having worked with a client recently in preparing for her adult family home opening, I wanted to take time to share some crucial information for this type of business venture.
10 TIPS FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS
There are so many women who have forged a path and have become inspiration to others seeking their own business.
BARRIERS FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
It is important to recognize the barriers associated with entrepreneurship to better plan around them.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING AN ONLINE STORE
The benefits, disadvantages, and process of an online store.
BUSINESS OWNERS BECOME LEADERS
Whether you consider yourself a leader or not, the moment you choose to be an entrepreneur, you take on the role of a leader.
WHAT IS A MARKET ANALYSIS?
As I meet with new potential business owners, I focus first on helping them make a solid business plan. A proper business plan contains a section called “market analysis.”
YOUR BUSINESS IS A CULTURE
Whether you decide to create a culture or not, your business will default to one. As newer business owners and business expanders, you have the ability to start your business off right with a basic set of values and goals.
MAINTAINING MOTIVATION
Women decide to start their own business for many reasons and these reasons can change over time. I have met a lot of women who have started an at-home business simply because they were mothers and couldn’t afford not to work. I was one of those women.
