The World Wide Web is saturated with information about grants. Even free grants for women. Yet, so many women in need of financial assistance in pursuit of certain endeavors knowingly and unknowingly continue to place limitations on her opportunities. How? By not searching and applying for this free funding (that never has to be repaid). This guide will help you search for free grants for women and to apply seamlessly in order to maximize your chances of obtaining a grant.

Free Grants for Women

Easy Access to Free Grants for Women

Searching and applying for a free grant is actually simpler than one might think. But, beware of those companies who advertise cleverly in order to sway you to pay for what is otherwise free. They may ask that you submit your credit card information to gain access to a list of free grants that are not easily or publicly searchable. You are either being charged for the service or paying for the list as a product. Despite the selling power behind the sales copy you often read for these sellers, with preparation and a strategy, you will see that the best access is free access.

Preparation

Before you attempt to search and apply for a free grant, you should create a list to allow for time efficiency. Create a list with as much detailed information as possible. To start, define your goals and how a free grant would help you to achieve those goals. Example:

My goal is to start a home daycare business within 3-6 months. Funding in the form of a grant would allow me to purchase the necessary equipment, supplies and certifications/licenses to operate the daycare. Moreover, I would use the grant to supplement my income accordingly.

Finding Free Grants for Women

Finding Grants for Women

Compiling a list is an effective time-management and organization strategy for finding free grants for women. It allows you to narrow your search to your specifications. To streamline your online search for free grants for women, compile a list of relevant keywords and phrases. Using the home daycare center example, relevant key terms you could use are as follows:

• Childcare business grants
• Home daycare grants for women
• Minority women childcare business grants
• Business grants for women
• Free business grants for women

Utilize more general keywords also:

• Grants for small business
• Small business grants
• Government grants for women
• Foundation grants for women
• Free money to start a business
• Grants for start-ups

Applying for Grants

Most government grant applications are submitted electronically while many foundations require that you submit your application via snail mail. In either case, it’s wise to have a pre-made application saved as a word processing document.

What to Include in Your Pre-Made Packet

While many grants require that you submit a proposal, others simply require basic information. At the least, you should have a cover letter or personal statement handy before applying. Detail your needs and how the grant would help you to obtain them. Below is a sample cover letter for technical program grant:

Mr. Zedrick Zavier
Program Officer
The Paid in Full Foundation
1212 Das EFX Parkway, Suite 7
Houston, TX 70802

Dear Mr. Zavier,

Elite Clerical Concepts is submitting this proposal to The Paid in Full Foundation, requesting $20,000 to help launch its Tech Nine program for people seeking technical training of new technology for a chance of better job/career opportunities.

Elite Clerical Concepts is a one-of-a-kind job readiness and clerical training agency that seeks to level the playing field among the economically challenged and educationally challenged young adults in Baton Rouge, Louisiana who might not otherwise possess the means or tools to acquire better jobs to make a better living for themselves. Our programs range from beginner to advanced levels.

Elite Clerical Concepts seeks to partner with local and national partners and volunteers to fulfill its mission of bridging the technological access gaps through education and training. We would like to thank you for the opportunity and for your consideration. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Program Director, Jennifer Jones.

Sincerely,
Chassidy Reynolds-Knowles
Executive Director
123456 Your Way
Houston, TX 77058

Or, if you are an individual, you might consider writing a personal statement in advance to further detail why you are applying for a grant and how you would appropriate the funding. One free grant for women that is awarded bi-annually is the Digital Women Business grant. It is a simple application process (one-page application) that requires a four-page business plan, two-page marketing plan and a one-page personal statement. The personal statement should explain how the business grant would help you and how you would use the funding. A sample personal statement is as follows:

Personal Statement for $750 Cash Business Grant

I feel truly privileged to finally be in a position to apply for a business grant. I have worked tirelessly and courageously to establish and operate my virtual assistance business, leaving behind years of working for a cut-throat state agency working with criminals; where work equals misery, but a paycheck is guaranteed as long as you can survive the environment. I left there to settle for sleeping in the back of my BMW to building a business that I love.

I love my new freedom, regardless of the fact that my business is only four months old and I am not yet able to pay myself. I work twelve-hour days, studying, implementing strategies, writing, networking and rendering services to clients. I give every ounce of energy I have to my new business with optimism and satisfaction. But now, I would like to reward myself.

Two ways I plan to use the $750 cash grant, if awarded are as follows:

1. I would purchase a membership to Digital-Women and ACES (American Copy Editors Association) to continue networking and increase my visibility as a new virtual assistant business. As a member, I would be able to attend seminars, webinars and conferences at discounted prices.

2. I would utilize the remaining funds to take a long overdue blissful trip to the beautiful city of San Antonio, TX. The last time I was able to take a trip for leisure was three years ago. A reward would be refreshing.

I believe that hard work does pay off eventually. We must reward ourselves occasionally to stay positive and motivated. Thank you for the opportunity, allowing me to build upon my dreams and goals.

Sincerely,
Chanel Briggs-Owner/Virtual Assistant
The Virtual Vixenista
www.vixen-virtualvixenista.com

Additional Inclusions

In addition a cover letter or personal statement, you should include a polished business plan or proposal (if applicable), financial information or marketing plan (if applicable). List educational and social accomplishments. List obstacles you’ve overcome. List anything that demonstrates your capacity. Each grant agency has its own guidelines by which to apply. But, early planning could mean the difference between becoming overwhelmed with the seemingly infinite amount of information to sift through online or an easy, breezy search and application process.

Future Possibilities

Whether you would like pursue a higher degree, or pay off bills, free grants for women are accessible without red tape. Your efforts require a minimum investment of planning and organizing. And once you establish a routine of applying for grants, you could inadvertently develop a new skill through grant writing, teaching others how to write and apply for grants and more. The possibilities are many.