How the Stimulus Package Will Turn into Grants |

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How the Stimulus Package Will Turn into Grants

By Jillian Wheeler | March 19, 2009

Much of the work of the government is mysterious to the average person. For example, we know Congress just approved, and the President signed, a huge stimulus package. But how does that money actually get put out into the economy? How does it get to us, the citizens?

Let’s take, as an example, the part of the stimulus package dedicated to job training. The bill included $1.25 Billion set aside specifically to assist Americans in being retrained so they can get back to work, or into better jobs.

Of that amount, $500,000,000 will go for job training in the renewable energy field. $500,000,000 is slated for adult job training programs in the states. And $250,000,000 will provide job training in emerging industries.

So far so good. But what happens next?

Now the agency bureaucrats begin to earn their salaries, by writing specific program ideas. Sometimes they have input from industry, or education. For example, a company that wants to train 100 new employees to come work for them in manufacturing renewable energy may meet with people at the Department of Labor, and recommend they write a program that will allow the company to apply for the funding they need.

If the company makes a good solid case, they have a head start on accomplishing their goal. In a few weeks, or a few months, a NOFA (Notice of Funds Available) or RFP (Request for Proposal) will come out with guidelines that make it possible for the company to apply. Of course, the company must still write a well-crafted proposal, and demonstrate they are genuinely a viable applicant for the grant funds. For most programs, of course, there will be multiple applicants and multiple awards.

As mentioned above, some of the funding will go to the states, probably in the form of Block Grants. Each state agency will then determine the best way to use the money for their state’s particular economy and situation, to best serve their citizens. At this point, community colleges may get involved, lobbying to use some of the grant funding to create community-based job training programs.

Soon, the state agency will issue a NOFA or an RFP, based on the guidelines they have developed, and educational institutions, companies, and non-profit organizations will be invited to write a grant to get part of the money.

The applicants – whoever they may be – must write a solid grant proposal that persuades the funding agency they will do a good job of delivering the service for which the grant is designed to pay.

This process is the same no matter what the eventual purpose of the funding. In the case of housing funds, HUD will allocate some of the funds to existing programs, such as the ones described here:

www.NewAmericanLandRush.com

and they will likely develop some new programs as well. We’re at work right now on a product which will show you the new programs (housing and others) and tell you how to apply. As soon as Uncle Sam does his work, we’ll get that to you.

Regardless of the type of grant you would like to receive, you – or someone you designate – will need the grant writing skills, and the knowledge of how to deal with funding agencies, in order to be competitive and get money.

Your best way to get these skills is through our Grants Training Classes. A new class starts March 30.

And, because we know things are tough right now for many people, I have extended my Birthday Sale to include this upcoming class only.

Enroll now, and I’ll immediately refund 20% of your purchase price to you.

www.GrantMeRich.com/classes.htm

You can claim the same 20% refund when you buy The New American Land Rush: How to Buy Real Estate with Government Money:

www.NewAmericanLandRush.com

You’ll never get a better deal.

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