Background:
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), was signed into law on February 17, 2009. You can read the final text of the legislation (as signed by the President).
Some of the resultant funding will be in the form of competitive grants; other monies will be designated by individual governor’s offices. Still more relief will take the form of government contracts, loans, or be in the form of expanded “personal assistance” programs (provided by local and federal agencies or programs). The majority of funding will come in the form of tax credits. (Source: http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/investments; Accessed on April 16, 2009)
In an effort to educate the public about ARRA as well as to create a transparent and accountable process, the government has made Recovery.gov a stimulus information hub.
Get ready:
Be aware of upcoming deadlines and funding opportunities. Listings change daily, so check often.
Some funding will come directly from the federal level; others will come through the governor’s office of individual states. Be sure to follow individual agency web sites (state and federal), as well as your state’s recovery office web site.
There is prep-work to be done before you can apply for stimulus grants. Be sure that you/your organization are ready for those opportunities that present themselves.
Don’t forget internal preparation. Have you brought together working groups or teams to gather data, design the project(s), and begin outreach to potential partners?
Since most of the funding must be used by the end of 2010, application deadlines have a very short turn-around time. Consider looking at past Requests for Proposals (RFP) from agencies or programs that are of interest to you so that you’re ready when a new RFP is posted.
State of Wisconsin information on preparing for competitive grants.
Where to look:
State sites
- Your state’s recovery office
- Wisconsin Office of Recovery and Reinvestment (Especially the "Programs by Category" page)
Federal sites
- Competitive Grants: Grants.gov Recovery Opportunities
- Contract Opportunities: FedBizOpps
- Government Loans: GovLoans
- Personal Assistance: GovBenefits
What to avoid:
Grant scams. There are lots of businesses and unscrupulous organizations out there that are preying on folks in need – particularly in the current economic climate. Any organization or group that wants you to give them money so that you can receive a grant is probably trying to take advantage of you. They may be stretching the truth or even lying outright, so never, ever give your bank account information to them. Grants by definition do not require you to pay to get them or become eligible.
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