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Grants

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New page: __NOTOC__ ==What is it?== Grants and subsidies are forms of aid given by governments or organizations (NGOs) used to stimulate certain projects (grants) / businesses (subsidies) from a pol...
__NOTOC__
==What is it?==
Grants and subsidies are forms of aid given by governments or organizations (NGOs) used to stimulate certain projects (grants) / businesses (subsidies) from a political, ideological or social motivation. Funds obtained via this method do not need to be reimbursed and can be used for new or existing non-profit projects or business. Grants can be combined with loans, where the grant may cover
the risks or softer parts. Subsidies may also cover running costs.

==How does it work?==
Most funds have pre-qualification criteria and a rating system related to certain subjects in the final proposal. Try to find a fund with aim and criteria best suited to your plans. Some donors are flexible and might be ready to adapt their criteria to your ideas. Most funds have a standard application form although
completing an application entails more than paper work.

==Who can use it?==
Most funds have defined who may apply for a grant. Legal registration is mostly required. In many cases, you might need an intermediary legally registered in the country in which you apply for a grant.

==Tips==
*Try to build a good relationship with the grant provider, but avoid any act which might be seen as corruption.
*Show why you are the best choice to do a certain job/project and why the project is the best choice in terms of appropriateness, effectiveness or efficiency.
*Add a track record and prove that you are a social entrepreneur (including labour conditions and environment).
*Include your ‘operational’ or ‘business’ plan, including tariff setting and method of revenue collection.

==Pitfalls==
*Project/ businesses receiving grant money can become dependent on this money instead of generating enough income independently.
*It is necessary to evaluate beforehand whether the required time/energy and ‘dependency’ will pay themselves back.
*Risks that cannot be neutralized are often not calculated sufficiently beforehand, which causes problems when projects/ businesses are evaluated. This can have a negative impact on your creditworthiness in the future.
*Property rights/ ownership of the capital goods at the end of the project are often not defined beforehand.
*Before attracting grants, make sure you are able to meet donor’s requirements on reporting.

==Who should you approach?==
[[Grant provider list |Please refer to this list of Grant providers]]

==External links==
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_(money) Wikipedia page on Grants]
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