Who is most eligible for grants

Organizations and individuals whose work consists of serving others in need often receive assistance in a variety of forms from government agencies, non-profit funders, philanthropists, and individuals. Your organization can achieve high levels of recognition for need from these by funders by incorporating these suggestions into your search plan:

1. Establish a really strong board of directors willing to help you succeed.
2. Establish a cooperative agreement with one or more organizations whose goals and programs compliment and support your organizational goals and programs.
3. If you are not a 501c3, become one.
4. Keep excellent financial records.
5. Project into the future your organizational ability to serve a target group, or groups.
6. Format service data to use in demonstrating your organizational ability to meet needs.
7. Establish a working relationship with potential funders.
8. Build a sustainability component into your operational plan.
9. Be very clear about your target group, what you provide, and why you are unique.
   

Students who seek assistance with graduate work for a Master's program need to check with your school, your advisor, and with online resources like www.fastweb.com for help.

Google searching is a great way to find scholarships not listed at free scholarship websites. For example, if you use the key words "science" "minority science" "women science" and "science fellowships" you will find a a host of agencies, schools and organizations offering financial packages for your program.