First, you have to be an official business wither a tax-exempt organization or a for-profit business currently registered with your local state and the IRS. Professional grant writers charge a fee to write and prepare your grant package for submission. Most grants do not allow you to pay the grant writer's fee out of the funds received. Why? The grant writer was hired BEFORE the grant cycle has started (which is after the award notice). Professional grant writers do not work for free or contigency and must be compensated for their services up front. not out of the grant award.

Next, determine your budget for grant writing and do your research on your grant writer candidate. We have a video tutorial on how to hire a grant writer.

https://serveuniversity.thinkific.com/courses/how-to-hire-a-grant-writer

If you are seeking SERVE-U to help prepare your next grant application, please visit the "OUR SERVICES" tab to determine your next steps.

Yes. There are two options:

1) You can complete the application yourself by purchasing the on-demand course, The Ultimate Do-It-Yourself 501c3 Application Process . This training comes equipped with video tutorials, forms, and templates to get you started in the right direction into having a tax-exempt status.

https://serveuniversity.thinkific.com/courses/the-ultimate-DIY-501c3-application

2) If you want SERVE-U to complete the 501c3 process for you, the rate is $3,000 (plus filing fees). Please email hellostudent@serveuniversity.org to get started.

Grants can be awarded on the first try. But, most likely, it takes six to twelve months (or more) to secure grant funding. This is based on two factors: 1) Your organization's grant readiness - does your organization have demonstrated and documented proof that you have the experience to manage the project for the funds your a requesting, 2) Competitive Advantage - there are several (and sometimes thousands) of applicants competing for a limited amount of funding. Based on the uniqueness and your scoring rubric determines how high your responses score to be considered for funding. SERVE-U can help support your organization get grant-ready and through the application process.

No. SERVE-U is a grant writing and training firm. We can help your nonprofit or small business get grant ready, however, it is up to the individual and/or business owner to maintain their personal or business credit.