jewels

I've been researching funding for a potential not-for-profit organization that would fulfill a specific niche, but haven't been able to classify and locate those funds. I know they're out there somewhere, but despite having read all the "how to" sites, as well as the grants.gov source, I'm not sure how to locate them.

Any tips, perhaps, on how to classify? Any other funding sources I should look to? If the specifics help, here's the story.

My girls' friends have always come to me for support and advice as they were growing up. One friend stayed with us when she "ran away" from home during her freshman year of high school. Another friend is currently in the smaller town we lived in for a couple of years, about to turn 19 and feels without direction, yet stifled by his peers and the town itself. He's asked about taking me up on my offer to stay with us.

Due to my financial situation, I've told him I don't mind feeding him a meal or two a day, but that I would give him 30 days to find a job and that I would not provide any cash for gas, clothing etc. He gets the couch (which is actually a crappy futon). After that 30 days, he would pay a percentage of his income to contribute to the household, and he's already committed to doing the dishes and some cleaning. He's a good kid, just a little lost. With some support and guidance, I know he'll be able to find his way and once he's saved enough money to get his own place, feel that sense of accomplishment and independence that he craves. I've also wondered why he didn't go to college (he was dual enrolled in h.s.) and see if I can gently prod him to get the scholarships and grants he should be eligible for. And I'd like to repeat this process for others who've expressed an interest.

I hope to be moving in June or July, as I hate this tiny and seedy apartment, and began to wonder if I was able to find a bigger place or even rent a larger home so I can act as a transitional facilitator (!?!?) for kids just out of high school who feel lost and unsure. Give them support, family, responsibility, giving them the boost they need to make it on their own. It just feels so right for me to do this. All I need is a little more space than I can afford and a few extra dollars to feed the extra mouth(s).

Although I wouldn't mind input on my idea, the classification process and any tips not "out there" on the nonprofit sites is what I really would appreciate.

Thank you in advance for your wisdom.

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We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

snowy

If you're looking for organizations to submit grants to, check out Foundation Center - Knowledge to Build On It's a website that lists nearly every grant-making foundation, and it has lots of advice for non-profits.

If you need help writing grants or grant proposals, or need someone to look one over, hit me up. I took a class last year in grant and proposal writing.

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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

jewels

Will definitely check that site. Thanks, snowy. And I may just take you up on your offer. I was the assistant to the director of a United Way organization many years ago and I recall the complexity of monthly and quarterly reports that were required. Although I wasn't involved in the early stages, I can only try to imagine. Yikes!

__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain