Educational Grant Applications

DID YOU KNOW? According to the African Development Bank that in 2024, over 3,500 African businesses received over $850 million in grants for their businesses? Grants for businesses are increasingly becoming a widely accessible source of funding for entrepreneurs across Africa that everyone in the business ecosystem needs to learn about. I spent some time understanding grants and here's what I found out: A grant is an amount of money or assistance given by a government or institution to an individual or organization for a specific purpose, typically without needing to be repaid. As a business person who wants grants, there three questions you need to ask yourself: 1. What Do Grant Providing Organizations Want to Achieve? Grant providers want to see their financial resources catalyze positive change that might not occur through traditional market mechanisms alone. Most are focused on driving sustainable development, creating employment opportunities, fostering innovation, promoting gender equality, or addressing critical social and environmental challenges. 2. How Can I Align My Business To These Organizations' Objectives? Identify natural alignments between your business and potential funders’ missions, rather than forcing artificial connections. Develop clear metrics that demonstrate your impact in terms that matter to funders, and refine your messaging to articulate this value proposition effectively. The most successful grant recipients find funders whose missions naturally complement their existing business goals and impact aspirations. 3. Tactical Steps To Secure Grants For Your Business Once you've aligned your business with grant providers' objectives, implement tactical steps to secure funding. Create a dedicated grants calendar to track deadlines and requirements, while preparing standardized documentation that can be customized for each application. Perfect a compelling pitch that clearly communicates your business model and planned use of funds, while demonstrating credibility through previous achievements. Websites like Instrumentl.com, GrantWatch.com, and GrantStation.com share grant opportunities as they arise. One outstanding example of a grant program making significant impact across Africa is the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) initiative, which has already started taking applications for the 2025 Competition. The 2024 ABH Grand Finale is happening this week in Kigali, Rwanda! If you are a business person, purpose see what the top 10 finalists from across Africa did to secure their share of the $1.5 million grant pool, then visit the Africa's Business Heroes website today to register your business for the 2025 grant competition.

#PSA #Grants 2 CFR 700.14 (Award Suspension and Termination) What It Means: Purpose: A temporary halt of activities under assistance awards (grants/cooperative agreements) issued by USAID. Duration: Up to 60 days, unless extended or terminated earlier. Scope: May apply to specific activities or the entire award. Authority: Only the Agreement Officer (AO) can issue suspensions. Grantee Actions: Acknowledge Receipt: Confirm receipt of the suspension notice. Negotiate with the AO regarding costs that can or cannot be suspended, factoring in termination vs. continuation costs. Provide clear justifications for allowability and savings. Cease Suspended Activities: Immediately stop specified work and avoid incurring additional costs. Preserve Records: Seggregate and  Document all costs, achievements, and challenges before and during the suspension. Mitigate Risks: Safeguard program assets, staff, and resources to prevent loss or harm. Plan for Next Steps: Prepare to either: Resume or revise program description activities upon resolution of the suspension. Negotiate adjustments to the costs and period of performance equal to the suspension period. Transition to closeout if the award is terminated.

Sitting on the other side of the PhD scholarship table as a reviewer, I saw just how tough the competition is. Here’s what every applicant needs to know to stay prepared and resilient. I recently reviewed PhD scholarship applications, and one candidate stood out. They had a first-class degree, published papers, scholarships, awards, interned at a prestigious institution abroad, and had glowing recommendation letters.  They were scoring high marks in every category, until I reached their research proposal... It wasn't strong enough. They lost just 2 points, resulting in a score of 13/15. The heart-breaking reality is: Out of 100 applicants, only 20 scholarships were awarded and every successful candidate scored 14/15 or higher. Let that sink in. This person wasn’t a weak candidate. They weren’t “not good enough.” The competition was just that intense and funding is limited. The margins between acceptance and rejection are razor-thin. This is why I want you to hear this: 📌 A rejection doesn’t mean you’re unworthy of a PhD scholarship. If you've received that dreaded email: Take a deep breath.   Regroup.   Enhance your portfolio.   And try again. Here is what you can do to improve your chances next time: 1️⃣ Get research experience Work on projects that could lead to publications. 2️⃣ Build strong academic relationships So that your recommendation letters truly shine. 3️⃣ Apply for small grants and awards Every achievement strengthens your application. 4️⃣ Start early with supervisors Align your research interests and begin conversations well in advance. 5️⃣ Perfect your research proposal Invest significant time crafting a compelling, well-structured proposal.  Your research journey isn't over – it's just taking a different path than you expected. #PhD #Scholarships #Academia #Research #GradSchool #LearnWithSofiat

WHAT DO I WISH I KNEW AT THE BEGINNING OF MY ACADEMIC CAREER REGARDING RESEARCH FUNDING? Securing funding as an early-stage researcher can feel like navigating a maze. But fear not! I'm here to share 5 key steps to help you land the support you need to take your research to the next level: 1. Know your landscape Research funders: Identify agencies, foundations, and internal grants aligned with your field and research focus. Check eligibility criteria carefully! Collaborators: Analyse successful proposals and network with peers. If you don't have access to examples, ask your research office for some. Consider potential collaborations to strengthen your application. 2. Craft a compelling story Problem & solution: Clearly articulate the research problem, its significance, and your proposed solution's impact. Show the potential to fill a gap or advance knowledge. Consider why it hasn't been done before! Methodology & feasibility: Demonstrate a robust research plan with achievable methods and timelines. Don't propose to do something 'fancy' or 'trendy' - propose what would get the work done. Explicitly state tasks, milestones and deliverables. Highlight your expertise and access to resources. 3. Budget with precision Justify every expense: Link budget items to specific research activities and expected outcomes. Be realistic and transparent. Work closely with your finance team to develop a coherent budget and justification for resources. 4. Practice makes perfect Seek feedback: Share your proposal with mentors, colleagues, or grant writing workshops for constructive criticism. Simulate funder Q&A sessions to gain confidence and refine your responses. 5. Learn from rejections Rejection is redirection: Learn from feedback and tailor your future proposals for a better fit. Don't give up! Securing funding takes time and effort, but you can unlock the resources to fuel your research journey with a strategic approach and unwavering dedication. #research #phd #university #academic #professor

₹50 LAKHS GRANT FOR STARTUPS - YET 99% ENTREPRENEURS MISS IT As someone who has built businesses both from scratch and with institutional support, I can tell you one thing: knowing how to raise funds is just as important as having a strong idea. Right now, the Indian government is offering up to ₹50 lakhs to early-stage startups under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). This is not a loan. This is not equity. This is a pure grant. Yet, most startup founders I meet are either unaware of this or believe it’s too complicated to apply for. Here’s what every serious founder needs to know: 🔹 You don’t need a market-ready product. You can apply even if you're at the idea or MVP stage. 🔹 You must be an Indian citizen with a startup registered in India, under 10 years old, and working on a tech-first or innovation-first model. 🔹 You must not have received prior government funding under any other central scheme. 🔹 To apply, your startup needs DPIIT recognition (which is free and easy to get at startupindia.gov.in) 🔹 Once recognised, go to https://lnkd.in/g66vuPaf, choose three incubators, upload your pitch deck and necessary documents, and submit your application. As an entrepreneur, I’ve often seen amazing ideas collapse due to a lack of funds and access. What I’ve also seen is that those who invest time in understanding government systems and startup policies go a lot further than those who wait for VCs to knock on their door. If you're working on an idea that solves a real problem, don’t let the lack of capital hold you back. 🔹 Pitch clearly. 🔹 Show why your idea is innovative. 🔹 Prove that your team can build it. 🔹 Keep your documents and vision sorted. India has never been more startup-friendly than it is today. But this window will only benefit those who are proactive and informed. If you’re building, I strongly recommend exploring this scheme. Every founder should know this. Every startup should at least try. A good pitch can open a ₹50 lakh door. Sometimes, that’s all you need to go from idea to execution. Watch this space for more such insights. And if you're someone working on a strong idea, now is the time to build. #startupindia #founders #entrepreneurship #startupfunding #SISFS #governmentgrants #businessstrategy

Funding sources come in many shapes and sizes for startups. Two major ones I want to unpack are family offices and venture capital (VC) firms. They seem similar on the surface - both offer capital to young companies - but have very distinct approaches. Family offices manage investments for ultra-high-net-worth families. They take a flexible, patient approach aimed at growing assets over generations. The capital comes directly from the family's wealth. Meanwhile, VCs raise money from outside limited partners like pensions and endowments, with a mandate to achieve high returns within set timelines (e.g. 10 years). This pressures them to spot trends, act quickly, and aggressively build fast-growth companies. Beyond investment mandates, they differ in decision-making and involvement too. Family offices prioritize alignment with personal values and interests. The family itself or trusted professionals drive decisions. VCs lean on seasoned partners who conduct rigorous diligence before investing. Once invested, family offices often take a more passive role and offer advisors as needed. VCs give hands-on support, strategy, and connections - taking board seats to guide the startups. As you can see, the motivations and strategies have little in common. Entrepreneurs need to weigh up which funding source fits their needs and vision. Curious to hear your perspectives on securing the right type of capital! #entrepreneurs #founders #directors #business #cxo #ceo

Navigating the world of grants, prizes, and funding mechanisms can be a game-changer for startups. But where do you begin? Let me break it down for you. Identify Your Needs Before you dive into applications, get clear on what you need the funds for. - Is it for R&D? - Scaling operations? - Maybe marketing? Knowing this will help you target the right opportunities. Research Grant Databases There are numerous databases out there, but here are a few worth your time: - Grants.gov: A comprehensive source for federal grants. - SBIR.gov: Focuses on small businesses engaging in R&D. - Foundation Center: A go-to for nonprofit and for-profit grants. Leverage Industry Specific Opportunities For those in renewable energy and sustainability, there are niche opportunities: -American Made Network - Department of Energy (DOE) grants. -The Green Climate Fund. - Private foundations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Partner Up - Collaborations can open doors to otherwise inaccessible funding. - Team up with universities for joint research projects. - Partner with larger corporations for innovation grants. Participate in Competitions Competitions offer both funding and exposure. - AMN SolarPrize 8. - Shell Energy Challenge. - XPRIZE competitions. Angel Investors and VCs Don't underestimate the power of private investors. - Look for investors aligned with your mission. - Pitch at industry events and forums. Craft a Stellar Application A well crafted application can set you apart. - Be clear and concise. - Highlight your impact and scalability. - Show your team’s capability. Follow Up Persistence pays off. - Follow up on applications. - Network with grant officers. - Keep refining your pitch and approach. Remember, securing funding is not just about the money. It’s about the relationships you build and the credibility you gain. What's been your most successful approach to securing funding? Comment below and let’s share some best practices! #AJPerkins #MicrogirdMentor

As many of you know, I have been and continue to be an advocate and supporter for the need for government-approved and endorsed #professionalstandards and a #codeofconduct scheme for #cybersecurity professionals. Having seen countless times the adverse impacts of poor people, process and technology #cyber controls as a result of #humanfactors, I started to ask the question - why are there no professional standards in areas such as #cybersecurity? With that, I resolved to do something about it. In 2022, after leading for the formation of a working group that could openly and collaboratively discuss the need for a professionalisation scheme and how it should operate, the Federal government funded an initiative called the Australian Cyber Security Professionalisation (ACSP) which brought together stakeholders in government, industry and academia together. You can find more information on the ACSP at https://lnkd.in/gMYpkS6F. The outcome from the ACSP was an identified need to professionalise the profession, with any program adhering Professional Standards Council and/or ISO 17024 standards. In December 2024, the Federal Government announced a grants program for Stage 2 of this - a pilot professionalisation scheme for the Australian Cyber Sector (https://lnkd.in/gj4iWZds). Grant applications for this close on the 29th January and will award $1.9m to the winning bidder. With this grant being offered by the Federal Government, I have partnered with Jill Slay to develop a sophisticated proposal and model to assist mission driven organisations interested in bidding for this funding to develop a scheme adherent to the spirit of the ACSP and its outcomes. This is available at https://lnkd.in/gTtP88eQ. I cannot stress how important it is that the organisation who will be granted this funding must look at this purely from the perspective of uplifting professional standards in cybersecurity, resulting in a more cyber resilient nation. What do I mean by this? - If you are an organisation which is motivated by profit and who sees this scheme as a way to sell more degrees, training, more certifications and make more money, please give the grant a miss. - If you are an organisation who wants to use this opportunity to raise your own profile instead of fastidiously working towards bettering outcomes for Australian cybersecurity resilience, please give this grant a miss. - If, instead, you are an organisation motivated by mission and by purpose and want to uplift our national cyber resilience and improve outcomes for ordinary Australians, I wish you the best of luck. NOTE: I am not bidding for this funding, nor am I aligned to any bid, but will support the right winner with all my efforts and energy. Michelle M. Ed Husic MP Tony Burke Matt Thistlethwaite

Applying to grad school in 2025 and worried about funding? Read This First Due to policy changes brought on by our current administration, big changes are coming for graduate school funding. If you’re first-generation or from a low-income background, it’s more important than ever to understand your options and plan ahead. Key Changes in Federal Loans The Big Beautiful Bill eliminates the federal Grad PLUS loan program starting July 2026. New caps on federal loans: -Master’s & most PhD programs: $20,500 per year, $100,000 lifetime -Professional programs (law, medicine): $50,000 per year, $200,000 lifetime These limits may not cover the full cost of attendance at many schools. What This Means for Master’s Applicants Full funding is rare for master’s programs and most students pay using a mix of loans, scholarships, and part-time work. With new federal loan caps, you may need to seek: -University or external scholarships -Graduate assistantships (teaching/research roles) -Private loans (often higher interest, fewer protections) Carefully compare program costs and funding offers especially at private or high-cost public universities. What This Means for PhD Applicants A silver lining is that most PhD programs in the U.S. still offer full funding (tuition waiver plus a stipend) for admitted students. Funding is typically provided through teaching or research assistantships and is not dependent on federal loans. Admission is highly competitive however and some of us learned the hard way (myself included) that funding may not cover all personal expenses or dependents. If you receive a full funding offer, you’ll likely not feel the impact from the new loan caps. Scholarships and Grants for First-Gen and Low-Income Students Many organizations and universities still offer scholarships for first-gen and low-income grad students. Examples include the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, Davis Putter Scholarship Fund, and university-based fellowships. Check deadlines and eligibility for 2025 awards and make sure to consistently apply! Pell Grants and Federal Aid Pell Grants remain available for eligible low-income students but proposed cuts mean tighter eligibility and smaller awards for part-time students. Federal Work-Study and TRIO/GEAR UP programs may face reductions (some programs may also be cut entirely); check your school’s resources for updates. Proactive Steps to Take for Fall 2025 Applicants Master’s applicants: -Research all funding options before committing, which may involve talking to people at these programs. -Ask around about assistantships, scholarships, and expected out-of-pocket costs. -Be cautious about private loans. I don’t recommend them but if need be, always read the fine print. Continued in comments...

EdTech Company - Applying for grants? Whenever I see edtech founders applying for grants or funding, they mostly focus extensively on the product. The grant proposal usually has a brief introduction to the problem and then they discuss in length about how the product works? how it's delivering awesome outcomes? how it will change the education landscape? I understand that you want to tell more and more about the product and discuss its features, but that's just one of the important criteria. Here are other factors that many ignore: 1. What's the demand of the product? Explain (in numbers and with research) what's the demand from the customers? 2. What's your motivation to solve this problem? How is the problem closely related to you? Why did you take up this problem and not anything else? Explain your motivation. 3. How's your team prepared to make this product reach its potential? A lot of grant proposals are sent by solo-founders. They discuss how they're doing everything for the company - building, coding, marketing, sales, etc. - which is great, but it doesn't give enough evidence on how the company will survive the tough times. You need a team comprising of members with different potential. 4. Is your product able to address equity? What extra-efforts have you taken as an edtech platform to make it inclusive for neurodiverse individuals? Make it part of the proposal. Remember, your proposal is examined on different parameters and not just the features of the product - make sure you build a comprehensive one! #edtech #education #research #equity #learning #priyankeducator