Question How do you research whether a business is legit or a scam?

[yaggaz]

So I am looking at:

www . grantwritingonline . com

Claiming they can get your non profit organisations grants for 3k. I researched them and came up with squat. Any advice appreciated on how to research their legitimacy. Thanks.

 

[COLGeek]

I think I would avoid...

https://www.whois.com/whois/grantwritingonline.com

 

[Ralston18]

Seconding @COLGeek.

There are many, many, organizations that charge for assisting with government forms, paperwork, and other assistance where the forms and submission process is absolutely free to begin with. Especially for online type submissions.

Government sites have gotten much better being easier to understand, complete, and submit.

You are correct to be skeptical of any such "grant writingservices" - especially if you are required to pay.

Many of those services simply just ask you the questions (perhaps via their own forms)and put your answers in the necessary forms...

Note: Government forms are not copyrighted so the "service" company may just use the same form with a different letterhead.

And most legitmate grant organiztions (where you are applying for grant funds) will provide some level of assistance with completing their required forms. No need for other third party assistance.

Also: just go ahead and start filling out grant applications on your own. If unsure how to respond just provide as honest and accurate answer as you can. Or contact the granter organization.

Many forms are identical with the most likely difference being how the grant funds (if granted) will be used.

After that the rest is likely you providing details regarding your personal and your non-profit organization's finances.

Be wary of submitting personal financial information via unknown third parties.

After you have made two or three grant applications on your own then the process will become easier.

Especially if you keep copies of everything for future reference.

If there is a problem with any given application the granter organization will contact you.

Do some research on grant writing. You may even find some local free seminars on doing so.

Do not pay anyone money to do what you can learn to do on your own.

 

[yaggaz]

Seconding @COLGeek.

There are many, many, organizations that charge for assisting with government forms, paperwork, and other assistance where the forms and submission process is absolutely free to begin with. Especially for online type submissions.

Government sites have gotten much better being easier to understand, complete, and submit.

You are correct to be skeptical of any such "grant writingservices" - especially if you are required to pay.

Many of those services simply just ask you the questions (perhaps via their own forms)and put your answers in the necessary forms...

Note: Government forms are not copyrighted so the "service" company may just use the same form with a different letterhead.

And most legitmate grant organiztions (where you are applying for grant funds) will provide some level of assistance with completing their required forms. No need for other third party assistance.

Also: just go ahead and start filling out grant applications on your own. If unsure how to respond just provide as honest and accurate answer as you can. Or contact the granter organization.

Many forms are identical with the most likely difference being how the grant funds (if granted) will be used.

After that the rest is likely you providing details regarding your personal and your non-profit organization's finances.

Be wary of submitting personal financial information via unknown third parties.

After you have made two or three grant applications on your own then the process will become easier.

Especially if you keep copies of everything for future reference.

If there is a problem with any given application the granter organization will contact you.

Do some research on grant writing. You may even find some local free seminars on doing so.

Do not pay anyone money to do what you can learn to do on your own.

Thank you that is awesome and very helpful.

 

[grantorinounforgiven]

Lots of helpful information & tips in this thread, just wanted to thank the contributors.