I would like to apply for a government grant to start my own daycare. Where should I start?

I would like to start my own daycare, but would need to make a few minor improvements to my home. I am unable to get a loan currently, so a government grant is my only option.

Don't count too much on a government grant, as grants are typically not given for a for profit business. Even if you go to Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov, you will NOT see a grant for starting a daycare

Some states offer grants to those starting a daycare business, but other than existing daycares affected by Katrina, none of the grants I've seen exceeded $1000 (most are just $500)

I suggest you check with the government agency handling daycare licensing in your state. They may be able to direct you to a grant source, BUT don't get your hopes up

I suggest you simply try to find other means to raise the money you need

Government grants for a for-profit daycare (or any other for-profit business, in fact) do not exist. Try applying for a credit card, getting a partner that can invest money initially, or find a contractor that accepts monthly payments. Good luck to you!

Fortunately, the internet has opened up a host of opportunities to obtain such loans. There are websites that specialize in just that. Furthermore, there are traditional lenders that offer an online application pathwaypayments and whether or not you will need to put up real estate as security.Once you have taken the time to ask yourself some searching questions and also get some reliable answers from lenders, you will be in a much better position to choose a loan.

Go to http://www.grants.gov for a list of government grants and how you can apply for them. There are grants for opening a daycare, but it is a minimal amount.

Finding and identifying government agencies that give grants for specific purposes or in specific subject areas requires time, effort, and research. The resources on this page provide a starting point to help you do your own research.

If you are looking for funding for an existing or new for-profit business, you may encounter difficulties in finding and getting grant funding. Government grants are generally (though not always) given to non-profit organizations for programs and services that benefit the community or the public at large.

The first place you should look for government grants is the U.S. Government's Grants.gov Website. This site will enable you to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies. You can also obtain information on types of grants and the government agencies that make grants. Additionally, you can sign up to receive notification of future grant opportunities. You can also take a look at the Government's Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), which contains a listing of various Government grants and other types of assistance. Here you can get information on available grants by Topic Area or you can search the Catalog by key words and other methods. If you find a grant that interests you, make sure that you carefully read the section on Eligibility Requirements to find out if you would be qualified to apply for that particular grant.

You should also be aware that most government grants are not available year-round. That is, you can't apply for most of them at any time you please -- in general, you can apply for them only when they are announced by a Government agency. When an agency makes funds available for a grant, it places an announcement in the Federal Register which is published each weekday. Here's where you can find the Government's Recent Grant Announcements. In addition, you can search for grant announcements on Government Agency Websites.

Grants to individuals are most often given for educational support (financial aid), the arts, and various types of scientific or other research, although some agencies award grants to individuals for other purposes. You can find some information on individual grants on my Frequently Asked Questions Page.

Getting a grant is hard work. Don't be fooled by advertisements and promotions that state that you can get "free money" just by writing a letter. There is a lot of competition for grant funds. To be successful in winning a grant, you must provide the funding agency with a well-written Proposal which clearly states your objectives and sets forth a plan and budget for your activities. Grants are "free" in that you do not have to pay back the money. However, if you are awarded a grant you may be required to provide periodic progress, program evaluation, and/or financial reports to the government.

If you think that you qualify for a grant, be prepared to work for it or contract with a competent professional to assist you.