Skin cancer prevention grants come from private, corporate and government sources. Many are awarded for research projects to learn more about skin cancer or its prevention. Other grants are awarded to programs and organizations that educate the public about prevent skin cancer.
There are several ways to research potential grants. One of the best is through the Internet. Your local library is also an excellent resource. Some may even have guides specifically related to writing grants of all kinds.
Function
Grants are funds that never need to be repaid. These funds enable many not-for-profits to perform their basic mission of preventing skin cancer. Some grants are available for particular types of programs that educate the public about skin cancer and increase awareness. Other funds are available for research which will help prevent skin cancer by learning the ways to prevent it at a scientific level. The CDC provided $475,000 in funding to several states for skin cancer prevention for one year.
Time Frame
Most government grants have very specific deadlines for applications and funding payout. These deadlines are months to a year apart. Smaller foundations have less time between their application deadlines and their awarding of funds. There are also grants with rolling deadlines. This means that applications are received throughout the year. Some of those awards are also rolling with funds distributed all year long. Others have funds distributed several times a year.
The application deadlines and potential awards are key to those applying for grants so that they can plan their programs and projects based on that information. American Skin Foundation and SkinCancer.org both have deadlines in October, for example.
Types
Government grants can be found from the local to the national level. One of the best places to start your research is www.grants.gov.
The Foundation Center also enables you to research foundations that match the mission of skin cancer prevention. Be sure to use other key words that may provide funders which will support your cause. Search for cancer prevention in general. Search for health education and then make your proposal specifically about skin cancer prevention. The Skin Cancer Foundation is also a resource for information and potential funding.
When researching corporations, try to think of businesses that would consider skin cancer prevention key to their own mission. For example, a company that sells sun block may provide funding for skin cancer prevention. The Rite Aid Foundation for example provides health and wellness grants and has provided funding for skin cancer prevention in the past.
Misconceptions
Grants are not a perfect source of funding for a not-for-profit. They should not be considered a way to fix the bottom line of a failing budget. In fact, funders do not like to award grants to a foundation or organization that is failing. A grant's best function is to pay for specific programs or projects that could not be accomplished without outside funding. Although some grants do provide general operating support, those grants are occurring with less and less frequency.
Considerations
Often the organization donating funds wants to be publicly recognized for its grant award. If you create a proposal that incorporates publicity for the program you are suggesting you are increasing the potential of your grant being funded.
With skin cancers increasing in record numbers in the United States, funding for awareness and prevention is expected to increase as well.
Tags: cancer prevention, skin cancer prevention, skin cancer, about skin, about skin cancer, cancer prevention, skin cancer
