Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #840456 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 1117 pages

Customer Reviews

Only a few programs will apply to your state and city...
I bought an earlier edition of his books called "government giveaways" and learned the following the hard way.

Since he published new ones, I kept my mind open to what was new and I found out that I have this book in my local book store. I cracked it open and skimmed it.

Lesko makes it seem from the advertising that all of these grant and loan programs are for everyone-this isn't the case. When you eliminate 49 other states and every city other city that you don't live in in your state, the book becomes very, very short. There are federal programs that do apply, but there isn't a lot.

Go to your local book store to take a peek at it. You will learn that only a few things will likely apply to what you're interested in, and it isn't likely going to be worth the price of the book.

I would however recommend to Lesko that he gets team of researcher's and writers covering programs in MORE detail for each state. Having a more local edition of his books with all the existing state government and city govenment programs would be much more informative.
For example since I am interested in business financing, there is something called an SBA 7a loan. It would seem from the book that anyone can get it. But from the book you wouldn't know the following requirements:
1) You must be able to guarantee a portion of the loan yourself, with your real estate or other businesses. If you can't do this you don't qualify.
2) If you are an existing business, Your tax returns for the previous few years must have proof of cashflow. They won't guarantee a loan for business that doesn't show profit. SO DON't CHEAT ON YOUR TAXES!
3) Loan expenditures are only for tangible expenses, you can't pay rent, or people with the loan money.
4) If you are a new business, you must have Significant experience in the industry you plan on doing your business in.

Now why couldn't he just say that in his books!?!? It's because the book is written with a shotgun approach and isn't too detailed.

Good luck and happy free money hunting!

Good book but people should put their thinking caps on....
His book is very informative but a fair amount of work in involved. Many people don't understand all that is involved in getting grants. So for many of them the books are not as useful as they should be. People need positive and realistic approaches with LOTS of elbow grease. With this mindframe they can profit for his book. Two good books are "Grants for Dummies" and "Government Funding and You". Both books are realistic and they can help anyone get registered and start seeking grants SERIOUSLY.

-Kelli

Free Money $ by the authors Lesko, Martello et al.
This book is an extension of other volumes on the subject of
obtaining free money from various governmental sources.
For instance, there is money for the disabled at a
Clearinghouse for the Disabled 202-205-8241. There are government programs aimed at providing free medical care
at the National Institutes of Health 800-411-1222.
New York State has money for the disabled at 518-473-1675.
There is a NYS Low Down Payment Program and Conventional Rate
Program to deliver low-cost loans to worthy home-buyers.
New York State Scholarships can be obtained at 518-473-7087.
There is a BENEFITSCHECKUP.ORG to verify eligibility for
governmental benefits. The NYS Office of Development is at
518-474-7756. NYS support for education is at 518-474-3852.
Energy grants may be obtained at 800-DIAL DOE. Heat grants may
be obtained at 518-473-2517. Tax credits may be obtained at
800-225-5829. There is a Community Partnerships for Children
which provides family assistance . The Department of Housing
(HUD) and Development has special programs aimed at assisting
families in housing finance. These programs are HUD 504, 234c
and 203n. NYS Scholarship Assistance may be obtained by
calling 518-474-7087. Bravekids.org provides assistance to
children. McNair Post Graduate Grants may be obtained at
202-502-7600. The Graduate Assistance Program Based on
National Need is contained in part 84.200. The National
Science Foundation has special graduate assistant programs
at 703-292-8710. NYS has another disability program at 518-474-9222. The deKay Foundation has grant support for the elderly.
212-789-5255. Smallbiz.suny.edu supports education.
New York State has a one stop service at wdny.org

These are just some of the programs cited. The authors provide
many more at the federal level and for the various states.
Some international sources are noted as well. The book is an
excellent value if you are looking for available funding sources.