Our first question is a tricky one. For those of us who have worked at a Main desk, it's a query that is all too familiar. Most patrons who ask have been inspired by a man on TV wearing a suit covered in question marks (otherwise known as He Who Must Not Be Named).
The simple answer to this question is that there is no actual free money, but patrons aren't always swayed by such a declarative statement. They may actually think your purposely hiding the free money from them. I mean, if you can't trust a guy who shops at the Riddler's estate sale, who can you trust?
So, by presenting this question in our project, let's try and create a stock answer that is both concise yet detailed enough so that patron's don't think your hiding something from them. If you know of any websites that go into further detail, let us know about them so they can be included as well. And if you know where any actual free money is (and you don't care to take it yourself and retire early), please let us know so we can use that information, too.
P.S.: I promise the remaining 41 questions won't be this sarcastic. :)
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1. (with a sad, concerned look) "Oh, I am so sorry, they ran out yesterday."
ReplyDelete2. "If I knew, you think I'd still be here?"
3. Hysterical laughter
Drat - I really appreciate sarcasm. Are you sure you can't give us a bit more. Please, please, pleeeeeeeez!
ReplyDeleteSomeone just had to make a comic reference. :P
ReplyDelete'THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FREE MONEY'. THERE!
ReplyDeleteHow about "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is".
ReplyDeleteKatie Holmes has actually put together a program called "Free Money, Fact or Fiction". You can find it in G-shared in a folder called "Free Money. . . " She graciously stresses the kinds of grants you CAN get: small business loans, fafsa, arts grants, etc. It's worth taking a glance at, and maybe we should revive it. It's probably more effective than the rolled eyeballs.
ReplyDeleteI also point out that Matthew Lesko is just out to sell books and sometimes that idea penetrates.
http://www.fltreasurehunt.org/ControlServlet?ActionForm=GotoNewPublicSearch
ReplyDeleteIn her welcome letter Alex Sink, Chief Financial Officer of Florida, indicates The Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Unclaimed Property, holds unclaimed accounts valued at more than $1 billion. If you have not already visited this State of Florida website then you may want to start first with our State and then visit websites of other states.
http://www.nul.org/PressReleases/2006/2006PR317.html
Citizens are very fortunate the Jacksonville Urban League is one of five which received federal funding support to launch an "Economic Empowerment Center." Additionally, The Urban Entrepreneur Partnership (UEP)is part of a national program, by the same name, developed through a partnership of the National Urban League, the Business Roundtable, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the White House National Economic Council. In Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Urban League has been designated as the local branch of the UEP. As a result, The UEP assesses the needs and capabilities of minority business owners in the Jacksonville area. Then those aspiring or current business owners are linked with resources, classes, training and counseling that will help them grow to the next level of success. Each person contacting the UEP will receive an initial assessment of their needs. Then they will be matched to the appropriate resource or service that meets those needs.
The initial assessment and matching is free. However, there may be fees for counseling, training classes, etc.
For more information contact the Jacksonville Urban League at 904-356-8336.
I'm very gratified that someone (thank you, Donna T!) actually dug into G>>Shared & found my old presentation! It's a bit early to think of a really good snarky comment about Lesko, but I'll add one if I think of it.
ReplyDeleteActually, I like to leave "free" money seekers with this challenge: If you buy any of Lesko's books & recoup at least the cost of the purchase, we'll hold a press conference and give you a chance to tell us how. (BTW - a former colleague actually bought one of Lesko's book - and didn't get a dime out of it! He couldn't even resell it!)
From the site Grants.gov:
ReplyDelete"Grants.gov is your source to FIND and APPLY for federal government grants. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is proud to be the managing partner for Grants.gov, an initiative that is having an unparalleled impact on the grant community. Learn more about Grants.gov and determine if you are eligible for grant opportunities offered on this site.
Grants.gov does not provide personal financial assistance. To learn where you may find personal help, check Government Benefits, Student Loans and Small Business Start-up Loans."
If you link to the Government Benefits site (GovBenefits.gov) it allows people to complete an online survey that will help them to determine if they are eligible for any federal assistance in areas such as housing, food, education, etc. According to this site:
"GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government, with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs."
Julie McNeil
A blank stare is my first impulse...but I try to be a professional and demythologize things politely, without implying that the customer has been fooled by misinformation.
ReplyDeleteSomething along these lines:
"Unfortunately TV and other sources sometimes give out mistaken information about help with money needs. There are three real categories of help:
"1. loans to help people start businesses;
"2. grants for strictly non-profit activities (like starting a service organization, getting an education, creating certain types of art);
"3. public or private assistance with certain emergency financial needs (food, housing, medical help).
"All of these have specific requirements to qualify, and each one has a different application process.
"Tell me more about your particular need."
Then I wing it!
I get free money every semester by filling out the FAFSA and attending two classes. I am putting myself through school for free and earning upwards of $400-600 every 4 months. But you have to be dirt poor to get the pell grant, which I am.
ReplyDeleteBut....there is no such thing as free money??!!Way to go Daniel, rain on the parade!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, a group called NFCAA, a non-profit has some stimulus money for helping people with mortgages, education and (they say on the flyer) business. They will be at Highlands on August 12 and put out flyers touting "Free Money" They are a legitimate nonprofit group, but not what the free money implies. http://www.nfcaa.net/
ReplyDelete