logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
30m 9s

Ep 287 | Government Funding is More than...

Sami Bedell-Mulhern
About this episode

Navigating the world of government grants can be stressful. But funding isn't just in the grants you apply for. Guest Matthew Lesko has been helping individuals and nonprofits access little-known government resources for over 30 years, and he's here to share his wealth of knowledge.

What you'll learn:
→ Why Matthew is so passionate about government grants and funding
→ Strategies for finding and securing government grants, even if you're a small nonprofit
→ Creative ways to generate revenue beyond just grants
→ How to build relationships with elected officials to unlock funding opportunities
→ Resources and tools to help you navigate the complex world of government assistance

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:
[05:34] Get intentional with the sources you use to find government grants. Avoid using Google to search for government grants – it's a "death trap" full of people trying to take your money. You don't need to hire someone to help you execute.
[05:34] Utilize the SBA's local assistance database to find free, nonprofit organizations that can help with various aspects of your organization. There are loans available to help you with your team, as well as learning opportunities.
[12:42] Don't just ask for money from government offices – ask for help in discovering the resources available to you. There are consultants that are connected to government projects that can provide services to supoprt you.
[26:24] Follow your heart and focus on being genuine in your relationships with grantors and elected officials. Yes you will need to build relationships, but make sure it is the right opportunity for your needs.

 

Resources
SBA's local assistance database: https://sba.gov/local-assistance
Career one stop center: https://careeronestop.org/
Common Cause website: https://commoncause.org/
Apex Accelerators website: https://apexaccelerators.us/
YouFindHelp.org: http://youfindhelp.org/
GoHelp.com: http://gohelp.com/

Matthew Lesko
Hi, I'm Matthew Lesko, known as the "Question Mark Guy" for my eccentric suits and passion for helping people find government grants and financial assistance programs. For over 30 years, I've authored bestselling books, appeared on major TV shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, and built online communities to educate individuals and businesses on accessing little-known resources. My mission is to simplify complex government systems, empowering everyone to unlock opportunities they didn't know existed.

Learn more at https://www.free.lesko.com.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeskoHelp
https://www.youtube.com/user/matthewlesko

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Up next
Aug 26
Ep 316 | How to Use AI to Repurpose your Content with TJ Robertson
Are you making the most of your nonprofit's content? In this episode, I sit down with TJ Robertson, founder of TJ Digital, to explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your content repurposing strategy. We discuss innovative ways to leverage AI tools that can help you ... Show More
30m 47s
Aug 19
Ep 315 | Mindset Reset
Are you feeling overwhelmed as you gear up for the busy season? In this solo episode, I'm here to offer a much-needed pep talk and share some powerful mindset shifts to help you navigate the challenges ahead. As we transition from summer mode to year-end campaigns, it's crucial t ... Show More
12m 34s
Aug 12
Ep 314 | Connecting with Your Website Visitors with Abby James
Are you making the most of your website visitors? In this episode, I sit down with Abby James from Nonprofit Megaphone to explore innovative ways to connect with people who've shown interest in your organization. We discuss how to leverage website visitor data ethically and effec ... Show More
29m 45s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Business
In business, you'll learn that you don't know what you don't know. When Nicole started MNN, there were five lessons in particular she wished she learned earlier. Today, she gives you the cheat code. If you're ready to find the right professionals for your dream team, LinkedIn Job ... Show More
12m 18s
Jul 2024
Episode 707: 8 Marketing Skills You Must Learn If You Ever Want to be Successful in ANY Business, and How Mastering Them Will Make You RICH
<p dir="ltr">Today's topic has been on my mind for some time now, and I want to share the 8 marketing skills that you must learn to be successful in any business, but specifically as a personal brand selling digital products. </p> <p dir="ltr">If you put your attention on these f ... Show More
55m 35s
Feb 2025
The Power of Curiosity and Gratitude | How to Win in Life and Business
<p>In this special episode, I had the opportunity to speak with a group of young students about entrepreneurship, mindset, and the importance of curiosity. We talked about my early days as an entrepreneur—selling lemonade, knocking on doors, and finding what I loved. I shared how ... Show More
24m 14s
Sep 3
Life Lessons I'd wished I learned 20 years ago: B-Schooled episode 259
For this episode our host Chandler spoke with a number of corporate executives, nonprofit leaders, and wellness icons and asked the question, what life lessons do you know today that you wish you'd known 20 years ago? In this episode Chandler shares 5 pieces of wisdom that stood ... Show More
18m 23s
Aug 2024
Why Losing is Crucial | Childhood Lessons in Resilience
<p>On this episode of the GaryVee Audio Experience, Im sharing a recent book signing I recently did for my new kids book Meet Me in The Middle. I share a bit of the journey of creating VeeFriends. We start with a look back at my childhood inspirations and how the 80s icons like H ... Show More
51m 48s
Aug 2024
Episode 708: 8 Essential Skills Required for Success in Any Arena
<p dir="ltr">Last week, I gave you the 8 marketing skills you must learn if you want to be successful in any business, and in today's episode, Jenni leads the way and presents the 8 essential skills that are required for success in any arena of life in general, not just business. ... Show More
51m 35s
Oct 2024
7 Skills That Will Make You Rich
The 7 skills that will make you rich are the most important skills that will change your life. These are skills that will pay off forever, and they are skills that can make you money. They are skills that pay the bills. If you want to know the 7 skills that will make you rich lis ... Show More
12m 11s
Aug 2024
The Superpower That Will Help You Reach Your Goals | Ep 168
Today, I talk through one thing that has been an absolute superpower for me and that will be for you as you pursue your goals...consistency.Welcome to Build where we talk about the lessons I have learned in scaling big businesses, gaining millions in sales, and helping our portfo ... Show More
17m 10s
Jul 2024
How a Fitness Contest Taught Me Business Skills | Ep 158
“No goal will ever make me happy. The process of achieving the goal, that is what was worth it.” Today, Leila (@LeilaHormozi) shares valuable business insights drawn from her bikini competition experiences, emphasizing the role of practice, behavior, and clarity in goal-setting f ... Show More
27m 36s
Oct 2024
The Power Of Soft Skills: How To Grow Your Business
<p>Today's Episode of the podcast is my keynote at the Lockton Growth Forum, I dive deep into the 13 emotional ingredients from my book Twelve and a Half and why they are necessary for business success. I also touch on the importance of making content on LinkedIn for business dev ... Show More
37m 33s