This is an anonymous post from an Elpha member.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

Posted in:Advice Fundraising Misc Resources Money

...it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness."

Certainly a dramatic opening to my post, though illustrates best my relationship with the world at the moment.

Are you in that place, between waiting for a response in your Inbox from a recruiter, searching for ways to make the most out of your job search tactics, maintain a sense of self, survive the cost of living—and yet—be incredibly grateful, in some ways, for the new awareness of self that seems to come along with this roller coaster? The highs and the lows?

What's been your coping strategy? Do you wonder about your Plan A, B, or C? Do you ever feel alone or perhaps believe it's better to silently suffer until some stability comes about? Do you ever just throw up your hands and say, "Well, I don't know!"...and then the next day, you're full of clarity and awareness?

My mind has been in a state of tug of war lately, with all that's our world today, I feel wrong for even mentioning my woes or desires. This feels vulnerable, but I would appreciate your input, I think that perhaps someone can point me in the right direction.

I gained acceptance into a 3-month plant-based culinary program abroad that begins in January, which is life changing level exciting, but due to unemployment and tumultuous times, it's like this dream I'm chasing (I enjoy making raw vegan desserts and this training would give me the boost to start my gourmet pop-up bakery for the health/ingredient-conscious), that's oddly got a deadline for next month. The total cost is $6000, which is achievable to me, but I've hit a wall, and maybe it would serve me well to diversify my approach.

I could go into all the details and onion layers (which includes recently having a moment to Micheal Bolton's Go the Distance after being rejected from Taco Bell)...but I digress.

I'd actually like to ask, if anyone might know of any educational grant sites, institutions/foundations that might offer educational grants, or any other resources/ideas/perspective that might be helpful to pursue. My sleeves are rolled up and I'm ready to at least try other approaches, etc., while continuing to search/apply for seasonal/side gigs to make this dream come true.

Thanks for listening! 🌿🙂🥧

Iynna·Oct 15

Hi OP! first thing first, while it seems impossible to see this now, there is ALWAYS a light at the end of the tunnel, and you'll look back at those experiences with feelings of pride and power. Congratulations on being accepted in to the programme! Sounds super fun :) While I don't know of grants to individuals for these types of certificates/programmes, I know of grants for women-owned businesses loooking to upskill. (especially in the food, sustainability space, and this programme would likely qualify given focus on vegan etc) ie. instead of applying under your own name, you could say it's your business applying (but of course you're the individual going through it). So maybe it's worth considering turning yourself into a business, set up an LLC etc.

Jenelle220·Oct 15

Your encouragement is golden Iynna, thank you for your support. That sounds like a great idea! Do you mind if I DM you to chat more or would you be able to direct me to those grants for women-owned businesses? Thank you so much, this gives me hope and direction.

Iynna·Oct 15

feel free to or if you want to keep to the conversation open for others to see, feel free to keep in thread! your call :)

Jenelle220·Oct 16

Open for other Elphans as well is fab! I still check out older threads whenever a question pops up. Thank you Iynna 💜

Iynna·Oct 16

Of course!

Jenelle220·Oct 16

Is there a particular site I ought to check out where those grants might be listed?

Iynna·Oct 17

A few that i can think of https://www.ifundwomen.com/grants/apply-for-grants, https://www.blackwomeninfood.org/grants (if you qualify), the amber grant, https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/business_category/restaurant-food-beverage/, boundless future foundations, then check out your small business agencies in your state or county/city + at the federal levelAgain these are all grants for women owned businesses to be used for initiatives to further the business ie. not for the individual even though the individual would then directly benefit from any additional training etc. hence my initial idea of turning this into a business enterprise as opposed to an individual pursuit.