Grants – to take or not to take?

Key Components of Successful Fundraising for Business.  In today’s business environment, grants are a powerful tool for company growth, yet they also come with certain risks. To better understand this topic, the Rise Club business community organized an open meeting with Iryna Palko, founder and CEO of UNRISE global grants and corporate finance.

Why would anyone give non-repayable money to a business?

How do donors operate, and what logic guides their funding decisions? Why could this apply to my business?

And why don’t grants fund businesses directly, but rather business projects? Why is reputation the top priority?

And why are grants usually awarded only when a company is financially stable?

These and many other questions were discussed during the meeting with Iryna in Kyiv. Grants can be a powerful boost for business growth, but the process also involves several risks that should not be overlooked:

– Financial obligations. Most grant programs require co-financing or impose tax and fee conditions for a certain amount. Failing to meet these terms may result in the need to repay the grant.

– Operational risks. Discrepancies between planned and actual expenses, delays in project implementation, or a lack of qualified staff may negatively impact both the project and the relationship with the donor.

– Reputational risks. Failure to comply with the grant agreement or public scandals can damage your company’s credibility and hinder future funding opportunities.

To avoid these pitfalls, it’s essential to approach the grant application and implementation process with care and precision. The UNRISE expert team is ready to provide professional support and guidance at every stage of fundraising, helping minimize risks and ensure the successful execution of your business initiatives.