Economics America

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 Although our work is primarily in small loans, we do make grants to individuals directly and through organizations. In these cases, the objective is to help small organizations and individuals early in their careers. The grant might be made directly to the individual or it might be made to or through the organization.  

These professional development grants are for the sole purpose of allowing and encouraging exceptional development of individuals who might not otherwise develop their full potential.  These grants might allow a scholar to delve more deeply into a subject and become the “world's expert” at an earlier point in their career.  Alternatively, the grant might allow someone to branch and defuse into what otherwise might not be thought of as related and connected realms.  

The grant might allow the recipient to leave totally or partially their current employment. Another arrangement might allow the person to buy time away from other activities or responsibilities.  

In America, many historians reference 

the famous abolitionist Lysander Spooner*, who is best known to many modern readers for his book, referenced in 2008 and 2010 Supreme Court cases, titled The Unconstitutionality of Slavery

Some references:

 Johnathan Swift 

John Wesley 

Microfinance

Microcredit

Mohammad Yunus

This gateway should be used by individuals and organizations who are seeking support for themselves directly as well as those who wish to nominate a person or organization.  One important attribute of the candidate is that the proposed project is sustainable by the candidate.  That is, the potential grant itself must be sustainable.  The venture itself must be viable in the sense that the loan has a high probability of being repaid.   A second attribute is that the grantee does not have an alternative source of funds.  Or does not have an alternate source at a commercially viable rate.  The third attribute is that the current situation is not due to malfeasance or misfeasance because of the applicant’s own actions.

At this time we are seeking ways through social media to identify these people and reach out to them.  We will develop search tools to automate the process and hope to use AI technology to screen and process the administration.  We will also develop ways to systematize the quality control and evaluation of the loan itself. At this time, a simple one-page or less text message is all that is required.  Below is an example that might be provided as a guide:

“We are a three-generation family living in a very rural area on a road to a state campground.  Open fires are allowed and encouraged but the wood they sell is bad and costs too much.  We could sell larger bundles at half the price.  We have lots of fallen wood that we could cut and stack on our property.  Grandma would sit by the road, take the money, and make change. I can get the fallen wood in the pickup.  My daughter and I could cut it with chainsaw if we had one.  We have everything else including the big hammer and maul to split the wood.

I can buy a good used chain saw for $125, plus $6 gas.  We have old wire and pliers to wrap the bundles.  The total amount we want to borrow is $131 dollars.  No one around here has anything, and we just make it by ourselves.  We have a fourth person here who is in a special need's situation, and we need to be here to handle the boys' seizures.  The park has no jobs anyway.  As we sell the wood, we will keep $20 first for future gas, then $200 in case the saw dies.  All of the other future revenue will be saved to repay you.  After that, the revenue will go into my daughter’s college fund.  She hopes to go to a 2-year college for nursing.  Her counselor says she is the top girl in her class.  We will work hard, we promise.” 

This is a sample.  There is no formal or approved way to do it.  Our loans or grants are anonymous, and your name will not be made public. You will not be asked to tell your story or be part of our information program.  Hopefully, you will just get on with a better life. 

Follow the guide below to get started.

 The Foundation does not award undergraduate or graduate scholarships.

The guiding principle and philosophy of all our work is that we never contribute unless our help makes something happen and without us, it would not happen.  We never just lighten the burden others are bearing no matter how deserving or meritorious that endeavor. 

In all cases, the Economics America Foundation never contributes to any overhead expenses, G&A, general or administrative expenses.  This includes direct or mandated placement of auxiliary personnel on projects to facilitate contract or grant administration.  Also, the Foundation does not contribute to building or capital expenditures including architectural or design fees.  

No funds provided by the Economics America Foundation may be used for indirect/F&A costs.