Since it had been more that a year since I had contacted SBF, I had completely written these people off to a painful learning experience. But I was curious so I asked Monica why would I want to call? Oh! to check up on the status of your grant of course Well then Monica why dont you give me that status report now?
Monica said please hold and happily transferred my call to a Mr. Mark Davis. By this time I am enjoying this ordeal only because the $3500 I spent foolishly was a long lost memory and I just couldnt wait to see where this was all going.
Mr. Davis was of course very serious. I think probably because, in his business career, he cut his teeth as a closer for a used car dealership. To my total surprise he informed me that the reason for the call was that my grant for $250,000 had been funded. I thought the reason for the call was for future contact to check up but then who am I to complain about such little details.
Here comes the best part. The foundation was ready to fund but Mr. Davis informed me that there was a stipulation. Imagine that, a stipulation. So, Mark what stipulation I asked. Well he said, the foundation has requested and put in place a Stipulation Order
So Mark, what exactly are the stipulations I asked? Marked explained in great detail what was needed. Some of it so involved I didnt even understand let alone know how I would possibly get it done. Now at by this time I was feeling like a hungry sea bass ready to swallow his bait.
So I asked my friend Mark what do we do now, how do we proceed? He said not to worry that they are more that qualified to take care of everything. All I need to do is send in the check for $4500.00 and my grant will be in the mail. GULP! There went the hook line and sinker.
So I asked mark to go ahead and email me back all of the details on the new company (SBF Services Inc) and the Stipulation Order. At the end I have included their return letters and stipulation order.
I told Mark I would be happy to look the information over and get back to him the next day. Oh, and by the way Mark, what is the name of the Foundation that is interested in my project?
Marked informed me that he was very sorry but that was proprietary information he could not divulge. Silly me, what was I thinking. He then said if I wanted to prepare all of the Stipulation
Order my self he would be happy to pass it along to the foundation. RIGHT
When I spoke to Mark the next day (he called me twice) I told him that I understand why the Foundation needs to verify the validity of my business plan and who I am just as he should understand why I need to verify who they are.
Thats when I saw Mark at his professional best. I am completely convinced his response was a result of his previous business experience. Mark responded indignantly Well, if I didnt want the money he would fine some one who did and hung up the phone.
DONT GET FOOLED BY THESE GUYS.
See their info below.
5642 S. Eastern Ave, Suite G
Toll Free 1-800-763-7056 Facsimile (702) 476-3209
In June of 2009,
While
Sincerely,
The Entire Dedicated Staff of
5642 S. Eastern Ave, Suite G
Toll Free 1-800-763-7056 Facsimile (702) 476-3209
Stipulation Order
1) Advisor and Adjuster on the account
2) Supplementary Documentation
3) Consumer/Community impact study
4) Professional business plan
Advisor and Adjuster: The foundation will appoint an official advisor and adjuster on the grant to monitor the allocation of funds. This advisor works with you, to insure that you are in compliance with the guidelines of the foundation. There will be mandatory quarterly meetings, in person, to review the books.
Supplementary Documentation: This is a 200 to 400 page report proving that you are who you claim to be. (Examples: you are a U.S. Citizen, you are current on your taxes, you have an established business and many other aspects that relate to your business growing from grant funding). It must be written professionally and eloquently. It must be leather bound and laminated. Additionally, there must be one master copy for the grant administrator and fifteen reproductions for the foundation board members.
Consumer/Community Impact Study: This is a vast research through extensive technology of the community demographic, census counts, and geographic studies. (Example: who is moving and/or out of the community, employment creation, etc.)
Professional Business Plan: This shows the allocation of every dollar of the grant to the project.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Mark Davis
800-763-7056 ext. 228