- Federal, state and local governments award grants, low-interest loans and contracts to businesses, schools, charities and individuals to do things that those governments want to accomplish. Tens of thousands of programs in health care, energy, science, education, social services, transportation and the arts happen because the government identifies a community need and allocates funds to meet that need. All 26 federal agencies release requests for proposals throughout the year and take applications for grants. States, regional boards and councils of governments, counties and cities do the same. Programs thus funded provide services, supplies, equipment, construction and other things that communities need to improve the quality of life for their citizens.
- The competition for government grants is often fiercely competitive. Agencies can receive hundreds of applications for just a handful of grants available. Even grants that are earmarked for a specific project or grantee require that the applicant prepare a proposal and meet stringent criteria before funding is awarded. Local grants can sometimes be a huge undertaking, especially if a lot of money is involved. Grant applications can run to hundreds of pages with extensive documentation, budgets, letters of support from community members, staff credentialing and licensing requirements.
- Go to Grants.gov, the federal governments grants website, and sign up for free email alerts in your area of interest. You will receive Requests for Proposals (RFPs), which outline what the grants are for, where you can download applications and instructions, when the applications are due and when the grants will be awarded. Something many people don't know is that funding for some projects can be written into federal, state or local budgets as line item expenditures, earmarked for your project. You may not even have to compete, though you will have to submit an acceptable application. Just get your senator or representative, councilman or county commissioner to slip the item into their budget. You will need to have an "in" with the elected official or a really good project. There are also funds available through regional Councils of Government and boards or from state agencies. You can find out about these through your state's grants alert website or by networking with government officials.
- Once you have identified an RFP for which you might be eligible, you must obtain the entire application and instructions packet and read it completely before you begin to fill it out. Develop a plan for completing the grant and divide the tasks among members of your grant writing team (and you will need a team). Begin collecting the data requested in the application and pulling the parts together. Try to beat the deadline by a week or two so your application will get to the grant reviewers while they are still fresh. Also, if you forget something, you may be given a second chance to complete your packet. Be patient. It can take months to find out whether you have won the grant. Many agencies almost automatically reject first-time grant applicants, but encourage you to reapply. Do so. You have a better chance if this is your second or third application for the same money.
