Funding the Future: Your Guide to Grants

Funding isn’t just a means to an end, it’s the catalyst for innovation and progress. Many federal and state agencies offer grants for specific types of projects, from emergency repairs to climate-smart energy efficiency upgrades, to replacing bridges or installing specialized water filtration. These opportunities can be found on various portals including grants.gov. States may also have their own specific portals, such as New York’s Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) and Statewide Financial System (SFS). Federal funding programs are typically applied for via grants.gov. No matter the funding source, it is important for applicants to be registered as users in the required application portals online with usernames, roles, and passwords.

New York-based Grant Programs

• Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP): The WQIP supports projects that improve water quality, protect drinking water sources, and reduce polluted runoff.
• Department of State’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP): LWRP offers funding for communities in waterfront areas to enhance shoreline resiliency, community revitalization, and recreation.
• Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP): Managed by the Environmental Facilities Corporation, GIGP funds innovative green infrastructure projects. It covers 90% of applicable project costs but is highly competitive.
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program: Funded through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) but administered by the NYS Office of Homes and Community Renewal, the CDBG program funds infrastructure projects in low- to moderate-income areas. Infrastructure and facilities category funding will cover 100% of total eligible project costs up to $1,500,000 for eligible applicants.
• New York Sea Grant: The New York Sea Grant focuses on ecological and shoreline-related projects. It involves a scientific approach to problem-solving and supports projects that enhance coastal community resilience.

Nationwide Grant Programs

• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): The HMGP provides funds to states, local governments, and certain private non-profits to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures following a major disaster declaration. This program helps communities implement projects to reduce the risk of future disasters.
• Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC): The BRIC program supports proactive investment in community resilience. Annually available, it funds up to 90% of hazard mitigation-related projects, requiring a 10% local match.

Questions to Ask for Successful Grant Applications

• What are your priorities? We’ve found that scaling projects to meet funding opportunities isn’t as productive as starting with what the community truly wants to do. There are countless programs, and we can help find the best fit.
• Do you need assistance? Some funding programs are more complex than others. Determine if your staff has the expertise and time to manage the grant application process. Outside assistance through a consultant can keep you organized and informed.
• Are you prepared? Ensure you have advanced your project planning as much as possible before applying. The more detailed your project analysis, the higher your grant application will score. Preliminary engineering reports and cost estimates can significantly bolster your application. Shovel-ready projects tend to score higher as well. Participation in a state program, like New York’s Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program or NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities program, can often improve your grant application’s scoring, although it is not a prerequisite. Recover, update, or register for appropriate application portal log-in credentials.

By understanding these grant programs and effectively navigating the associated funding portals, municipalities can enhance their ability to secure the necessary funding for projects, paving the way for more resilient and sustainable communities.

Barton & Loguidice has extensive experience and a high success rate in securing funding. For more information on our grant writing and funding services, please contact Bob Murphy.