Reduced funding doesn't mean all funding is gone. You must be creative with the funding sources and even more competitive with your applications. We have seen many grant applications succeed in the most bleak of grant funding years.

Our experience shows the most successful grant applications incorporate the following five components:

1. Alignment - The grant should align to the funder's priorities and initiatives. This includes the grantee's priorities if applying for a pass-through grant. Many grant programs never make it past the first review because they are not on the priority list. Applying for a generator on a year when radio interoperability equipment is the priority almost certainly leads to a rejected project. Even if a project is deemed eligible by the funder's guidance, it may be overlooked by reviewers due higher priority initiatives. It's important to apply for the right grant program based on the type of project.
2. Timing - In some cases it's not a great idea “to be first”. Some organizations rush to apply for funding to establish a new and innovative program or project, in many cases before grantors have had the chance to react. Recently, we saw jurisdictions rush to establish grant-funded Warm-Zone EMS programs using difficult to obtain competitive grants when one year later funding was automatically provided to any jurisdiction that filled out a one-page application for that same purpose. Prior to applying, check with the funding agency and get an idea of future opportunities.
3. Integration - The project should show integration with existing systems or services. Does the proposal fit within a proven multi-phased project? Does the equipment you're looking to procure meet national standards and integrate seamlessly with your existing services? Does the application incorporate training & exercises into the purchase of a piece of equipment? Some funding opportunities will allow the utilization of "in-kind" services as part of a local match. You're likely to see a successful grant application if you can show how well the project integrates into your existing program.
4. Partnerships - With less funding being available for emergency management programs through federal grants, grantors are looking for more creative ways to stretch the dollar. Regionalization and partnerships are becoming more popular additions to grant applications. Does every community need their own armored personnel carrier? Probably not. Grantors are looking for firm examples of partnerships in applications including memorandums of understanding, mutual aid agreements, proof of regional responses, and a promise to conduct joint training & exercises.
5. Sustainability - Most grants are meant to build new capabilities rather than to support existing local and state funded programs. “Supplanting” is a bad word in the federal government's eyes and you will likely see your application rejected if it's believed you can fund the project on your own. Even if you are funded, equipment will break at some point, staff will need to be provided refresher training, and the plan will need to be updated. It's essential to demonstrate that you can take the responsibility of continuing and maintaining your grant-funded program.

Our team brings over a decade of experience in the application and successful award of emergency management grant projects. If you are looking for opportunities to use grant funding for a plan, staffing, equipment, training, exercise, or infrastructure project, contact us today. Let Decision Aid save you time and energy by applying our best practices to your application.