Panel Discussion Provides Insights for Winning Grant Applications

Original article provided by Accelerator for America Action.

In late 2023, four USDOT speakers provided timely and straightforward information for an infrastructure focused workshop, including Mariia Zimmerman, Strategic Advisor for Technical Assistance and Communities Solutions, Co-Director of BIL Implementation (interim); Stephanie Pollack Coordinator for Project Delivery Support, Co-Director of BIL Implementation (interim); Kim Bathrick, Transportation Policy Analyst- RAISE Grants Team; and Aubrei Barton, Transportation Policy Analyst- RAISE and MPDG Grants Team. The speakers shared a detailed and substantive presentation on every aspect of the grant application process.

Additional Resources to Use

A few resources highlighted during the workshop that everyone should be aware of include:

DOT Navigator – Includes a frequently updated section with resources to help with grant applications, developed specifically with a focus for entities that might be new to the grant application process and a checklist to help grant applicants think about what to include in their applications and how to tell a compelling story about your community.

NOFO Guide – Notices of funding opportunities with a calendar that is frequently updated of some of the most popular programs.

The speakers also offered several great tips on how to make your grant applications as competitive as possible. Following the instructions carefully and incorporating best practices are critical to standing out in a very competitive landscape.

Tips from the Speakers

Some of the tips included:

• When multiple organizations from the same community apply for one program, your region is competing against itself.  A stronger application includes multiple organizations and partners, showing that there is synergy and collaboration.

• Public involvement should be woven into planning and project delivery phases, and federal funds are available to support that engagement. Don’t isolate public involvement exclusively to long-range transportation planning.

• Incorporating a plan to engage small businesses in your application will help it stand out. The administration sees this moment as a critical time to support entrepreneurs and plans to engage small businesses in planning and project delivery are important.

• Be realistic about construction and permitting timelines, cash flow and project payment, and project delivery when you’re submitting your application.

• Tell a compelling story about your project – but make sure it is non-fiction! Help USDOT understand what you’re trying to accomplish and how it will improve your community. Who are you working with and who is this project serving?

For small cities and communities looking for additional guidance, the Local Infrastructure Hub at NLC is running a series of bootcamps designed to help small and mid-sized local governments take advantage of more federal grant opportunities.

You can access the presentation slides and original article by using these links:  Presentation Slides    Original Article