The grant funding application process can be onerous, and smaller communities may be challenged to dedicate resources to understanding and completing the process. The complexity associated with grant applications can put small and mid-sized local governments at a disadvantage, especially when grant applications are competitive.  

However, local governments with populations under approximately 150,000 can now take advantage of the Local Infrastructure Hub’s Grant Application Bootcamp, a free program designed to help small to mid-sized local governments prepare grant funding applications—including current and upcoming opportunities available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

Tell me more 

The first wave of free bootcamps will take place this fall and will focus on five grant funding categories (see table below). Then, over the next two years, the Local Infrastructure Hub will offer dozens of other free bootcamps focused on topics such as broadband, water and sanitary systems, transportation, resiliency, energy efficiency, and environmental remediation.

What does the time commitment look like?

Each bootcamp lasts about three to four months.

Participants are asked to identify core team members to fill roles such as grant lead, community lead, and finance lead, with time commitments ranging from 2 to 10 hours per month. Mayor participation is also a recommended part of the program. These roles are considered a typical team; however, municipalities may identify other roles better suited for their situation and an individual may occupy multiple roles. Additionally, municipalities may partner together to register as a coalition.

What will I learn?

The bootcamps intend to help local governments more readily navigate the grant application process. Through a series of eight modules, each bootcamp will involve:

1. Completing a community asset map
2. Developing a community engagement strategy
3. Learning how to identify and leverage data to support desired project outcomes
4. Assembling capital stacks and budgets
5. Aligning grant applications with broader federal priorities
6. Writing exercises and templates
7. Navigating the grant application submission process
8. Creating plans to share project outcomes to support future funding pursuits

How do I register?

Local governments interested in participating can register here. The initial registration window closes on August 31, 2022, and registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Questions?

Trihydro has experience partnering with its clients to pursue grant funding for multiple project types. Don’t hesitate to connect with us if we can support your team in securing project funding.