Navigating the grant funding landscape can feel overwhelming, especially when a community urgently needs infrastructure upgrades, repairs, or remediation. Building safe, resilient environments requires careful strategy and substantial financial resources.
Whether an organization is staffed by seasoned grant writers or by newcomers to the process, understanding how to secure the right funding for its projects is essential. The following are timely tips that can help teams craft stronger applications and build relationships that lead to successful funding outcomes.
Understand the Project
Before beginning prospect research, it is important to thoroughly understand the project that needs funding.
- Consult with experts—engineers, planners, designers—and review all relevant assessments and reports.
- Review the budget: Determine the amount of funding needed, referencing engineering cost estimates when available. Understand the intended uses of the requested funds, and any other sources (if applicable) that will serve as matching funds.
- Engage supporters: Current funders, board members, and elected officials can provide valuable feedback or formal letters of support, which may be required for some applications.
Know the Audience
When exploring potential funding sources:
- Study the funder’s mission, eligibility criteria, ineligible costs, typical award sizes, past recipients, and application deadlines.
- Whenever possible, connect with grant administrators or funding officers, and attend webinars or trainings to gain deeper insight into the funder’s priorities and expectations.
Build a Strong Case for Support
Before starting the application:
- Assess alignment between the project and the funder’s objectives. Identify challenging application questions—especially those about co-benefits, disadvantaged populations, or geographic impact—and prepare thoughtful and accurate responses.
- Highlight recurring themes from funding announcements, webinars, and application materials, and let these guide the narrative structure.
Allow Time for Writing and Revision
Crafting a compelling grant application is a collaborative process that requires time.
- Solicit feedback from colleagues, and allow sufficient time for review and revision.
- Use clear, direct language. Remember that reviewers may read dozens of proposals, sometimes outside normal work hours. Make the narrative accessible and easy to understand, using visuals and graphics when appropriate and space allows.
Follow the Instructions
This step, while simple, is critical:
- Ensure that all required forms are complete, contact details are accurate, and every necessary document is signed and uploaded. Double-check for omissions.
- Since most grant application systems do not allow edits after submission, careful review is essential.
Maintain Relationships
When appropriate:
- Notify supporters and funders of application submission.
- Share the completed application with anyone who provided a letter of support so they are prepared to discuss it if needed.
Plan for Post-Submission
A major time-saver in grant writing is reusing effective content.
- Create a library of well-crafted sections from past applications, organized in a shared folder for future use.
- Utilize AI tools which allow teams to organize and draw from previously submitted materials for easy reference.
When the grant process feels overwhelming, organizations should remember that support is available. That is why Timmons Group launched its Grant Writing Services. Grant writing is a specialized skill demanding time, focus, and strategy, and the funding landscape is constantly evolving. We’re here to help.
Timmons Group has assisted clients in securing millions in grant funding, resulting in safer roads, cleaner water, and more resilient communities. The team brings the technical expertise necessary to transform visions into funded, engineered, and completed realities.
Contact Bekah Kendrick at bekah.kendrick@timmons.com to learn how Timmons Group can help bring your next infrastructure initiative to life.
