Innovative Thinking: Quality Opportunities in State and Local Grants

Introduction

With federal grants becoming harder to obtain, organizations must find innovative ways to fund their projects. State and local grants offer a chance to secure the financial support needed to keep operations running and build new relationships.

State and Local Opportunities

The current administration is interested in innovative projects that update infrastructure and boost cybersecurity, like expanding broadband and using smart tech in urban planning. State initiatives support the administration’s goals by offering grants in technology, innovation, research, and the sciences.

Research Grant Opportunities

All state and local governments have their own grants websites. FederalGrants.com and Grants.gov are also good places to look for upcoming projects. Use these tools to develop a pipeline to manage and track potential opportunities.

Relationships, Relationships, Relationships

Establishing your network with the state and local communities is just as important as with the federal government, but the good news is that it may even be easier. Taking the following steps will help you build relationships:

• Introduce yourself at state and local meetings.
• Connect with past grant recipients for guidance.
• Attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars.
• Join professional associations that share relevant grant information.
• Engage with local business development centers, universities, and research centers.
• Contact local chambers of commerce for information on state grants.

Advantages of Pursuing State and Local Grants

Pursuing state and local grants offers significant advantages for organizations seeking funding. These advantages include:

• Alternative funding sources to sustain projects.

• Diversified funding, reducing federal reliance.
• Programs tailored to state and local needs for targeted development.
• Encouragement of innovation and adaptable solutions.
• Potentially quicker funding decisions.
• Strategic positioning for future opportunities at both the state and federal level.

Grant Application Submission

Many states have developed their own online portals for applicant submissions. Users must create an account and should become familiar with the portal prior to application submission. Don’t wait until the last minute to create your account or you may find yourself unable to submit the application. The application process may be complex or unfamiliar, so read the instructions carefully and contact the grant offeror if you have problems.   Additionally, keep in mind that:

• Smaller budgets may mean higher competition and lower awards.
• Eligibility criteria may be restrictive due to regional priorities.
• Deadlines can be unpredictable; use tracking tools for federal grants and adjust them as needed.
• Limited guidance may be available, so connect with previous recipients for insights.

Conclusion

With federal grants becoming more difficult to secure, state and local options, especially those focused on infrastructure and cybersecurity, offer promising financial support avenues. At Lohfeld Consulting, we provide a comprehensive suite of services to help you develop and submit your grant applications. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve success!

Relevant Information: 

• How to Master Post-Freeze Grants: A Survival Guide

• Proven Strategies to Build Relationships with Grant Officers

• VIDEO: Secrets to Winning a Government Grant

By Dana Katalinas, Vice President, APMP Member, GPA Member

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube^(TM).