Michael Ward’s Post

ICYMI: Access to grant funding can make or break important municipal projects. However, the variety of grants and different application processes can be complex and time-consuming. Watch this on-demand webinar to learn our experts' tips and best practices for giving your community the best opportunity to secure grant funding. https://ow.ly/AfOs50RjTCA

More than 125 people from across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont joined Thriving Communities Technical Assistance (TA) Providers and federal agencies as part of the Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network convening at St. Anselm College Institute of Politics earlier this week. NRRA Communications Manager, Andrea Folsom, MSW, attended the event on behalf of NRRA to gather additional resources for and share the challenges faced by NRRA's Municipal Members - including the need for more solid waste infrastructure funding for all NH municipalities and cumbersome grant application and reporting requirements - with the federal agencies in the room. Applying for and managing federal grants can seem particularly daunting for smaller municipalities that may lack the personnel to write or manage grants. More often than not, municipal staff are required to wear many hats to help their community function smoothly. The Thriving Communities Network aims to reduce barriers to federal grant funding by providing resources and tools municipalities of any size can use to successfully compete for federal funding. Learn more about the key resources and takeaways from the event: https://lnkd.in/e7NJ2qyd

At the Knott Foundation, we continually strive to refine our processes to better serve our community and the organizations we partner with. Earlier this year, we announced updates to our grantmaking policies that will take effect during our first grant cycle of 2025. Today, we’d like to revisit these changes, share the “why” behind them, and help you prepare for the year ahead. These updates are designed to bring greater transparency, efficiency, and intentionality to our grantmaking process, ensuring that we can continue to support meaningful, impactful work across our region while simultaneously lowering burdens on both applicants and Foundation staff. An examination of our grantmaking history tells us that only 28% of submitted Letters of Inquiry are advanced to the full proposal stage. To learn more about these changes, check out our latest blog post https://lnkd.in/eCz2PiTA

Our first ever Grants Funding Report is here! Find out how our grant funding has empowered communities and protected historic places all over Scotland. We award an average of £13.5 million annually on behalf of the Scottish Government to projects that safeguard our nation's historic environment️. Dive into the report for information on: - Grant expenditure breakdown: Gain insights into how our grant funding is allocated. - Decision-making transparency: Understand how we make funding decisions. - Project impact highlights: Discover the positive transformations funded projects have achieved. - Areas for improvement: Explore opportunities to adapt our grant programs. This report serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the impact of our grant funding on Scotland's historical treasures and vibrant communities. https://ow.ly/lLC750SE89W

Responsive Grant Programs The Reser Family Foundation (RFF) has two responsive grant deadlines each year, Feb. 1 and Aug. 1. While RFF's funding priorities have a broad base, they all share a single purpose: to improve and strengthen communities throughout Oregon. Learn more and apply here: https://zurl.co/h3SK4

In a notable legal development, a judge temporarily halted a directive aimed at freezing federal grants and loans, mere minutes before its enforcement. This decision impacts a sweeping range of programs, from disaster relief to cancer research, highlighting tensions over federal funding priorities. Organizations argue that such freezes violate legal agreements on approved funding. This underscores the critical balance between policy alignment and essential services' sustainability, with implications for nonprofits and states nationwide.

Looking to make a positive and healthy change in your organization or community? Two of our grant opportunities can help you achieve this: - Built Environment Grants - Discovery Grants Find more information on each of these and how to apply here: https://bit.ly/3C6x4SQ

ICYMI: At its November business meeting, CERB awarded a $75,000 planning grant to the Port of Port Angeles for the West Boathaven Marina Planning Project. The Boathaven Marina is one of only two public marinas in Clallam County, and this investment will inform future construction projects that seek to grow living-wage jobs in the marine trades industry. Read more in their recent newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gfFzfP2y

Upcoming Public Funding Workshop for CBOs on May 14! Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Community Engagement Office, in partnership with Chris Selig and Associates, will host a virtual Public Funding Workshop on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 10 AM – 12 PM on Zoom. The workshop will be free and open to the public. Register at the link below. There is unprecedented public funding for climate-related planning and mitigation, resilient infrastructure, and civic engagement. The workshop aims to demystify public funding in order to help community-based organizations assess their interest, capacity, and fit for applying for state and federal grant opportunities. It will cover topics such as what the opportunities are, what to consider before applying, and where to access pro bono resources, tools, and technical assistance. (Please note that the workshop will not provide information about applying for Air District grants.) https://lnkd.in/gXm--2ug #publicfunding #technicalassistance #communities

11/21/2024 - The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) approved a $75,000 grant for economic development and public infrastructure improvements intended to spur business growth and job creation in Clallam County. Read more in our November 2024 Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gsHPWPyR