Federal grant dollars on the rise in 2007

By Nicole L. Haskins
eCivis Regional Account Manager

Due to the changing political landscape in Washington, a massive increase in the availability of federal grant dollars began in January. Leadership of the 110th Congress was expected to adopt a continuing resolution for the remainder of the budget year, without earmarks. While agencies will have level funding from 2006, most of the funds previously assigned by Congress to specific projects will not be earmarked for those projects. Project funding will be proposed by agencies themselves.

Though Congress is expected to focus on the appropriations (with earmarks) for the 2008 budget once it is proposed in February, federal agencies will have an influx of dollars in 2007, with only programmatic guidance.

What does this mean?

• More funds. While Congress assigns funds through earmarking, federal agencies use formulae and competitive grants to disburse funds to worthy projects. An increase in funding will likely be used to increase the available money in competitive grants.
• More grants. A funding influx can contribute to funding some grants that were under-funded or not funded in 2006.
• More projects. Besides additional dollars going to a larger number of projects, different project types are possible. Earmarked dollars are often used for capital projects. While grants for capital expenditures are the most competitive, previously earmarked dollars for capital projects can be your ticket to new facilities, equipment or infrastructure.
• More impact. Citizens deserve their share. This rare event can make the difference in a new fire truck, a new park or utilities extension.

Savvy, grant-active organizations are already lining up their projects with the right grants. If you’re ready to get your share, eCivis works with the most effective, grant-active local governments in the country, providing the most useful and insightful analysis on every grant available.

Currently there are 4,215 federal grant opportunities, accounting for more than $286 billion, available for local governments. N.C. state government has made available 188 programs and $665 million in grant funding. In addition, private foundations provide grant funding to local governments in 624 programs – translating to more than $1.1 billion.

More is coming in this unique and unprecedented federal budget year. eCivis provides access, information and management of grant opportunities at your staff’s fingertips with a solution set working in more than 400 communities.

For more information, click here, or contact Nicole Haskins at (540) 921-3244 (office), (540) 922-2909 (cell) or nhaskins@ecivis.com.