1. Identify your desired project

• What is the “need” for the project – the challenge it might solve?
• Develop a narrative to tell the story. Remember that reviewers don’t know your community.
• What are your goals and objectives?
• Describe connections to any recent or planned investments.

2. Review possible grant sources

• How can the funds be used (planning, acquisition, design, construction, equipment)?
• Is there a timeframe for using them?
• Which is best suited for your project?

3. Understand the grant criteria

• Do you meet eligibility requirements?
• Are matching funds required, and can you secure them?
• Do you have site control?
• Are you pre-qualified, if applicable?

4. Ask questions early

• Reach out to the funding agency with questions early in the process, before the application period opens.
• Your local Regional Economic Development Council or the agency providing funding may be able to give honest, open feedback about your potential application, and tips for strengthening it.

5. Identify the project’s benefits

• Physical (health and recreation, infrastructure, safety)
• Social (community identity, culture, education, multi-generational impact, benefits to underserved or disadvantaged communities)
• Economic (catalytic investment, tourism, job creation, etc.)
• Environmental (natural resources, sustainability, resilience, habitat)
• Gather qualitative & quantitative data.

6. Find support for the project

• Is it identified in a community plan, such as a recent Comprehensive Plan, master plan, or Capital Improvement Plan?
• Make sure the applicant has the capacity to administer the funding, or support from another group or agency (eg. a town may get support from county staff).
• Gather broad letters of support – consider local business leaders and politicians, as well as residents.

7. Leverage your assets

• Identify volunteer groups, in-kind services, donations, and other ongoing projects that will benefit or connect to this project. Are these the missing links for a larger idea?

8. Engage the community

• Show public feedback and support.
• Conduct a community survey to identify goals.
• Use social media to share and gather feedback.

9. Illustrate your project

• Create a graphic to represent your project and “show” funders your ideas (plan, perspective, map).
• Demonstrate commitment to granting agencies and donors.
• Build consensus around the project

10. Develop a cost estimate or budget and a project schedule

• Make sure to account for survey, design and permitting fees, administrative costs, and construction expenses, as well as potential increases over time.