HOW TO “WIN” FEDERAL AND MUNICIPAL GRANTS

Melissa Sanderson, Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s AllianceLeedara Zola, Affordable Housing Consultant and Grant Writer

LEEDARA ZOLAAffordable Housing Consultant

• CDBG• CLC• CPC• FHLBB• HDSP• HOME

ALPHABET SOUP !!!!

. . . Don’t fight it – just give in!

ALPHABET SOUP !!!!

. . . Don’t fight it – just give in!

FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL GRANTS

Match your project or program

to the funding source.

The key is a good fit.

PREPARE FOR SUCCESS

Make sure the fit is there. If you are twisting yourself into pretzels, make sure it’s worth it

PREPARE FOR SUCCESS

Make sure the fit is there. Is the tail wagging the dog?

KNOW YOUR GRANT

• Training Sessions/Webinars• NOFA/Implementation Plans• Grant Representatives

NETWORKING/RESEARCH

• Previous Awardees• Similar Projects• Similar Organizations

NETWORK!!!!!

NETWORKING/RESEARCH

NETWORKING/RESEARCH

A treasure trove of info!

CASE STUDY – FHLBB AHP

Funder’s Website

THRESHOLDS AND SCORING

• Eligibility Requirements• Scoring/Competitive Criteria• Performance Requirements

FHLBB AHP - ELIGIBILITYEligible Homeownership InitiativesAHP funding can be used to finance homeownership initiatives for households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the median income for the area. Examples of eligible uses include single-family houses, subdivisions, cooperatives, condominiums, down-payment and closing-cost assistance, and mobile-home parks.

BUT . . .

“”

THRESHOLD ELIGIBILITY

Be ROCK SOLID

…If you have any question –research in advance!

FHLBB - SCORING CATEGORIES

FHLBB - SCORING CATEGORIES

NARRATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

• Tell a story• Cover your basics• Make your case compelling

This is your opportunity to sell you project!

MANAGE YOUR TIME

Be ULTRA aware of dates• Coordinate w/partners• Create a timeline• Note any needed corporate action

MANAGE YOUR TIME

Plan for your computer to explode.

Really.

AWARD TIME • If you don’t get funded, ask why• If you do get funded, ask why• When someone else gets funded,

ask why

Review the Scoresheets!!!

FUNDING TIME

Learn the process to get your money!!!!!!

COMPLIANCE Have good organizational “pass off” • Chart out the course for performance• Catalog elements to ensure compliance• Calendar reporting requirements

is in the details!

SOLAR – HHCC and CLCAnother Case Study

HOW TO “WIN” FEDERAL AND MUNICIPAL GRANTS

Leedara Zolaleedarazola@gmail.com508-280-6144