PACE’s Pam Cobley, Paul Weller, and Leily Mojarab share key takeaways from the Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council (IACC) conference on how to prepare for your next funding cycle.
Overall, funding is limited and only getting more competitive. State and federal funding is shrinking. For example, both the Public Works Board and Ecology’s allocated funding have both been reduced by ~40% in the last 3 years. On top of the shrinking available funding, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ends in 2027, so the funding cliff is swiftly approaching.
Here are some tips to help you on secure funding for your projects.
- Check the program’s website regularly, as funding and eligibility guidelines are often being updated.
- Talk to funders early and often about your infrastructure needs. Take advantage of free technical assistance the funding agencies offer. The Public Works Board and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund both offer free technical assistance that can help identify the right funding programs for your projects.
- Strategize the best approach to get your project funded. Use a whiteboard exercise to map out what you want to get funded, why your jurisdiction needs it, application options, loan options, timelines, etc. By mapping this out it is easier to tackle the options.
Overall, be persistent and creative.
- Apply and reapply
- Stack your project with multiple funding sources
- Explore philanthropic partnerships
Contact us today about navigating and applying for funding.