State, federal, and private funding is available for critical planning, design, and infrastructure improvement projects. Are you missing out on opportunities to get your project partially or totally funded? WithersRavenel is here to discuss funding 101 and answer your questions about finding, applying for, and securing funding.
Who is eligible for funding?
Funding eligibility varies by agency and program. Many agencies and programs prioritize applicants based on demonstrated need. Areas with a higher percentage of low- to moderate-income families or minority or other disadvantaged groups, as well as areas that have experienced natural disasters or other hardships, may receive priority ranking. Demographic and/or income surveys may be necessary to demonstrate eligibility.
What kinds of funding opportunities exist?
A variety of grants, loans, and other funding types are available from federal and state agencies and from private organizations. Some opportunities are one-time awards while others are made available on an annual or semi-annual cycle.
Funding programs typically target specific types of projects. Below is a list of some of the most popular sources of recurring funding, organized by project type.
Water & Sewer
- State Water Infrastructure Authority (SWIA) – Funding for water and wastewater infrastructure projects
- State Revolving Fund (SRF) – Revolving loan program for funding of wastewater treatment facilities and projects associated with estuary and nonpoint source programs
- Asset & Inventory Assessment (AIA) Grants – Grant funds to encourage water and wastewater utilities to become more viable and more proactive in the management and financing of their systems
- Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) – Funds for a broad range of community improvement projects, including infrastructure construction, economic development projects, public facilities installation, community centers, housing rehabilitation, public services, clearance/acquisition, micro-enterprise assistance, code enforcement, and homeowner assistance
Parks & Recreation
- North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) – Matching grants to local governments for parks, public beach access, and improvements in state parks
- NCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant Initiative – Annual matching grant program to encourage municipalities to develop comprehensive bicycle plans and pedestrian plans
- Recreational Trails Program (RTP) – Funds to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses
- Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – Matching grants for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities, including local parks, trails, boat launches, sports fields, and other recreation environments
- PeopleForBikes Community Grant Program – Funds for bike paths, rail trails, mountain bike trails, bike parks, BMX facilities, and large-scale bicycle advocacy initiatives
- Safe Places to Play Grants – Rolling grants to support field-building initiatives nationwide, with a specific focus on creating soccer facilities
Transportation
- USDOT BUILD Discretionary Grants – Funds for capital investments in multi-modal surface transportation infrastructure to make transportation systems safer and more efficient
Economic Development/Site Redevelopment
- US Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields – Grants to to assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse contaminated properties
- USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Loans/Grants – Funds to purchase, construct, and/or improve essential community facilities in rural areas, including child care centers, community centers, senior centers, and fairgrounds
- US Economic Development Administration – Funds for economic development planning initiatives and for economic recovery efforts following natural and other disasters
- Golden LEAF Foundation – Funds for economic improvement projects, particularly those targeting North Carolina’s tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, or rural communities
How can WithersRavenel help with funding?
WithersRavenel’s Funding & Asset Management Team can help you prioritize your project needs, identify sources of funding for which you may be eligible, and prepare a successful funding application.
If funds are awarded, they can also help with administering funds, including making sure all periodic documentation requirements are met.
Contact our Funding & Asset Management Team to explore funding options or start an application today!