David Morey 
Securing government funding is a great achievement for your organization, as it can be the missing link to reaching its full potential.
Although the funding is available, obtaining it can sometimes be difficult, so you need to understand the application process to successfully receive funding.
For entrepreneurs, researchers, and nonprofits hoping to get their initiatives off the ground, here’s what you need to know before getting started, or you can see more at EverGlade Consulting.
An Overview of the Source of Government Funding
Let’s kick things off with the basics. Government funding comes from taxpayers through federal, state, and local agencies looking to back essentials like advancing science, healthcare solutions, and infrastructure projects. Major players include the Department Of Defense, Health and Human Services, the Department of Energy, and others who support initiatives through contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements.
While chasing private funding takes work, government funding applications offer a standard application process with clear guidelines. Proposals are judged competitively, based on criteria like the proposal’s merits and impact on the community. Funding amounts vary per project, ranging from a few grand to millions of dollars.
Understanding Funding Streams
Within funding agencies, you’ll find numerous specialized programs, each focused on different areas. For instance, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority pitches in for medical countermeasure research. Its Innovation Account accelerates innovation when it comes to tackling national health challenges.
On the other hand, the Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit backs emerging defense-relevant technologies. Its Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency drives transformation through high-risk, high-reward research. Knowing the ins and outs of various programs helps match your idea with the right funding pot.
Additional Sources of Government Funding
Don’t underestimate funding potential at state and local levels. Many municipalities offer grants for community redevelopment, small business assistance, workforce training initiatives, and more.
Likewise, individual states dedicate funds to back in-state organizations and encourage economic growth in target industries like agriculture, clean energy, and life sciences. Thoroughly exploring your local options expands your funding opportunities.
Standing Out in a Crowded Field
Like private fundraising, strong proposals that clearly check off all the boxes for a program’s requirements are most attractive to funders. On top of that, proposals may get a leg up when you’re able to show your company’s expertise, concrete plans for keeping your project running after funding, and supporters from big players in your field.
Proposals outlining powerful yet practical solutions supported by well-thought-out budgets tend to fare well. Reaching out to program officers early in the process for application-specific guidance is also a good move. Build relationships with relevant agencies to plant seeds, benefiting future funding searches.
The Post-Award Period
Landing an award is just the beginning. Proper grant management after the fact protects funding and ensures you fulfill your promises. This involves financially keeping your ducks in a row by following allowable expense guidelines.
It also means substantively reporting on progress toward objectives and outcomes on schedule and on message. Seeking advice from advisors who understand government contracting rules and compliance is critical to keeping your name clear for future applications.
Leverage the Expertise of Strategic Consulting Firms
For driven entrepreneurs determined to carry out important initiatives, government funding can play a huge part when other options run dry. However, navigating the various funding avenues at different government levels can be challenging to do alone. This is where strategic consultants can help connect organizations to funding sources aligned with their goals. With specialized expertise in public sector resources, companies like EverGlade Consulting allow worthy ventures to tap into administrative support and bring innovative ideas to fruition.
