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Securing funding for infrastructure projects is a crucial task for many grant writers to help
their organisation grow. Infrastructure grants provide essential financial support to develop
and improve community spaces. However, the competition for these grants can be fierce,
making it vital to prepare early and strategically. In this article, we will explore valuable tips
and insights to help grant writers increase their chances of success in winning
infrastructure grants.

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Understand the Grant Landscape
Before diving into the grant writing process, it is essential to gain a comprehensive
understanding of the grant landscape. Research various funding sources, such as federal,
state, and private organisations, to identify grants that align with your infrastructure
project's goals and objectives. Many federal and state government infrastructure grants
are released annually or biannually, so being armed ahead of grant opening time gives
you a head start. If there are no current grants open, take this time to analyse the
eligibility and evaluation criteria from past grant guidelines to identify what you can
prepare ahead of the grant round opening.

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Build a Strong Project Team
Collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach are key to successful grant writing. Assemble a
team comprising individuals with diverse expertise, including project managers and suppliers, as
well as industry, government, and community representatives. Each member brings unique
perspectives and insights, enhancing the quality and credibility of your grant proposal. Commence
discussions about your project, get a sense for the expertise they bring to the project. Ensure that
any project manager you choose has strong credentials and a history of success in delivering
projects that are similar in size, cost and complexity.

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Start Early
Early preparation is crucial when it comes to grant writing to successfully win infrastructure
grants. Grant writers should start well in advance of the application deadline to allow
ample time for research, planning, and coordination. Additionally, in certain economic
climates, the time to gather quotes and get approvals from councils can be abnormally
slow. Rushing through the process also increases the likelihood of errors and weakens the
overall proposal. Begin by creating a detailed timeline that outlines each step, from
gathering project data to finalising the budget to identify what you can get started on
immediately.

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Conduct a Comprehensive Needs Assessment
A comprehensive needs assessment is the foundation of a strong infrastructure grant proposal.
Evaluate your community's needs and identify how the proposed project will address them.
Collect and analyse data, conduct surveys, and engage with community stakeholders to gain
insights into the existing infrastructure challenges. This data-driven approach will not only
strengthen your proposal but also demonstrate a thorough understanding of the project's impact
on the community.

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Develop a Clear Project Plan
Infrastructure grants require a well-defined project plan that outlines objectives, strategies,
timelines, and expected outcomes. Break down the project into manageable tasks, assign
responsibilities, and establish clear milestones. Ensure that the proposed plan aligns with the
grant's guidelines and objectives, and especially any delivery deadlines. Showcasing a logical and
realistic approach to achieving the desired infrastructure improvements will create more
conviction from the assessors.

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Cultivate Community Engagement
Successful grant proposals demonstrate strong community support and engagement. Engage with
local residents, community organisations, and relevant stakeholders throughout the grant writing
process. Conduct surveys, solicit feedback about current premises, seek letters of support and
involve community members in decision-making processes. Strong community involvement not
only enhances the chances of securing funding but also ensures the proposed project meets the
genuine needs of the community it serves. Ensure that your board or committee have
documented support for the project as a priority so that it can be demonstrated to be a ‘planned’
project, not simply a whim. Seeking letters of support from government representatives and
state or national affiliate or membership bodies also strengthens the grant application
submission. Reaching out to community groups that share or use the premises to gather letters of
support will show consideration beyond your own organisation and into the community benefits.

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Craft a Compelling Narrative
Beyond data and statistics, a compelling narrative can significantly impact the success of your
grant proposal. Tell a compelling story that highlights the significance of the infrastructure project
and its potential impact on the community. Incorporate personal anecdotes, testimonials, and
success stories to add a human touch to your proposal, making it more relatable and memorable
to the grant reviewers. Identify research about demographics that are impacted positively by the
infrastructure, or your organisation’s existence.

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Budget Wisely
The budget is a critical component of any grant proposal. Create a detailed and realistic budget
that aligns with the project's goals and objectives. Clearly outline all costs, including materials,
labour, permits, and contingencies. Ensure that your budget reflects thorough research and a
comprehensive understanding of the project's financial requirements as well as any contributions
being made by your organisation or ‘in kind’. Two quotes are usually required as a minimum, or a
Quantity Surveyors estimate.

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Be ‘Shovel Ready’
For many infrastructure projects, the goal is to quickly stimulate the economy and create jobs by
initiating infrastructure development. By focusing on shovel-ready projects, governments and
funding agencies aim to minimise the time between funding approval and project
implementation. When a project is deemed shovel-ready, it means that all the necessary permits,
environmental clearances, land acquisitions, and engineering designs have been completed or are
near completion. To demonstrate that your organisation can achieve success, seek to have the
planning and design stages to a point where they are ready for construction to begin immediately.

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Securing infrastructure grants requires careful planning, early preparation, and a strategic
approach. By understanding the grant landscape, building a strong project team, conducting a
thorough needs assessment, and developing a clear project plan, and being shovel-ready, grant
writers can significantly improve their chances of success. Furthermore, cultivating community
engagement, crafting a compelling narrative, and budgeting wisely add further strength to the
funding narrative.

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