Steps in the grant application process
Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) provided above, paying particular attention to the following details:
- Determine eligible projects and recipients.
- Identify grant award amounts, including minimum and maximum thresholds.
- Note any special set-asides or allocations, such as those designated for planning studies or projects in rural areas.
- Understand the required local match.
- Familiarize yourself with the scoring criteria and emphasis areas.
- Take note of the statutory deadline for obligating funds.
- Be aware of the grant application deadline.
- Find out when grant awards will be announced.
Select a project or projects based on eligibility criteria and requirements as outlined in the NOFO.
Begin an application based on the program requirements. Solicit technical assistance from USDOT in developing an application as needed.
Create an account then upload application materials at Grants.gov. Do this early to become familiar with the site and organize your application materials.
Submit all materials as required by the grant and note the deadlines. Consider the following tips while crafting your application:
- Address each scoring criterion or clearly indicate when it's not applicable to your project.
- Support your statements with relevant data or documentation whenever possible.
- Conduct a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) following USDOT guidance.
- Highlight any local matches to demonstrate strong community commitment to the project.
Wait and debrief. USDOT reviews all applications and provides decision notification of projects selected for funding. Tips for projects not selected:
- Carefully review any feedback provided.
- Sign up for a debrief meeting with USDOT.
- Consider re-submitting the project during the next cycle but address any deficiencies in the previous application.
Examples and information on how to write grants:
U.S. DOT’s Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation Economic Success (ROUTES) Toolkit provides resources for applying for a discretionary grant as well as an explanation of the grant process.
