Each Friday, an issue of the NSDA Weekly Grant Update is published that provides a recap of federal grant solicitations that were released that week to ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities. Click here to sign up to receive the weekly list of grant opportunities and stay up-to-date or watch for it in materials, updates, and newsletters form your state association.

TFG has a database of over 1900 successful grant applications from a variety of programs to help inspire and guide the preparation of successful grant submissions. Reviewing past applications also allows TFG grant experts to identify trends in funded projects that can help frame how to present a project in a future application under the program. NSDA Members can access successful grant applications by submitting a request through the Project Funding Idea Portal.

NSDA Members have access to TFG’s Library of Grant Funding Guides and individual Grant Profiles and Summaries. Each Funding Guide provides an overview of grant programs and relevant information such as funding levels, match requirements, eligible applicants, and use of funds in a specific issue area.

TFG’s Grants Library also includes a robust database of grant profiles and summaries that provide the key information you need to match a program with your needs and build a winning grant proposal. Grant Profiles and Summaries present the information included in the grant solicitation in an easy-to-follow manner and augment it with additional background information on the program and the types of projects funded in the past.

NSDA Members can access successful grant applications by submitting a request through the Project Funding Idea Portal.

All NSDA Members have access to the general NSDA Project Funding Idea Portal, where special districts can share specifics on a project it is seeking funding for, or, information on funding available for a general topic by filling out a short questionnaire. TFG grant experts will then hold office hours to provide a customized consultation to respond to your funding needs.

We focus our grant training on building capacity, helping position you for success in the often-complex grant process. TFG offers training on grant basics, project prioritization, grant research, grant writing and an introduction to post-award grant management. General grants training will be provided to districts through NSDA. Specific training for individual districts will be customized to the requesting member’s needs.

• Dedicated GRANTS expert/team through monthly retainer – All retainer grant clients are assigned a dedicated grant expert who serves as a liaison to you and your staff. TFG Tier 3 and Tier 4 grant services retainer clients (see below) are assigned a team of experts, including an advocacy team member.
• MONTHLY GRANT UPDATE MEETING – TFG experts will host monthly grant update calls to discuss grant funding outlook, services provided, and engagement.
• STRATEGIC FUNDING PLANS – Succeeding in grants means knowing your priorities and planning ahead. To gain an in-depth understanding of priority grant projects, TFG established an online project portal where priority project information can be submitted for grant research support. Based on our team’s knowledge and experience, we will closely identify, forecast, and monitor relevant funding opportunities that meet your specific needs. Our Strategic Funding Plan also allows your staff to know what is on the horizon and be prepared when a notice of funding availability is announced.
• TFG FUNDING BLUEPRINT – Looking for funding for a specific project? TFG conducts grant research on the federal, state, and foundation levels and will create a customized funding strategy geared to support your project. We will provide you with relevant grant information, as well as recommendations on funding opportunities to target, specifically tailored to your project and your community. Our grant research will not only look at open, available programs, but will also focus on grant programs expected to be released in the future, helping you to stay ahead of the game” and be prepared.
• PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND READINESS – Working alongside your subject matter experts, TFG grants team will provide strategic advice on how to get your project grant-ready. Collectively, we will work to scope or rescope your project, identify background and technical information needed to support the grant application and match project goals with funding agency priorities. You will come out of this process with a list of actionable steps that need to be taken to ensure your project is grant-ready, including where TFG can support your team.
• GRANT WRITING – Preparing winning grant proposals takes time, skill, and knowledge. TFG’s skilled grant writers will take your defined grant project idea from the start of the application to submission. From filling out federal forms to crafting a persuasive and compelling grant narrative and corresponding budgets, you can be assured your application will be complete, competitive, and submitted on time.
• GRANT EDITING AND REVIEW – Improve your chance of success by having TFG staff review your grant proposal. TFG staff will expertly review your application against the funder’s requirements, suggest content edits, and provide recommendations on how to improve your narrative before you submit. Grant editing and review does not include rewriting content.
• GRANT DEBRIEFS – Grant debriefs are important, especially if it turns out that your application didn’t get funded. TFG staff will help guide you through the grant debrief process and set up consultation with the funding agency to put your next applications in the best position to effectively compete in future solicitations. As part of this process, TFG will review your past grant applications, and incorporate feedback from the Federal Agency, so that you know exactly what needs to change for your future application. 
• GRANT PROJECT ADVOCACY – TFG helps secure congressional support, including support letters, and backing from strategic partners, to bolster grant applications. Federal grants are highly competitive and, often, broad support for a project application can make the difference between a winning application and a highly ranked application that does not make the final list of awardees. 
• CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING (EARMARKS) – If your congressional delegation engages in the appropriations earmarking process, TFG can assist in seeking direct federal support for your priority projects. TFG works within these processes to advance federal programs of importance and advocates for the adoption of legislative language to help increase access to federal funding for local communities. In addition to researching grant and financing opportunities for your projects, TFG will identify and pursue authorization and appropriations opportunities that support your priorities.
  TFG has an extensive track record spanning several decades, demonstrating success in navigating the annual budget, appropriations, and earmarking processes. In the period preceding the 2010 ban on earmarks, TFG played a crucial role in assisting its clients in securing an average of $500 million annually through the appropriations process. Following the reinstatement of earmarks in 2021, TFG has continued to excel, aiding its clients in securing over $271 million in earmarked funding in just three years.
• POST-AWARD GRANT MANAGEMENT SERVICES – TFG is delighted to offer Post-Award Grant Management Services on a per-case basis, ensuring clients receive comprehensive support. Our services encompass expert guidance in managing grants, overseeing funding utilization, compliance tracking, and reporting. With TFG's Post-Award Grant Management Services, clients can navigate the complexities of grant administration seamlessly, allowing them to focus on achieving their project goals.
• NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENTS (NICRA) – TFG is committed to supporting organizations in establishing robust proposals for Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreements (NICRA). Our specialized services encompass thorough analysis, strategic planning, and expert guidance to ensure compliant proposals and assistance through the negotiation process. By collaborating closely with clients, we navigate the intricacies of NICRAs, leading to a thorough cost allocation plan, NCIRA proposal, negotiation, and recovery process. Additionally, we can provide compliance services to create a streamlined and efficient financial framework that maximizes funding utilization. With TFG's assistance, clients not only establish favorable NICRA terms through expert negotiation but also foster financial sustainability for their organizations.