In many cities and states across the country, shrinking budgets have reduced or totally eliminated neighborhood traffic calming programs paid for by the government. To supplement this loss of funding, some local governments offer alternative programs that help neighborhoods or individuals pay for the traffic safety measures themselves. But before you lay out your own hard-earned cash, you may want to investigate the possibility of receiving grant money for your project. The following offers some basic information and tips on how to find, apply for and receive grant money for your traffic calming needs.

Step One

Speedstoppers.org strongly suggests that grant seekers begin by pursuing government-funded programs. Even if there is little chance of receiving the needed funding through this process, it allows the city to investigate the problem of concern and determine the need for traffic calming measures. Too often we've heard of neighborhood groups receiving grant money and then being told by their local government that they do not have permission to implement the safety measure. So get buy-in first (see Government Funded Programs ).

Show Me The Money

One you've received official approval for your project it's time to find the money to implement it. There are three basic sources for public safety funding:

1. Federal grants - provided through federal tax dollars.
2. State grants - oftentimes funded by federal programs but administered locally.
3. Private grants - money provided by corporations, foundations and other non- governmental organizations.

Now go to the Internet and start your research. The trick is to use keywords that will get you the information you need and eliminate a lot of the useless websites. Some suggested search terms include:

• public safety federal grants
• pedestrian safety
• traffic calming
• discretionary grants
• project grants

One of the first Internet stops you'll want to make is to www.cfda.gov. This is the site for the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance, a listing of all grants awarded by the federal government. The site not only includes information on possible grant opportunities but also provides a nice guide to grant writing.

The federal budget for public safety grants has increased tremendously over the past ten years. Most of this money, however, is awarded and administered through local government agencies. For this reason, it's also important to check state, city and county government web sites for possible grant opportunities.

Example

Researching grant sources requires a bit of patience. The more you look, the more you'll gain a comprehensive idea of what's available. For instance:

A visit to the Oregon State Government Site (most State sites can be found by going to www.state.XX.us (XX = state abbreviation) sent us on a keyword search for "traffic calming grants." This gave us about 145 listings including a brochure that included a section on possible grants. This told us that most State grants are administered through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation) or OECDD (Oregon Economic & Community Development Department). It also provided information about specific programs administered by these two departments and the grant requirements for each. A visit to the individual department sites scored us contact information and grant forms.

Speaking of contact information, don't be shy about making phone calls to those in charge of traffic calming projects. A few polite conversations by those familiar with the internal workings of a department can save you hours of research and set you on the right path.

Writing A Grant

Once you've found a potential funding source, you'll need to apply. There are professionals that are hired by organizations to do nothing but apply for grants. That's because the more you do, the better you get at it. But have no fear. Many grants are awarded to "first timers." Here are some tips on how to get the grant you want.

Find the grants that best meet your own criteria. Look for those with priorities/objectives that best meet your own.

When you receive your grant application kit, review it completely and thoroughly. Review the eligibility requirements to make sure there is a match. Don't waste time applying for grants that "may be" applicable. If you're not sure, call the contact person and discuss your concerns with him or her.

Read and follow the instructions carefully. Worthy applicants are often rejected simply because they did not follow instructions exactly as stated. Answer all questions. Don't leave blanks. Provide all supporting documents requested.

If possible, try to answer questions using the same structure as used in the questionnaire. For example, if the questions are numbered 1, 2, 3a & 3b. Answer them the same way: 1. xxxxxxxxx. 2.xxxxxxxxx. 3a. xxxxxxxx. 3b. xxxx. Leave no room for confusion as to whether you answered all the questions asked or which answers go with which questions.

Be sure you understand the objectives of the grant providers and - where ever appropriate - be sure to answer questions with these objectives in mind.

Clearly state the problems you are trying to fix and then explain how your proposal will resolve these issues. Emphasize benefits to the community.

Provide specific milestones and timelines when appropriate. Demonstrate that you have a method of evaluation to track progress and prove the project's effectiveness.

Have one or more persons proofread your application before you submit it. Make sure it is clear and concise to others. Neatness DOES count.

Send your proposal via registered mail or in some other manner that ensures it was received by the proper personnel. Track its progress and keep on top of the evaluation process to ensure it is being properly considered.

Links

Finding Grants

www. cfda.gov

The Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance. This is the "bible" of Federal funding sources. Look under the category "law, justice and legal services.

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/resguide/

The Office of Justic Programs. Provides information on all available agency funding and what it looks for when evaluating grant applications.

http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants_financing,html

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) includes several programs for highway safety.

www.liscnet.org/whatwedo/programs/csi/MetLifeAwards.shtml

MetLife Foundation along with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) are working together to promote neighborhood safety programs.

http://www.grants.gov/

A site dedicated to helping you find and apply for all kinds of Federal grants.

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/

Office of Justice Programs. Offers Federal and state contact information as well as a guide to grants.

http://www.sheriffs.org/home.shtml

National Sheriff's Association. Offers links to various philanthropists and foundations offering grants.

http://www.ghsa.org/

Governors Highway Safety Association. Provides information on grants and funding by state.

Grant writing

http://www.writegrant.com/

Infomation about grant writing, research and development.

http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com/mayjun03/grantWriting.htm

A nice article in Police And Security News on grant writing, by grant writing expert, Linda Burke.

http://web.gwpa.org:4600/grantmakers:Website,grantmakers,home

This site from the Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania provides Common Grant Application Format and Common Report Form.