TL/DR –
Wyoming’s local governments are requesting $500,000 to fund a grants management office that will work towards securing more federal grants for the state. The funds will be used primarily to continue contracts with a consultant to identify grant opportunities, and to build a knowledge repository for grant-writing and administration. The department plans to establish a dashboard to track progress and to educate local governments on how to apply for grants.
Wyoming Government Seeks Funding to Compete for Federal Grants
Local governments in Wyoming often struggle to secure federal grants, lacking the knowledge and resources necessary for a competitive edge. Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Budget Department are seeking $500,000 to fund a grants management office, to improve the state’s proficiency and potential in federal grant procurement. This extends an initiative that began last summer with the state’s inaugural federal funding summit.
Aiming to Enhance Federal Grant Acumen
At the summit, over 100 representatives from local governments, nonprofits, and private enterprises were equipped with valuable knowledge for the federal grant process. The proposed $500,000 would further this effort by enabling the grants management office to continue its role as a training and resource hub.
Proposed Uses of Funding
The requested funding will be utilized in two main ways. First, it will secure contracts with a consultant to identify grant opportunities “that fit Wyoming,” per the department’s budget request. Secondly, it will further develop a repository of grant-writing knowledge at both local and governmental levels.
Previous Grants Management Initiatives
In 2023, the grants management office was established with approximately $1.2 million for the purpose of enhancing the state’s opportunities to secure infrastructure grants. However, the department states that the additional funding is necessary to fully realize their efforts and goals.
The Broader Aims of the Proposal
The department also plans to educate local governments in grant procurement processes and establish a public-facing dashboard to track progress. This initiative aims not only to increase the availability of federal, state, and private grant opportunities but also to ensure proper management and compliance upon receipt of funds.
The Next Steps
The 2024 budget session, where this request will be considered, begins on February 12th. This proactive step towards improving Wyoming’s posture in federal grant competition has been received positively, with representatives seeing it as a high return on investment and a potential relief for smaller municipalities that could significantly benefit from federal grant funding.
—
Read More US Economic News