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Grants Program Launched League assistance aims to help bolster cities’ resources by Chris L. Holley II Florida League of Cities
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he Florida League of Cities has provided valuable grant information for years. State agencies gathered at conferences to share material on their respective programs and to speak one-on-one with members about qualification parameters and application time frames. Weekly League newsletters have included the latest information when new programs are announced or deadlines are extended. All very useful, but could more be done? A 2017 survey conducted by the League’s Center for Municipal Research showed 84% of responding cities applied for a grant in the previous 12 months. When it came to submitting applications, only one-third had ever received grant writing or application training. FLC Executive Director Jeannie Garner established grant assistance as one of her goals in 2020, and the League began research into where support would be most beneficial to its members. Conversations with mayors, managers, finance officers and grant coordinators led to the identification of three key areas: 40 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021
▸ Researching/identifying available and qualifying grants ▸ Application writing and review ▸ Grant management and reporting. The League considered different models, including hiring inhouse staff. However, upon reviewing available services in the private market, a clear industry leader was identified to partner with: eCivis. Entrusted by more than 1,000 state, local and tribal governments across the country, including 25 cities and 10 counties in Florida ranging from the City of Miami to the City of Pahokee, eCivis has always focused on providing grant support for local governments. The grants program goal is to allow members of every size to access resources for little or no upfront costs. Launched on June 14, the League’s new program allows each member to leverage the nation’s largest professionally curated database of grant opportunities, including federal, state and foundation grants, at no cost. This database includes over 9,000 tracked grants
