Applying for Grants - When to Say No

We just wrapped up a busy quarter helping many of our clients navigate grant programs and apply for funding. If you work in this field, you know that this time of the year is filled with numerous funding deadlines in our region. Much of our time goes to helping communities determine if they should apply to a grant program and when to say no. 

It can be tempting to apply to anything and everything in the hopes that something sticks, and this is not the best use of time or resources. Instead, communities should spend their time preparing for a future call for projects and complete the necessary steps to be ready to apply and maximize scores. Applying for grants that are not a good match diverts time and effort from other projects. More importantly, if a community does receive funding for a project they are not prepared for and unable to implement or maintain, agencies are less likely to fund future projects.

Upcoming Funding Program Deadlines:

State & Regional Programs

April 25, 2023 - IL EPA Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Program

May 15, 2023 - IL DNR Bicycle Path Grants

May 15, 2023 - IL DNR Boat Access Area Development Program

June 30, 2023 (Expected) - IL DNR Park & Recreational Facility Grants

Aug 1, 2023 (Expected) - IL EPA Section 319 Grants

Aug 31, 2023 (Expected) - IL DNR Open Space Land Acquisition & Development Grants

Oct 2, 2023 (Expected) - IDOT Safe Routes to School Program



Federal Programs

April 28, 2023 - Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Formula Program

(pre-award information sheet due)

May 30, 2023 - Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program

June 5, 2023 - Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Competitive Program

(concept papers due; for applicants that are not eligible for the Formula Program)

July 10, 2023 - USDOT Safe Streets & Roads for All Grant Program

The Village of Maywood Storm Sewer Separation Project

On March 9, Metro Strategies Group assisted the Village of Maywood and Hancock Engineering with hosting an open house event to inform the community about the first phase of the Village's Storm Sewer Separation Project. Over 1,600 Maywood households will benefit from the project once all phases are complete. We collaborated with local community leaders to share project and open house information, including Maywood's Mayor and Board of Trustees, New Horizons Baptist Church (located within the Phase I construction area), Maywood Public Library, Maywood Park District and Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview School District 89. Utilizing resident trust in these local partners, we were able to better connect with the community and share information about the open house, resulting in an additional 100 unique website visits and 28 Facebook shares.