Government Funding Sources
The federal government issues RFPs to determine which of the various local and state programs that meet its predetermined requirements should be funded. That money is allocated from the government to its federal departments, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Department of Education, to be used in each department's various grant programs.
When seeking a federal grant, you may be tempted to put the grant writing off for a year if the deadline is rapidly approaching, knowing that the program will likely be offered again. It's often a good idea to submit anyway — you may request reviewer comments for failed proposals and use these suggestions to strengthen next year's proposal.
Often, the funded programs are available year after year, especially during a presidential or congressional term. When there's a change inleadership, priorities shift and money is often allocated to new priority categories and departments. For example, when President Bill Clinton was in office, funding technology-infrastructure improvements (“Closing the Digital Divide”) was a priority. George W. Bush shifted the emphasis after September 11, 2001 to police-and fire-department projects in an attempt to strengthen “homeland security.”
Many government grant programs go on for years, so you will have more than one opportunity to submit a proposal for funding or to resubmit a failed proposal.
