Preparing for Funding Opportunities August 5, 2021 By Jennifer Wilson Business Mindset, Funding, Wastewater 0 Proposed infrastructure funding has been on everyone's radar, despite uncertainty about what fine print will ultimately be passed by Congress. The new plan could be the largest investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in American history and bipartisan support for these efforts means that new funding opportunities for a range of stakeholders are likely. This makes it all the more important to know how to apply for and manage funding when it becomes available, as well as understand your needs and eligibility. Navigating the world of funding can feel intimidating, but there are many resources available to help aid the process. Preparing ahead of time is the best way to make sure your organization is ready to respond to funding opportunities. This preparation begins with a capacity development approach. Capacity development is a process that water systems can use to acquire and maintain adequate technical, managerial, and financial capacity. Programs have been established in every state to help public water systems continue to strengthen their capacity and you've likely crossed paths with training, resources, or technical assistance provided through these programs. We're highlighting a selection of our favorite capacity development resources that can help systems (and those who serve them) undertake readiness efforts for potential infrastructure investment. Managerial Capacity Managerial capacity for short and long term planning includes: Ownership accountability Staffing and organization Effective external linkages Resources: Water System Owner Roles and Responsibilities: A Best Practices Guide This guide can help owners and operators of public water systems serving less than 10,000 people better understand their responsibilities. Strategic Planning: A Handbook for Small Water Systems This handbook was designed to help operators serving less than 3,000 people develop a strategic management plan. Manual for Assessing Public Water Supply System Capability This manual goes through each of the components of capacity development, technical capacity, managerial capacity, and financial capacity. Financial Capacity Financial capacity for short and long term planning includes: Revenue sufficiency Creditworthiness Fiscal management and controls Resources: Water Finance Clearinghouse This portal was created by the U.S. EPA to help water operators locate helpful financial resources. Grant (Loan) Writing 101 - Right Grant, Right Time, Right Project This 31-slide presentation explains the numerous steps that are included in writing a grant from start to finish. Introduction to Grant Writing This 25-slide presentation addresses the basics of grant writing in the state of Utah. A Financially Healthy Water System Now and Into the Future This presentation introduces questions that should be considered regarding the financial health of your system and how to understand your system's present and future needs. U.S. EPA Grants Management Training for Applicants and Recipients This online training course designed by the U.S. EPA includes six modules that explain the grant life cycle process. Asset Management Asset management is the practice of making the most of capital assets, while also delivering the best customer service. It is essential to establishing sustainable infrastructure. Building an asset management team can lead to increased knowledge management, financial efficiency, and work efficiency. Resources: Building an Asset Management Team This factsheet outlines the steps to take to build a functioning asset management team. Asset Management: A Handbook This handbook, designed specifically for small water systems, reviews the basic concepts of asset management and lists tools to help develop a concrete plan. Reference Guide for Asset Management Tools This reference guide is a collection of asset management plan components and implementation tools that drinking water and wastewater systems can use. You can find thousands of additional helpful resources in our database. Comments are closed.