Should we apply?

7 questions about FY26 Community Policing Development (CPD) Accreditation Program. The first ones are deal-breakers: grant professionals check them before writing anything. We filled in what we know. Change anything that's wrong.

Who's applying Your county

Is your kind of organization eligible? Deal-breaker

The funder lists: State government, County government, Public college or university, Nonprofit without 501(c)(3), Tribal government, Small business, Larger business, City or town government, Private college or university, Tribal organization, Nonprofit with 501(c)(3), Special district (utility, fire, etc.), and others named in the official notice.

Who can apply, from the official notice

Eligibility for the FY26 Community Policing Development Accreditation program is limited to for-profit and nonprofit organizations, public governmental agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, faith-based organizations, and community groups. Organizations who were awarded funding for accreditation in FY2024 or FY2025 will not be considered for funding in FY2026.

Read it all on the grant page · Official notice

Yes No Not sure

Why it matters: Funders don't review applications from groups that aren't eligible. Source: Grants.gov: make sure you are eligible before writing

Do you serve the area this grant covers? Deal-breaker

GrantMe found: This is a nationwide program, so every Tennessee county is covered.

Yes No Not sure

Why it matters: A grant limited to certain places can't pay for work outside them. Source: Grants.gov: make sure you are eligible before writing

Will your SAM.gov registration be active through the deadline? Deal-breaker Yes No Not sure

Why it matters: Federal agencies require an active SAM.gov registration to apply and to be paid. Source: Grants.gov: applicant registration

Does the project fit what this funder wants to pay for, without bending your mission? Yes No Not sure

Why it matters: Funders pay for their own goals. Bending your project to fit can pull you off your mission. Source: Grants.gov: ensure mission alignment before applying

Has this funder paid organizations like yours before? Yes No Not sure

Why it matters: Funders that paid groups like yours before are the likeliest to do it again. Source: Candid: find and evaluate potential funder matches

Have you managed a grant of similar size before (tracking spending and reporting)? Yes No Not sure

Why it matters: Funders expect you to track how the money is spent and report on the results. Source: National Council of Nonprofits: Managing Federal Grants, a start-up guide (2026)

Do you have someone with time to write it before the deadline? Yes No Not sure

Why it matters: A strong application takes time to write, and late ones usually aren't accepted. Source: National Council of Nonprofits: Managing Federal Grants, a start-up guide (2026)