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Should we apply?

Atlanta FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance. Grant professionals check the deal-breakers before writing anything, then ask whether it's worth the effort. Answers GrantMe already knows are filled in. Change any that are wrong.

Is your kind of organization eligible? Deal-breaker

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

Who can apply, from the official notice
Pursuant to section 3 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 3122) (PWEDA) and EDA’s regulation at 13 C.F.R. § 300.3, the following types of entities are eligible to receive funding assistance from EDA: 1. District Organizations (as defined in 13 C.F.R. § 300.3); 2. Indian Tribes or a consortium of Indian Tribes; 3. States, cities, or other political subdivisions of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; 4. Institutions of…

Read it all on the grant page · Official notice

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.

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

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

If your project needs a match, can you provide it? (Answer yes if yours doesn't need one.) Deal-breaker

GrantMe found: The notice requires a match for some projects or applicants, not all.

Why it matters: If you can't raise the match, you can't accept the grant. Source: National Council of Nonprofits: Managing Federal Grants, a start-up guide (2026)

Does the project fit what this funder wants to pay for, without bending your mission?

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?

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)?

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?

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)

What applying involves

  • 10 kinds of attachments or forms to prepare