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Should we apply?

8 questions about FY 2025 EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs. The first ones are deal-breakers: grant professionals check them before writing anything. We filled in what we know. Change anything that's wrong.

Is your kind of organization eligible? Deal-breaker

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

Who can apply, from the official notice
Pursuant to Section 3(4) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122(4)(a)) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3 (Eligible Recipient), eligible applicants for EDA financial assistance under the Public Works and EAA programs include a(n): (i) District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; (iii) State, county, city, or other political subdivision 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; (iv) institution 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

  • Length limits: Page limit (see quote): 12 pages max
  • 12 kinds of attachments or forms to prepare
  • 6 scored criteria to answer