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Should we apply?

8 questions about Lead Hazard Reduction Grant 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.

Is your kind of organization eligible? Deal-breaker

The funder lists: State government, County government, Special district (utility, fire, etc.), Tribal government, City or town government.

Who can apply, from the official notice
Only cities, counties/parishes, and other units of local government, and certain States and Native American Tribes (those that have an EPA-authorized lead abatement certification program on the submission deadline) are eligible applicants. Multiple entities may apply as a consortium, but a principal (lead) applicant responsible for ensuring compliance with NOFO requirements must be designated, and each entity must meet the Resolution of Civil Rights Matters threshold requirement.If your department or agency does not report directly or through a direct chain of command to your jurisdiction"s…

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

Can you provide the required match? Deal-breaker

GrantMe found: The notice requires a match.

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)