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Should we apply?

FY 2021 - 2023 Economic Development RNTA. 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
Who can apply, from the official notice
Additional Information on Eligibility: Pursuant to Section 3(4) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122(4)) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3 (Eligible Recipient), eligible applicants for and recipients of EDA RNTA investment assistance include: a District Organization; an Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; a State; a 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; an institution of higher education or a consortium of 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

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: Word limit (see quote): 500 words max
  • 11 kinds of attachments or forms to prepare
  • 6 scored criteria to answer