The first step in the grant application process is the release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The NOFO will vary slightly depending on the grant opportunity, but generally contains the following information:

• Eligible projects
• Eligible agencies
• Grant award, including minimum and maximum amounts
• Special set-asides or allocations (e.g., for planning studies, projects in rural areas, etc.)
• Required local match
• Scoring criteria and emphasis areas
• The statutory deadline for obligating funds
• Grant application deadline
• When grant awards will be announced

After reviewing the NOFO, potential applicants should select a project or projects that meet the criteria of the grant opportunity and begin compiling the required materials.

Applicants must create an account with GRANTS.GOV in order to upload application materials. Plan to create an account early in the process to become familiar with the site and begin organizing your application materials. Grants.gov is also a helpful resource, including information about what to expect in the various phases of the grant application process, as well as other grant opportunities that may be available.

After materials have been submitted, applicants wait for award decisions and notifications to occur. Applicants whose projects have been selected then move into the implementation, reporting, and closeout phase of the grants cycle. Applicants whose projects were not selected should sign up for a debrief meeting with USDOT, carefully review any feedback provided, and consider re-submitting the project during the next cycle, making sure to address any deficiencies in the previous application. 

Grant/Earmark Support Checklist

If your agency is interested in applying for a discretionary federal funding opportunity and needs to do one or more of the following: 

1. Earmarks: Request a signed Letter of Support from NDOT,

2. Grant: Request a signed Letter of Support from NDOT,

3. Grant: Request or Add the Department as a Project Funding Partner, or

4. Grant: Request the Department act as the Lead Grant Applicant Agency,

then please fill out the NDOT Support Checklist - Grants & Earmarks.

This form should be submitted at least three weeks prior to the due date to be considered.