There’s exciting news on the grant front for Kentucky organizations: The Governor recently signed HB605—a bill updating the Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) Program to include expanded opportunities, more flexibility, and a smoother application process for public service providers across the Commonwealth. Changes are expected to go into effect by May 1st.
These improvements, many of which stem directly from feedback in the field, are designed to help local leaders access and manage federal grant funding more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed—and what it means for you.
Expanded Eligibility: A Broader Welcome for Public Service Providers
Originally, the GRANT Program was limited to county or city governing bodies and 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organizations focused on public benefit improvements. Thanks to the recent updates, the eligibility net has now been cast much wider.
Now, any Kentucky-based organization that provides public services in the following areas can apply for support:
- Law enforcement
- Fire and emergency services
- Rescue operations
- Waterfront development
- Water or wastewater utilities
This change opens the door to many more organizations that play a critical role in keeping Kentucky communities safe, functional, and thriving—giving them access to matching support that can strengthen their federal grant applications.
Improved Support for Federal Matching Requirements
Navigating matching requirements for federal grants can be one of the trickiest parts of the process. The updates to HB 605 offer a few strategic boosts:
- Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Projects: These are now eligible for support under the GRANT Program, even if no match is technically required. As long as the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) indicates that a match improves competitiveness, you’re in the clear.
- Multistate Regional Projects: Kentucky-based subrecipients—such as regional development districts participating in projects like the ARC ARISE initiative—can now receive support even if the lead applicant is in another state. This opens new doors for regional collaboration.
More Federal Agencies Now Eligible
The revised legislation also modernizes which federal agencies are covered under the program. Three new agencies are now officially eligible:
- Department of Homeland Security (including FEMA)
- National Science Foundation
- U.S. Department of the Army (including the Army Corps of Engineers)
And in a forward-thinking move, the language now includes successor agencies. That means if a federal agency is reorganized or renamed in the future, eligibility won’t skip a beat.
Streamlined Application Process: Easier, Not Harder
A smoother path to funding is always welcome. The updates bring several key improvements to how applications are reviewed and managed:
- Rolling Monthly Deadlines: These are now officially built into the program, aligning with the Cabinet’s existing application calendar.
- Extended Preliminary Review Period: The Cabinet now has 14 calendar days (up from 5 business days) to provide feedback on your application. That gives you more time to make corrections and put your best foot forward.
- Longer Obligation Timeline: Once your funding is approved, it can remain obligated for up to 18 months—that’s 12 months, with an optional 6-month extension—while awaiting federal decisions.
- Flexible Use of Matching Funds: The Cabinet can now shift up to 10% between city/county and nonprofit match categories to better meet demand.
- Simplified Regional Support Requirements: For regional projects, a majority of participating counties must now submit letters of support. Previously, support was required from all counties involved.
What’s Next?
The Cabinet plans to implement these changes beginning with the May 1 application cycle. Stay informed by visiting https://ced.ky.gov/grant.