Grant Writing

Downstream Strategies helps towns, nonprofits, and individuals secure grant funding for a wide range of projects and initiatives. Our staff works closely with clients to develop and submit funding applications, proposals, and reports. We also provide comprehensive prospect research to identify which grant programs align best with a given project to ensure a high chance of success.

Brownfields grants

Downstream Strategies has significant expertise securing and managing grants through the U.S. EPA’s Brownfields and Land Revitalization Program.

  • Brownfield Assessment Grants
  • Brownfield Cleanup Grants

ARC POWER+

Our team has worked extensively with clients to facilitate partnership development, planning, and pre- and full-proposal development for Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) initiatives to increase economic resilience in Appalachia. Our team believes in this program and serves as a resource in connecting new projects to existing regional initiatives.

Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program Grants

Congress has appropriated funds to six states and federally-recognized Indian tribes for economic development projects on pre-1977 abandoned mine land (AML) sites. Utilizing our extensive knowledge of the landscape of viable AML sites and current trends in economic development and diversification, our team has worked with numerous organizations to develop and submit successful proposals and leverage millions of dollars across Appalachia. We have worked most extensively with groups in West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia, and Kentucky, but are available to all states that qualify.

USDA Rural Development grants

Our team has worked with clients and partners to develop and secure funding from a variety of USDA Rural Development programs covering economic development, local food systems development, food production, renewable energy, and business plan development.

  • Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
  • Rural Business Development (RBDG) Grants
  • Value Added Producer (VAPG) Grants

Private foundations

Downstream Strategies offers grant writing services for nonprofits focused on private foundations and philanthropic corporate giving programs. We work closely with clients across the nation to develop and submit funding applications, proposals, and reports and conduct comprehensive prospect research to identify relevant funding opportunities. Our development staff specializes in crafting proposals for both project-based and operational support.

Grant Writing Contact

Projects

Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition

Downstream Strategies is partnering with Coalfield Development Corporation (West Virginia), Appalachian Voices (Virginia), and Rural Action (Ohio) to identify and seek funding for diverse economic development projects on or adjacent to pre-1977 mine sites across Central Appalachia. The effort, known as the Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition, has procured millions of dollars for implementation of numerous trail projects throughout the region.

Business Startup and Implementation Funding for Sprouting Farms

Downstream Strategies worked with partners to secure $1.5 million in grant funding to create the Sprouting Farms Appalachian Croft and Training Center, a nonprofit farm and education and resource center located in Summers County, West Virginia. Funding sources have included a USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant, a POWER+ grant, and support from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the One Foundation.