Two experts from the US Ignite Communities team, Jonathan Beam and Arnold Liyai, recently presented at the June meeting of the GovAI Coalition that drew over 300 virtual guests. The discussion centered on the question looming on every community leader’s mind – is all hope lost for federal funding?
Watch the recorded session below:
Top notes:
- Federal funding is not dead. Despite recent legal and administrative delays, many federal funding streams remain viable. The funds are still there, but it may take longer to get distributed. Monitor funding opportunities at Grants.gov. Subscribe to funding digests from SSTI.org.
- Changing terminology. Federal agencies like the National Science Foundation, the Department of Transportation, and the Economic Development Agency continue to support community-focused technology initiatives. However, they are adapting their terminology to match the Administration’s current priorities. Reach out to agency program offices directly to find out the status of federal programs, and changing approaches to projects.
- Non-federal funding opportunities can support budget gaps and provide seed funding to communities.
- Philanthropic grants from foundations and charities to municipalities, cities, and states are increasing to help address some of the recent federal funding cuts. To find these opportunities, leaders may need to augment their networking activities with city leadership, businesses, and directly with philanthropic program officers. Some resources to review include: Grantwatch, Instrumentl, National Council of Nonprofits Grant Research Tools
- Corporate partners can provide in-kind support and technical advice to help demonstration projects and pilots. Some businesses may also have a foundation arm that awards grants to support the community’s technology-enabled efforts.
- Prepare to compete. Community leaders should prepare to face a competitive landscape. The best ways to get ready include focusing on interdepartmental collaboration, forming partnership groups with local community leaders, and building and strengthening relationships with past, current, and potential funders.
US Ignite’s Communities team can help your community navigate the uncertainty with a team of experts in funding, technology, and project management. If you are a community leader in need of support, reach out to [email protected].
About GovAI Coalition
The GovAI Coalition is composed of government members from local, state, and federal agencies united in the mission to promote responsible and purposeful AI in the public sector. As government agencies look to artificial intelligence (AI) to improve services, the GovAI Coalition strives towards a more just and beneficial technological future for all. AI tools have the potential to make government services more responsive, efficient, and accessible to all, but AI also poses serious risks.
To improve the lives of the people we serve while protecting our communities against AI risks, it is vital that public agencies establish safeguards for the responsible use of AI. Learn more at: www.sanjoseca.gov/govai