Helping cities and counties turn priorities into funded implementation.

Megrath Consulting is now scheduling consultations for communities, ageencies, and organizations interested in pursuing funding through the upcoming FY 2026 Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) grant cycle. DCIP provides funding for community infrastructure projects that support military installations, military families, and defense-related missions. 

Potential projects may include transportation improvements, utilties, workforce development facilities, public safety infrastructure, resiliency projects, aviation and aerospace support facilitiies, and other infrastrucutre that enhances military value and installation readiness. 

Wieh increasing emphasis on project readiness, implementation timelines, permitting, environmental documentation, and demonstrated military partnerships, early preparation is strongly encouraged. Megrath Consulting assists clients with positioning, eligibility review, grant strategy, application development, readiness assessments, and coordination with military and community partners. 

Organizations interested in exploring DCIP funding opportunities are encouraged to contact Megrath Consulting to discuss project readiness and upcoming application timelines. 

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, administered by Federal Emergency Management Agency, through U.S. Department of Homeland Security, cycle is now open!  The AFG Program provides competitive federal funding to help fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations enhance operations, improve firefighter safety, and better protect the communities they serve. Funding can support critical needs such as apparatus and equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), training, wellness and fitness initiatives, facility modifications, and other projects that strengthen emergency response capabilities. 

Megrath Consulting assists communities and fire service organizations with strategic grant positioning, application development, narrative preparation, and coordination of supporting documentation to maximize competitiveness under this highly sought after program. 

This application cycle closes on June 22, 2026. Contact us today to discuss how we can support you. 

The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, administered by Federal Railroad Administration through U.S. Department of Transportation, provides competitive federal funding for projects that improve railroad safety, efficiency, reliability, and resiliency across the nation’s rail network. Eligible applicants include local governments, railroads, MPOs, port authorities, and other public or private entities.

Funding may support a wide range of rail infrastructure and safety projects, including grade crossing improvements, rail line upgrades, multimodal freight connectivity, congestion reduction, short line and regional rail enhancements, planning activities, and projects that strengthen economic competitiveness and supply chain reliability.

Megrath Consulting assists clients with project positioning, grant strategy, application development, benefit-cost analysis coordination, narrative preparation, and compliance documentation to strengthen competitiveness for this highly sought-after federal rail funding opportunity.

Applications are due June 22, 2026.

The federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, provides competitive funding for planning, demonstration, and implementation activities aimed at reducing roadway deaths and serious injuries through comprehensive safety action plans and projects. SS4A supports safety improvements for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. 

The FY2026 application cycle closed 5/26/2026. Expect award announcements by February 2027.

The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program is a federal competitive grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration that funds planning, design, and construction of connected active transportation networks—like bike lanes, sidewalks, trail connectors, and other facilities that make walking and bicycling safer and more accessible. It supports projects that improve community connectivity, safety, and mobility for people of all ages and abilities. The inaugural funding round closed on June 17, 2024, and future deadline(s) are expected to be announced in spring 2026 once the next NOFO is published.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP), administered in Florida by Florida Department of Environmental Protection, provides grant funding for the development and maintenance of public recreational trails and trail-related facilities throughout the state.

RTP funding can support both motorized and non-motorized trail projects and is commonly used by local governments to expand trail networks, improve access to parks and recreation areas, and advance active transportation and quality-of-life initiatives.

Megrath Consulting assists communities with project identification, grant strategy, application development, mapping and supporting documentation, and preparation of competitive narratives to strengthen applications for Recreational Trails Program funding.

Estimated application cycle November 16, 2026 - December 16, 2026

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered in Florida by Florida Department of Environmental Protection in partnership with National Park Service, provides competitive grant funding to support the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation facilities and conservation lands.

LWCF funding helps local governments create and improve parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, trails, waterfront access, open spaces, and other outdoor recreational amenities that enhance public access and quality of life. The program is designed to expand recreational opportunities while preserving important natural and community resources for future generations.

Eligible projects often include community parks, sports and recreation complexes, greenways, nature-based recreation facilities, and accessibility improvements that serve broad public recreational needs.

The Florida Communities Trust (FCT), administered by Florida Department of Environmental Protection, provides competitive grant funding to help local governments acquire and protect lands for parks, open space, natural resource conservation, and outdoor recreation purposes.

FCT funding supports projects that enhance public access to recreation, preserve environmentally significant lands, expand community park systems, and improve quality of life through conservation and recreational amenities. Eligible projects may include community parks, greenways, trails, waterfront access, nature-based recreation, and larger recreation complexes that incorporate open space and conservation elements.

The program is particularly beneficial for communities pursuing long-term recreation and land conservation goals while supporting sustainable growth, resiliency, and public access to outdoor spaces.

Megrath Consulting assists communities with project strategy, eligibility evaluation, application development, grant coordination, and preparation of competitive narratives and supporting documentation for Florida Communities Trust funding opportunities.

Estimate cycle application period November 2, 2026 - January 18, 2027

The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP), administered by Florida Department of Environmental Protection, provides competitive grant funding to local governments for the acquisition, development, and renovation of public outdoor recreation facilities throughout Florida.

Eligible projects may include athletic fields, sports courts, playgrounds, trails, splash pads, restrooms, lighting, concession areas, parking, accessibility improvements, and other park and recreation infrastructure that expands public recreational opportunities and improves quality of life for residents.

FRDAP is one of Florida’s primary recreation funding programs and is particularly well-suited for municipalities and counties seeking to improve community parks, athletic complexes, and neighborhood recreation facilities. Projects are evaluated based on factors such as recreational need, community impact, accessibility, and project readiness.

Megrath Consulting assists communities with project identification, grant strategy, application development, supporting documentation, and coordination of competitive narratives to strengthen funding competitiveness under the FRDAP program.

Estimate cycle opening September 1-30, 2026.

The Cultural Facilities Grant, offered by the Florida Department of State's Division of Arts and Culture, provides competitive funding to support the renovation, construction, or acquisition of buildings used primarily for arts and cultural programming by nonprofit and public entities in Florida. This funding helps enhance cultural infrastructure so organizations can better serve their communities through performances, exhibitions, and other cultural activities. The next application cycle will open in early this year with exact deadlines to be announced, typically during the first half of the year for projects commencing in mid-2027.

The General Program Support Grant, offered by the Florida Department of State's Division of Arts and Culture, provides operating support to nonprofit and public arts and cultural organizations to help sustain core programming such as performances, exhibits, education, and community arts services. This funding helps organizations cover general expenses rather than a specific project and supports Florida's cultural ecosystem. The next application opens in April 2026, with the deadline to be announced for the FY 2027 grant period.

The FY26 Virginia Graeme Baker (VGBA) Pool Safely Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, provides up to $4 million in competitive funding to support state, local, tribal, and territorial governemnts in preventing child drownings and drain entrapment incidents in pools and spas. Individual awards range from $50,000 to $400,000 for two-year projects focused on enforcement, education, and public safety outreach. 

Eligible activities include hiring and training pool safety enforcement personnel, public education campaigns, drowning prevention initiatives, inspections, code enforcement, and outreach programs promoting compliance with the Virginia Graeme Bake Pool and Spa Safety Act. At least 25% of grant funds much support enforcement-related activities. 

Megrath Consulting assists communities wiht grant strategy, eligibility review, narrative development, budget preparation, and coordination of supporting documentation to strengthen competitiveness for this important public safety funding opportunity.

Applications are due July 13, 2026!

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant Program, administered by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, provides funding to support lifesaving equipment, prevention education, training, and disaster preparedness initiatives for public safety organizations and first responders.

Eligible applicants include fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS organizations, schools, and nonprofit organizations that provide public safety services. Funding may support equipment such as radios, AEDs, rescue tools, protective gear, training equipment, and community preparedness and prevention programs.

The program is designed to enhance the ability of first responders and public safety organizations to protect communities and improve emergency response capabilities.

Megrath Consulting assists communities and public safety organizations with grant strategy, application development, supporting documentation, and preparation of competitive narratives to strengthen funding competitiveness under the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant Program.