Grant Writing Resources

Successful grant applications begin with clear planning, strong documentation, and an understanding of program requirements. Whether applying for preparedness grants, public assistance funding, or hazard mitigation opportunities, Tennessee jurisdictions and partner organizations benefit from building strong grant-writing skills before funding cycles open.

To support this effort, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), offers a collection of on-demand training sessions designed to guide applicants through each stage of the grant process. These recorded webinars—originally delivered as part of the Grant Training Digital Series—cover essential topics such as research, proposal development, budgeting, and grant administration.

These resources are available to help applicants build capacity, strengthen proposals, and successfully manage grant-funded projects from start to finish.

Grant Training Digital Series (Recorded Webinars)

Each topic below links to a recorded session that walks applicants through best practices and practical tools for developing successful grant applications.

• Grant Administration: Learn the fundamentals of managing a grant award, including documentation, reporting, compliance, and project oversight.
• Grant Budget: Explore how to develop realistic, eligible, and well-structured budgets that align with program guidance and project objectives.
• Focusing on Grant Writing: Gain insight into writing strong, compelling proposals that clearly communicate project needs, goals, outcomes, and community benefits.
• Topic Areas: Understand how to organize proposals around key capability gaps, strategic priorities, or specific funding areas identified in federal and state guidance.
• Grant Research: Discover strategies for identifying funding opportunities, gathering supporting data, and evaluating readiness before applying.

Additional Tips for Strengthening Grant Applications

These optional sections add value regardless of which funding program the applicant is pursuing:

• Plan Ahead: Identify community needs, capability gaps, and project priorities before a grant cycle opens.
• Document Thoroughly: Collect data, cost estimates, assessments, stakeholder input, and any supporting materials early in the process.
• Align with Program Guidance: Ensure proposed activities directly support the intent of the selected grant program and meet all eligibility requirements.
• Engage Partners: Collaborate with emergency services, public works, planning, finance, nonprofits, or regional partners when developing project ideas.
• Use Available Technical Assistance: TEMA regional staff and program managers can help clarify requirements and provide guidance throughout the process.