Grant Application and Implementation Bootcamps & Workshops
Grant Application and Implementation Bootcamps & Workshops
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided cities with unprecedented opportunities to apply directly for federal funding. However, amid shifting priorities and evolving administrative requirements, many cities still face challenges—particularly limited staff capacity and technical expertise—which can hinder their ability to compete effectively for grants or maintain compliance to retain awarded funds.
Through the Local Infrastructure Hub, municipalities can access a comprehensive suite of expert support to apply for and implement grants — including pro-bono technical training through Bootcamps and Workshops. Over the past eight Bootcamp series, the Local Infrastructure Hub has supported 1,240+ cities with 150,000 residents or fewer navigate the federal grant application process, and is working with more than 2,470 localities overall across all of its program offerings, including virtual webinars and learning opportunities available for cities of any size.
Activities and Resources
Bootcamps
Bootcamps are multi-week, cohort based programs that guide cities through the full application development process. Participants have access to subject-matter experts, data resources, office hours, individualized coaching sessions, and peer-to-peer learning to engage with experts and other applicants from peer cities going through the same program.
Workshops
Workshops are intensive, half-day sessions focused on targeted, grant-specific training. Cities will build core application skills, understand eligibility criteria, and navigate requirements related to applying for or implementing federal funding opportunities. These offerings will provide communities with the tools, guidance, and peer support they need to build robust and competitive federal grant applications.
In addition to live learning sessions, participants in Bootcamps and Workshops will receive access to templates, example submissions, and other supports.
Upcoming Programming:
Bootcamps & Workshops
Now with eight Bootcamp phases complete, the Local Infrastructure Hub is launching a new set of programming beginning Fall 2025 focused on federal funding opportunities made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Upcoming support includes both multi-week Bootcamps and one-day Workshops, which are designed to support cities at various stages of the grant process, including planning, application development, and post-award implementation.
New Bootcamp Offering
The Bootcamp below is open for registration and will run during Fall 2025. Participants will have access to grant-specific training, expert coaching, practical tools, and opportunities for peer learning.
Grant Implementation, Compliance and Management: Cities without extensive federal grant experience often face a steep learning curve when it comes to implementation. To support them, we are offering a bootcamp designed to equip city leaders with the practical skills they need to deliver federally funded infrastructure projects covering procurement, federal compliance, and streamlined grant reporting. To enroll in this bootcamp, your city must have been awarded an infrastructure grant from a federal agency since 2022.
New Workshop Offerings
The Local Infrastructure Hub will be offering a new series of Workshops beginning in Fall 2025. Registration is open and dates will be confirmed at a later date. During a half-day workshop, participants will gain grant-specific guidance on high-value federal funding opportunities and learn how to navigate application requirements, align projects with funding criteria, and strengthen implementation readiness. Participants will also have access to office hours with subject-matter experts.
Brownfields Program (Assessment, Cleanup and Multipurpose Grants): Brownfields program funds may be used to address sites contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. This workshop will help cities understand how to apply for types of grants that allow communities, states, tribes and others to assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse contaminated properties. This workshop will take place on Oct 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM E.T.
Combined Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) and Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI): Combined Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) and Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant programs support infrastructure upgrades to improve safety and mobility at rail crossings. This workshop will help cities navigate RCE/CRISI applications, aligning local rail safety goals with eligible projects like track relocation, protective devices, and environmental audits. This workshop will take place on Sep 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM E.T.
Inflation Reduction Act – Elective Pay: The Inflation Reduction Act’s (2022) Elective Pay provision enables non-taxable entities to receive direct payments in lieu of tax credits when investing in clean energy projects. This workshop is tailored for cities with completed or in-progress projects in eligible areas like clean energy generation, battery storage, EV charging, or zero-emission vehicles. Participants will learn how to file for Elective Pay tax credits, secure cross-agency support, and maximize financial and community benefits under this fast-moving opportunity. This workshop will take place on Sep 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM E.T.
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A): The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program provides funding to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries. Cities can use this funding to develop safety action plans, redesign high-risk corridors, or implement infrastructure improvements like sidewalks and crosswalks. This workshop will explore how local governments can apply SS4A Planning and Implementation funding to advance roadway safety and address the needs of all road users. Registration for this workshop will be available soon!
Bootcamp Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
If my city participates, what can we expect to learn?
The bootcamps and workshops are designed to support cities in navigating the grant application and implementation processes, through peer learning, office hours and coaching opportunities. Each bootcamp and workshop’s curriculum will be confirmed closer to the start date.
While the specifics of each program will vary, here is a general outline for the grant application workshops and bootcamp:
- Grant Overview: Cities will develop foundational understanding of the grant program structure, deadlines, and funding types, and cover the federal government’s evaluation criteria to align project narratives with key priorities.
- Federal Administration Priorities: Participants will be provided guidance on how to align their grant application with broader federal priorities.
- Engaging the Community: Using the asset map, cities will learn and refine how they build and execute a community engagement strategy.
- Incorporating Data: Cities will learn how to utilize data to understand problems, test and define solutions, ground applications in data, and ensure their grant applications will achieve the desired outcome/s.
- Budgeting & Financial Management: Participants will learn how to build a draft budget that aligns with grant funding rules, identifies match sources, and effectively leverages capital stack and service contract structures.
- Writing and Packaging a Strong Grant: Cities will learn how to craft a strong, fundable grant narrative and receive guidance on tailoring applications to the metrics and policy priorities behind specific grant opportunities.
Below is a general outline of the topics covered in the Grant Implementation bootcamp:
- Getting Started with Federal Grant Implementation: Cities will establish a strong foundation for grant implementation by identifying post-award next steps, identifying components of a high-functioning team, and breaking down projects into phased, actionable workplans.
- Financial Management & Reporting: Participants will ensure long-term grant success by implementing compliant financial practices, meeting reporting obligations, and adapting to evolving requirements and risks.
- Compliance & Regulatory Alignment: Cities will understand and apply federal compliance requirements to infrastructure grants, ensuring projects align with procurement standards and legal regulations.
- Procurement Strategy & Vendor Management: Participants will develop and execute effective procurement strategies—from early planning through vendor selection and contract management—to ensure timely and high-quality project delivery.
- Measuring & Communicating Impact: Cities will learn how to define project success through clear metrics, mitigate risks, and maintain strong communication with stakeholders, communities, and decision-makers.
What is the expected time commitment and who should participate?
- Bootcamps consist of 5-6 modules tailored to a specific grant program or topic over approximately 3 months. Sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 1:00 pm to 2:00pm ET (10:00 am to 11:00 am PT).
- Workshops consist of a single, half-day session, on Thursdays.
Participating cities will be asked to identify a small team to engage in the bootcamps and workshops.
A team would ideally include:
- A Mayor or Chief Executive: The Chief Executive will participate in select modules and segments to set goals, review the overall impact of draft grant applications, and implement long term capacity building measures.
- A Grant Lead: The grant lead participates in all sessions and is the primary point of contact for the city’s team.
- A Community Engagement Lead: The community engagement lead participates in selective modules and segments to help design community engagement strategies.
- A Finance Lead: The Finance Lead participates in the budget and capital stacks module or segment.
While the team configuration outlined here is representative of the typical team, depending on the city, the roles may be different (ex. a relevant expert such as the head of the public works department may be included). In some cities, a single person may also occupy multiple roles.
Is there a cost to cities for participating?
There is no cost for cities selected to participate in any Local Infrastructure Hub program.
After my city registers for the program, what are the next steps?
After registering for a bootcamp or workshop, eligible cities can schedule a Readiness Call. During this call, a Navigator will provide more details about the programming, answer questions, and gather information about your city’s support needs to help tailor the program accordingly.
Can I participate in partnership with another city or with a group of neighboring municipalities?
Yes. Cities that intend to partner together to apply for a grant or have already partnered to implement a grant may register as a coalition, although your city coalition will need to designate a dedicated point of contact and grant team that will participate.
For bootcamps, are all of the modules required?
We recommend that cities participate in all bootcamp modules as they are designed to provide comprehensive support across each key area of the featured grant program or topic. Cities will also have the opportunity to engage in optional office hours as needed. All programming will be taught live in a virtual environment; while some sessions that are missed may be viewed later via recording, participants are encouraged to participate during the live sessions.
For workshops, is the entire session required?
We recommend that cities participate in the entire workshop, as it is designed to deliver intensive, targeted support in a short amount of time. Cities will also have the opportunity to engage in optional office hours as needed. All programming will be taught live in a virtual environment; while some sessions that are missed may be viewed later via recording, participants are encouraged to participate during the live session.
Can my city enroll in multiple bootcamps and workshops?
Yes! There is no limit on the amount of bootcamps and workshops a city can attend.
Will someone write my grant or will a grant writer be assigned to my city?
No, the Local Infrastructure Hub will not offer direct grant writing services. However, the bootcamps are designed to provide targeted support to city teams as they complete their application. Cities will be able to access a range of resources including access to subject matter experts in the event they have specific questions about their applications.
I have additional questions, who should I contact?
My city's population is above 150,000. What resources does the Local Infrastructure Hub offer for large cities?
Cities with populations above 150,000 are encouraged to participate in the Local Infrastructure Hub’s other offerings, which includes webinars and tools to help cities understand how to better leverage upcoming federal funding. You can learn more about upcoming events here and access the Opportunity Finder to learn more about programs that meet your communities’ priorities. Key resources from the bootcamps will also be shared publicly on the Local Infrastructure Hub resources page when available.
What bootcamps will be offered in the future?
Over the next two years, there will be at least 30 bootcamps corresponding with select grant programs. To date, bootcamps that fall into the following categories have been identified:
Broadband
- Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program
- Middle Mile Grants Program
- Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program
- State Digital Equity Competitive Grant
Water
- Clean Water State Revolving Funds (x2: Traditional; Emerging Contaminants)
- Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (x3: Traditional, Emerging Contaminants; Lead Service Lines Replacement)
Roads, Bridges, and Major Projects
- Local and Regional Project Assistance Grants (RAISE)
- State Incentives Pilot Program
- Bridge Investment Program
- Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program
- Reconnecting Communities
Passenger and Freight Rails
- Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement Grants
- Railroad Crossing Elimination Program
Resilience
- Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
- Flood Mitigation Assistance Grants
- Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT)
- Wildfire
Safety
- Safe Streets and Roads for All
Electric Vehicles, Buses and Ferries
- Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants (Corridor Charging)
- Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants (Community Charging)
- Clean School Bus Program
- Low or No Emission (Bus) Grants
Environmental Remediation
- Brownfields Projects
Public Transportation
- Pilot Program for Transit Oriented Development
- Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants
Clean Energy and Power
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program
- Energy Improvement in Rural and Remote Areas
Other
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Education and Outreach Grants