A new hub supported by several CMF members launched earlier this month to assist local leaders in navigating the nearly 400 available funding opportunities available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, much of which will be awarded through competitive grant applications.

The Local Infrastructure Hub, established by the National League of Cities (NLC), is a national program designed to connect cities and towns with the resources and expert advice they need to access federal infrastructure funding in order to drive local progress, improve communities and deliver results for residents.

The hub is made possible with support from CMF members the Ballmer Group, Ford Foundation and The Kresge Foundation and will focus on helping underserved cities and towns.  

It brings together nonprofits, city networks, academics and policy experts to provide direct support to communities as they develop applications, including:

• One-on-one coaching
• Webinars
• On-demand answers to pressing questions
• Data analysis
• Guidance from issue experts on a range of infrastructure-related topics
• Accessible information on the rules and timeframes for specific funding opportunities

In partnership with eCivis, the hub provides all communities with a robust grant sorting and search function to explore funding opportunities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law across a range of issues like roads and bridges, broadband internet, clean water, education and more.

NLC will provide technical assistance to help small towns and mid-size cities develop strong applications that are grounded in data, feature detailed project plans and include relevant policy objectives.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors, Results for America, Urban Sustainability Directors Network, National Association of City Transportation Officials, African American Mayors Association and the National Urban League are partnering to contribute content, expertise and support to communities through the hub.

Want more?

Learn more about the Hub.

Join CMF and the Statewide Equity Fund Working Group on July 25 for a fireside chat with Angela Glover Blackwell, Founder in Residence at PolicyLink. Blackwell will share insights about PolicyLink's partnership with the Urban Institute in measuring equity impacts in federal policy and philanthropy's role in shaping the equitable outcome of public dollars. Learn more.