What is Funding Navigator?

Funding Navigator is a grant funding platform and professional services firm that helps fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS providers, municipalities, and nonprofits find and secure grants — without hiring expensive consultants. It provides AI-powered grant matching, expert grant writing, project planning, and post-award compliance services. The company has helped 500+ public safety agencies secure over $47 million in funding at up to 90% less than traditional consultants.

What types of organizations does Funding Navigator serve?

Funding Navigator serves fire departments (career and volunteer), law enforcement agencies (police and sheriff), EMS and ambulance services, emergency management offices, municipalities and local governments, K-12 schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits across the United States.

What grants does Funding Navigator help with?

Funding Navigator helps organizations secure: FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), FEMA SAFER Grant, FEMA BRIC, FEMA HMGP, COPS Office Hiring Program, Byrne JAG, USDA Community Facilities, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), state grants, private foundation grants, congressional earmarks, and more — totaling over $1 trillion in annual funding.

How much does Funding Navigator cost?

Funding Navigator is up to 90% cheaper than traditional grant consultants, who typically charge $5,000–$20,000+ per application. Pricing depends on the services required. A free consultation is available, and organizations can join for free to access the Fund Finder tool.

How does Funding Navigator work?

Funding Navigator works in 3 steps: (1) You describe your project need — building, equipment, staffing, or technology. (2) The platform matches you with the grants you're most likely to win. (3) Expert grant writers guide your team through the application with review at every stage. The process is 80% faster than applying without assistance.

Can volunteer fire departments use Funding Navigator?

Yes. Funding Navigator works with fire departments of all sizes — from small all-volunteer departments to large urban career departments. Volunteer and rural departments often have advantages with FEMA AFG and private grants that prioritize underserved communities.

What is the FEMA AFG grant?

The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is one of the most important federal grants for fire departments, providing funding for equipment, vehicles, training, and wellness programs. Funding Navigator has extensive experience helping fire departments apply for and win AFG funding.

What is the SAFER grant?

The FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant helps fire departments hire and retain firefighters. It is one of the largest federal grants available to fire departments. Funding Navigator helps eligible departments navigate the SAFER application process.

Does Funding Navigator help with 501(c)(3) formation?

Yes. Funding Navigator provides full 501(c)(3) nonprofit formation services including Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, IRS Form 1023 application, SAM.gov registration, and DUNS/UEI setup — everything a fire department or public safety organization needs to establish a supporting foundation and access private grants.

What is the average grant size Funding Navigator clients receive?

The average grant secured through Funding Navigator is $209,000. Results vary depending on the project type, organization size, and funding source. Funding Navigator focuses on matching organizations with the highest-value opportunities for their specific needs.

What are congressional earmarks and can Funding Navigator help?

Congressional earmarks (Community Project Funding / Congressionally Directed Spending) are direct funding allocations secured through a U.S. Representative or Senator. In FY2024, over $14.6 billion was allocated through earmarks. Funding Navigator helps organizations identify and pursue earmark opportunities for infrastructure and capital projects.

How is Funding Navigator different from a traditional grant consultant?

Traditional grant consultants charge $5,000–$20,000+ per application and handle one grant at a time. Funding Navigator provides expert writing, matching, and compliance support at up to 90% less cost, while simultaneously pursuing multiple grants — giving clients 24x more applications per year and building long-term funding capacity.

What is Funding Navigator?

Funding Navigator - Find and win the grants your organization needs. Simple tools to discover funding, submit applications, and get expert support every step of the way.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a HUD-administered flexible funding source that provides annual grants to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities — principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

What are the CDBG categories?

There are three main pathways: CDBG-Entitlement (large cities and urban counties receive direct allocations); State CDBG (smaller communities apply through their state); and CDBG-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) for declared disaster areas.

Entitlement cities, urban counties, states, U.S. territories, and (through states) smaller non-entitlement communities are eligible. Subrecipients can include nonprofits, businesses, and other public entities.

What is the LMI benefit requirement?

At least 70% of CDBG funds must benefit low- and moderate-income persons over a 1-3 year period set by the grantee. Activities must meet one of three national objectives: benefit LMI persons, eliminate slums/blight, or address urgent needs.

When are applications due?

Entitlement communities submit annual Action Plans tied to their Consolidated Plan. State CDBG application deadlines vary by state — some run annual cycles, others rolling rounds.

Do you charge contingency or success-based fees?

No. All our services are offered on a flat-fee basis, with no contingency or success-based compensation.

What happens after I submit the form?

A member of our team will follow up within one business day to schedule a consultation and walk you through the CDBG preparation workflow.

CDBG · Annual cycle

A better way to secure CDBG: fast, effective, affordable.

Modern grant support built for cities, counties, and community development organizations — designed to fund housing, infrastructure, and public services that strengthen neighborhoods.

Flexible federal funding for housing, infrastructure, and community development
Up to 80% faster than traditional grant writing
Expert-built, data-driven applications that win
Flat-rate pricing that fits any community's budget

Community projects

Infrastructure & housing

Flat-fee pricing

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development seal

$3.3B+

Annual CDBG funding

70%

Must benefit LMI

Rolling

Allocations

80%

Faster than traditional

CDBG cycle open — limited availability

Start Here

Start Your CDBG Application

Tell us about your community and we'll follow up with next steps.

Compliance Commitment

We are committed to full compliance with HUD CDBG program regulations. Our services are offered on a flat-fee basis, with no contingency fees or success-based compensation structures.

Why Funding Navigator

Funding success with less effort.

Purpose-built tools and expert coaching for HUD CDBG entitlement and state pass-through applications.

Housing & neighborhoods

Build a winning case for housing rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, and homeowner assistance programs.

Infrastructure & facilities

Fund water, sewer, streets, sidewalks, fire stations, senior centers, and other public facilities.

Public services

Support social services, job training, youth programs, and services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

Move 80% faster

Structured prompts and templates accelerate every section of your CDBG application.

Built to win

Application frameworks aligned to HUD CDBG program priorities and state administering agency expectations.

Transparent pricing

No contingency or success fees. Flat-fee structure aligned to HUD program rules.

Q&A

Common Questions

Practical answers about CDBG eligibility, national objectives, LMI benefit, and how our flat-fee support works.

Ready to win CDBG?

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) window is closing soon. Talk with our team and get a clear path to submission.