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.

What is the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside?

The Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside is a federal-aid highway program funded through the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG). It supports smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, recreational trails, Safe Routes to School, and community improvement activities.

Eligible applicants vary by state but typically include local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource/public land agencies, school districts, tribal governments, and nonprofits with transportation responsibilities.

What does TA Set-Aside fund?

Eligible projects include pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects providing safe routes for non-drivers, conversion of abandoned rail corridors, scenic turnouts and overlooks, vegetation management for safety, and Safe Routes to School infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects.

What is the cost share?

TA Set-Aside typically requires a 20% non-federal match, with the federal share at 80%. Some states allow toll credits or in-kind contributions to satisfy match requirements.

When are applications due?

TA Set-Aside is administered by state DOTs through annual or biennial competitive cycles. Application deadlines vary by state — many run open windows in the spring or fall with awards announced months later.

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 TA Set-Aside preparation workflow for your state.

TA Set-Aside · Annual cycle

A better way to secure TA Set-Aside funding: fast, effective, affordable.

Modern grant support built for cities, counties, and school districts — designed to fund the sidewalks, trails, and bike infrastructure that make your community safer.

Funding for trails, sidewalks, bike infrastructure, and safe routes to school
Up to 80% faster than traditional grant writing
Expert-built, data-driven applications that win
Flat-rate pricing that fits any community's budget

Active transportation

Safe routes to school

Flat-fee pricing

$1.4B+

Annual TA Set-Aside

80%

Federal cost share

Annual

State-administered

80%

Faster than traditional

TA Set-Aside cycle open — limited availability

Start Here

Start Your TA Set-Aside Application

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

Compliance Commitment

We are committed to full compliance with USDOT/FHWA Transportation Alternatives 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 active transportation and Safe Routes to School projects.

Sidewalks & trails

Build a winning case for ADA-accessible sidewalks, shared-use paths, and recreational trails.

Bike infrastructure

Fund bike lanes, separated cycle tracks, secure parking, and complete-streets retrofits.

Safe Routes to School

Position pedestrian safety, traffic calming, and infrastructure projects around K-8 schools.

Move 80% faster

Structured prompts and templates accelerate every section of your TAP/TA Set-Aside application.

Built to win

Application frameworks aligned to state DOT scoring criteria and FHWA priorities.

Transparent pricing

No contingency or success fees. Flat-fee structure aligned to USDOT/FHWA program rules.

Q&A

Common Questions

Practical answers about TA Set-Aside eligibility, cost share, and how our flat-fee support works.

Ready to win TA Set-Aside?

The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program window is closing soon. Talk with our team and get a clear path to submission.