Step 1: Electrify your business strategy

Grantmakers want to know that you can deliver. Demonstrate your commitment by incorporating electrification–and EV-related incentive funding–into your core business strategy. Outline how you will use the money to meet your goals, supported by a timeline and budget. You will likely need to include information, such as:

• EVs and EVSE to be purchased
• Site design for EV charging
• Project and OEM partners
• Local government an utility coordination
• Required permitting and timing

Many funding programs are tied to goals like reducing emissions in disadvantaged communities or natural disaster hazard prevention. Be ready to demonstrate how your organization addresses these needs beyond just your fleet, but for the betterment of the community.

Step 2: Upgrade your data collection

Grant application will require current and detailed fleet records and data. Start collecting data on metrics that application reviewers will seek out. It pays to be as forward-looking as possible, you should consider details including:

• Vehicle duty cycles and routes planning
• The energy site’s energy capacity and power draw
• GHG emissions and gasoline savings
• Electricity costs and charging schedules
• Maintenance costs and vehicle downtime
• Driver and operator safety and training requirements

Tracking all these details is a job in itself, depending on your software and level of automated reporting. Digital dashboards like our charge management software Omega’s Command Center could save time on data collection drastically as it automatically delivers data and insights to decision-makers. Further, your organization signals its readiness for grant reporting by integrating analytics and IoT solutions.

Step 3: Engage your community

The Escalent research also found that word of mouth was the most effective communication tool for identifying grant programs. So if you’re parsing through opportunities, existing partners are a good resource. EV dealerships, in particular, are well positioned to identify grant opportunities based on your fleet type.

Leveraging partnerships to express support of your project is also a great way to create a successful application. Partners can submit letters of support, help with the application process, or provide project analysis and data.

Step 4: Plan ahead

Preparing a funding application takes time, don’t wait until the last minute to get it done. Planning ahead lets you dig deep into data collection and analysis, and create a project plan that delivers on time and within budget. While it’s important to take your time, definitely plan to submit your application a few days before the deadline, it would be very unfortunate to miss a deadline because the website experienced issues on the last day to submit your application.

Self-directed grant searches will run up against a learning curve and time-constraints, but specialists can help you see through the red tape. These fundraising support services work behind the scenes to analyze your needs, help write applications, and build relationships with administrators.