This blog is part of our ongoing Shovel Ready campaign—a Prein&Newhof initiative designed to help communities prepare their infrastructure projects now, so when funding opportunities open, they are ready to move. From prioritizing projects and completing preliminary engineering to understanding how funding programs actually work, getting shovel ready means removing the barriers between a good idea and a funded one.
One of the most common barriers? Believing you are limited to a single funding source. If you’ve ever explored grant funding for an infrastructure or community project, you’ve probably heard some version of this: you can’t apply for multiple grants for the same project. It’s a common belief that also happens to be one of the most limiting. In reality, combining funding sources isn’t just allowed, it’s often expected.
Hear how Scott Post, PE, busts this common myth in our latest “Shovel Ready Mythbusters” video and why rethinking your funding approach could open the door to more flexible and successful project strategies.
Why does this myth stick around?
On the surface, it makes sense to assume funding programs want to be the sole contributor to a project. Many applications ask detailed questions about scope, schedule, budget, and need, and it can feel like introducing multiple sources might complicate things or raise red flags. However, most funding programs are designed with a different goal in mind: they want to see projects succeed. Success often requires more than one funding source, and this is expected.
What does “strategic stacking” really mean?
Strategic stacking is the practice of combining multiple funding sources to fully support a project. One grant might cover design. Another might support construction. A third might help to meet matching requirements. Rather than weakening an application, this approach can make it stronger. When done well, it shows reviewers that:
- The project is well thought out
- The funding plan is realistic
- The community is committed to seeing it through
It also helps close funding gaps that might otherwise delay or scale back a project.
What are funding reviewers actually looking for?
One of the most important takeaways from Scott’s advice is about transparency. When multiple funding sources are involved, it’s not something to hide or downplay. It should be clearly explained. Reviewers want to understand how the full picture comes together. That includes:
- What each funding source is supporting
- How gaps are being filled
- How the project will move from concept to completion
Clarity builds confidence in your project plans. If you’re considering multiple funding sources, start by telling the full story early. Be straightforward in your application narrative and show how each piece fits. Help reviewers see not just the project, but the path to making it happen. That clarity can make the difference between a project that feels uncertain and one that feels ready.
Ready to move your project forward?
Funding doesn’t have to be a one-path process. In many cases, the strongest projects are the ones that bring together the right mix of resources. Understanding this can change how you approach your next opportunity.
If you have a project on your list but aren’t sure how to piece the funding together, your Prein&Newhof project manager can help you think through the options from identifying the right programs to building a strategy that makes your application competitive. The goal is to make sure your project is ready to move when the right opportunity opens.
Ready to get started on your project? Reach out to your project manager or contact us to start the conversation.
– Jason Washler, PE
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Stay tuned for more Shovel Ready Mythbusters where we take on the misconceptions that slow projects down and keep funding on the table.
Follow along on our blog and social channels or sign up for our Grants and Loans Guidebook to stay connected to the funding resources that matter most.