2025 demanded focus, agility, and precision across every sector I serve. On the public side, my work with Routt County centered on transportation safety, multimodal infrastructure, energy resilience, and strategic planning. These projects rarely make headlines. They are intersections, guardrails, road systems, public health initiatives, and building upgrades that quietly keep rural communities and mountain towns safe and functioning. In 2025, Routt County secured $3,567,500 a

I’m excited to share that I’ve officially earned my Grant Professional Certification (GPC) — a nationally recognized credential for excellence and ethics in the grant writing field. I’m honored to be one of only 627 certified professionals in the United States, one of just 28 in Colorado, and the first and only in Steamboat Springs and Routt County. Tiia Libin Earns Nationally Recognized GPC Credential Overland Park, KS, Monday, July 14, 2025 – The Grant Professionals Certi

In response to ongoing safety concerns on the US-40 corridor, Routt County has applied for an $8 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant. If awarded, this funding will support the Move US-40 Forward: Safe Crossing, Healthy Commutes project, which aims to enhance pedestrian safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable transportation in West Routt County. We are one step closer to creating a more connected and vibrant Routt Count

This week, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful well-prepared projects can be when seeking funding. If you're managing a shovel-ready project, especially in sectors like transportation or energy, you know how competitive these grants are. The key to success is not only having a solid proposal but also ensuring your project is ready to go when the application window opens. One grant I’ve been tracking since December now accepts proposals on a first-come, first-served basis, givi

As the grant industry continues to shift, it is crucial to stay focused on what really matters—define your project according to its true needs, not just to fit the requirements of available grants. While it is tempting to create new, innovative programs simply to meet the grant criteria, especially as funding becomes more competitive, now might not be the time. With many organizations facing budget cuts, securing funding for existing needs and covering ongoing expenses is mor

Get on the Scheduled Call: Recordings May No Longer Be Available This week, I participated in three federal government funding calls, one with 500 attendees and the others with over 100 participants each—far more than I’ve experienced in recent years. The large turnout underscores the fact that many individuals, non-profits, and government entities are seeking funding information. While it was encouraging that those in authority were open to receiving feedback, the sheer vol

Happy Pi Day! As we celebrate this iconic mathematical constant, it’s a great time to reflect on the importance of balance—especially when it comes to revenue streams for your organization. Just like a well-proportioned pie, securing funding requires a mix of ingredients. Grants, while an essential piece of the pie, should be considered alongside other funding sources, such as corporate sponsorships, donations, and earned income. Now is the perfect time to evaluate all availa

Letters of support (LOS) are among the most valuable components of your grant application. They offer credibility, backing, and an extra layer of trust in your proposal. To maximize their impact, it’s essential to follow a structured approach. Once your grant project is approved internally, prioritize asking for your letters of support. Identify who within your organization will send the request—it may be the president or executive director —but plan to follow up with reminde

Routt County pursues federal funds for airport, highway and emergency communication upgrades Steamboat Pilot March 25,2025

Rising tariffs impact project costs, making it more critical than ever to review financial projections and adapt strategies. For example, a nonprofit looking to build a new community center might increase the cost of essential materials, such as steel and lumber, due to new tariffs. This sudden rise in costs could create a funding gap, requiring additional grant-writing efforts. It's essential to review financial projections in light of these changes—adjusting cost estimates

As someone who works closely with federal funding, this development hits close to home. Grants.gov is a critical pipeline for the work I do—and with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) now overseeing it, I am bracing for significant changes. The new oversight body has sweeping authority to review, modify, or terminate contracts, grants, and loans. With $580M in funding already cut, Monday could bring anything. Staying informed, prepared, and flexible will be key. E

This is happening!

In the world of grant funding, not every application results in a favorable outcome. When you don’t like the results of a grant announcement, an appeal can be a powerful tool. But before diving in, it's essential to understand when and why to pursue this route. An appeal provides an opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings, present additional evidence, or challenge specific criteria that may have been misinterpreted. It’s not about arguing the decision but about presentin

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the CRC Regional Convening. In Colorado, we’re lucky—few states offer grant writers the chance to connect directly, face-to-face, with the state’s largest foundations in such an intentional and meaningful way. The fact that these philanthropic leaders step away from their offices to engage with community partners is no small task. It’s not just about current grant cycles—it’s about building long-term relationships, aligning missions