Unlocking Federal Grant Opportunities for Code Professionals: A Comprehensive Training

In today’s fast-changing world, energy efficiency, resilience and sustainability have become critical focal points. The need to prioritize up-to-date building codes has garnered significant attention from the federal government, leading to the allocation of substantial funds in the form of federal grants.

These federal grants can be used to support code-related activities such as consulting, publications, training, software and accreditation.

To maximize these opportunities, it is essential for Code Professionals and organizations to understand the grant application process thoroughly.

Federal Grant Basics for Code Officials

To bridge this knowledge gap and empower individuals and communities, the Code Council will be hosting a “Federal Grant Basics for Code Officials” training led by Energy and Resilience Project Manager, Stella Carr, on Tuesday, Oct. 10, during the 2023 Annual Conference in St. Louis, Mo.

The “Federal Grant Basics for Code Officials” training addresses the crucial aspects of federal grant applications.

This comprehensive training has been carefully designed to ensure participants gain in-depth knowledge and skills related to federal grants.

The learning objectives include:

1. Understanding the Federal Grant Process: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the purpose and significance of federal grants for individuals, organizations and communities. The training covers the entire grant life cycle, from pre-grant preparations and the award phase to post-grant management and compliance.
2. Navigating the Grant Application Process: Participants will learn effective research strategies to identify federal grant opportunities, assess eligibility requirements and leverage reliable grant databases and resources. By the end of the training, attendees will be equipped to complete federal grant applications successfully, avoid common mistakes and respond adeptly to technical requirements. 
3. Complying with Regulations and Requirements: Understanding and adhering to regulations and requirements are paramount for successful grant applications. This training will guide participants through the intricacies of compliance to ensure their proposals meet all necessary criteria.
4. Strengthening Grant Proposals and Budgets: The training will teach participants how to analyze solicitation guidelines, align their grant proposals with community resilience goals and develop realistic and comprehensive grant budgets. Attendees will also learn how to effectively justify budgetary needs and link budgets to their proposal ideas.

By empowering Code Professionals to navigate the grant life cycle with confidence, this training contributes to the advancement of energy efficiency, resilience and sustainability across the nation.  

To register for the Code Council’s 2023 Annual Conference and take advantage of the educational opportunities offered, click here. 

Learn more about the educational opportunities offered here.  

Meet the Instructor: Stella Carr 

Stella Carr is an accomplished professional with extensive expertise in energy, resilience, and sustainable development. Serving as the Energy and Resilience Project Manager at the International Code Council, she plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to grants for Code Council members and customers, thereby supporting the adoption and implementation of energy and resilience building codes. With a remarkable track record in coordinating initiatives, developing written content, and staying ahead of emerging trends, Stella brings a unique and valuable perspective to the table.

Her previous roles at ADL Ventures and Resource Exploration allowed her to demonstrate proficiency in areas such as technology advancement, partnership development, and priority-based budgeting. However, it was in her role as the Sustainability Director in the Town of Lexington, MA, where Stella’s exceptional leadership skills and unwavering dedication to driving positive change were truly showcased. Having secured organizations grants ranging from $25,000 to $2.5 million, Stella’s experience with state and federal grants provides insights to assist with member application journeys.