Insights

May 26, 2026 | As award oversight increases, organizations need strong internal controls, consistent documentation, and clear processes that support accountability.

April 28, 2026 | Startups and small-business innovators, the wait is finally over: SBIR/STTR awards are back online. 

April 28, 2026 | While interagency agreements are not new, the scale of responsibility being shifted away from the Department of Education is significant.

March 31, 2026 | Integrating a strong partnership strategy will transform a proposal from a promising concept into a well-composed application, ready to perform.

February 25, 2026 | Learn about the importance of including measurable evaluation plans for your grant applications and how to develop one with attainable goals.

February 4, 2026 | In this interview, Becky Nictakis discusses with Shelly Stoneman the anticipated defense funding trends in 2026, the contract vehicles that shape access to those dollars, and the strategic pathways firms can use to enter the market or scale their federal presence.

January 27, 2026 | A monumental shakeup is underway at the Department of War, and it goes far beyond the Department’s new name.

November 18, 2025 | View our chart for updates on the Department of Transportation and funding offered for transportation initiatives.

November 7, 2025 | Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked for or with hundreds of nonprofits. I can count on one hand the number of them that set annual programmatic goals. For all but the most complicated nonprofits, these annual goals can be determined in a single meeting. Here are some guidelines.

October 21, 2025 | Federal policies and priorities are constantly shifting, and without strong internal controls, your grant funding and credibility can be at risk.

September 24, 2025 | View our chart for updates on the Energy Program Offices and the different types of available funding they offer.

September 10, 2025 | How lawsuits against OMB and the Trump Administration may reshape the balance between executive authority and congressional appropriations.

September 4, 2025 | Understanding and leveraging the system can increase your chances of success beyond project quality.

August 26, 2025 | Learn how this proactive strategy builds your capacity to apply for more funding. 

July 30, 2025 | Your End-to-End Partner for Competitive Grant Success 

July 16, 2025 | Federal funding priorities are changing. Discover key terms and trends shaping agency decisions and how to align your proposals to stay competitive. 

June 18, 2025 | When nonprofit leaders try to do it all, especially grant writing, it leads to burnout and missed opportunities. This article explains a smarter path forward.

June 3, 2025 | Learn how to align with new federal priorities, demonstrate ROI, and maintain regulatory compliance in a changing federal environment. 

May 6, 2025 | Explore how federal funds flowed to local governments in 2024, supporting healthcare, education, infrastructure, housing, and more in communities nationwide.

April 22, 2025 | AI tools offer promising support for grant writers, but missteps in their use could undermine funding success.

April 8, 2025 | After months of stalled opportunities, a shift in federal funding may finally be underway.

March 25, 2025 | Learn about common pitfalls in project budgeting and effective strategies to avoid them. 

March 12, 2025 | Read about the moments that defined Becky's career, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and the principles that guide her leadership.

February 25, 2025 | All projects carry inherent risks, regardless of the planning involved. Learn how to identify and mitigate these risks in your proposals.

February 11, 2025 | Use this infographic to help guide your team through the roles and responsibilities of the application submission process. 

January 28, 2025 | Using this tool will ensure you’re not starting from scratch—or scratching your head—every time you have a grant deadline looming.

January 14, 2025 | Discover how R&D opportunities are fueling scientific breakthroughs and how to effectively apply for R&D funding. 

January 7, 2025 | Join us as we take a closer look at the accomplishments that defined our extraordinary year. 

November 19, 2024 | Crafting a winning grant application starts with a solid foundation: clear goals, well-defined milestones, and measurable metrics. 

October 10, 2024 | A reflection by President and CEO Becky Nictakis on Capitol Funding Solutions’ remarkable transformation and growth

September 27, 2024 | Learn best practices for assembling a grant team that can effectively collaborate to secure funding and manage successful projects.

September 10, 2024 | Rejection of a grant application is not the end of the road. With the right approach, a well-prepared resubmission can lead to success.

August 27, 2024 | Explore the distinct roles of Letters of Support and Letters of Commitment, how to craft compelling letters that resonate with reviewers, and tips for securing strong letters from your partners.  

August 20, 2024 | Learn about the benefits of state-level funding and strategies for finding identifying relevant opportunities. 

August 14, 2024 | Consider investing resources in these fundraising strategies to enhance your overall financial strength.

July 30, 2024 | Learn about the benefits of collaborating with external stakeholders and how these partnerships can enhance your chances of success. 

This insight delves into the importance of Community Benefits Plans (CBPs) in securing funding under BIL and IRA, highlighting the significance of workforce and community agreements, and outlining application requirements and strategies.

Learn about key environmental impacts and gain useful resources to help you accurately represent your project's environmental footprint.

Explore these available tax credit programs created by the IRA to spur clean energy investments.

Avoid these common missteps when using an online portal for your application submission process. 

Hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association, this webinar outlines identifying optimal BEAD locations, navigating federal and state grant requirements, crafting compelling applications, and engaging with communities and stakeholders.

Learn about crucial strategies that will enhance your organization's identification process for private funding. 

So, you’ve found a funding opportunity that your organization would like to apply for - now what? This insight covers crucial project management practices that will set your application up for a successful submission.

Learn about the effects of a shutdown on Federal Agencies and their funding programs.

A CBP is an essential part of the application process for those seeking BIL and IRA funding. Here is a breakdown of what it is and why it is important for your projects and proposals. 

Join us as we revisit the key highlights of 2023.

Learn how to navigate tricky budget requirements and develop a strong financing plan for your projects.  

Considering applying for federal grants but finding the process overwhelming? Here are several reasons to consider federal funding and ways to navigate the application process effectively.

Discover the revamped grants.gov platform and learn about the enhanced features of the newly user-friendly platform for applicants. 

Learn about these these five spooky scenarios and their solutions. 

Learn about the purpose of and how to manage roles in grants.gov - a crucial step in the registration process. 

An overview of essential factors that will help determine how prepared you are to apply for competitive funding. 

With these strategies at your disposal, you can increase your success in identifying funding sources that align with your objectives and priorities.

Found a funding opportunity? You need to register with grants.gov. Learn how in this step-by-step guide. 

Created by our grant writing team, this series of articles provides guidance on the financial development and management processes of competitive funding.

This insight highlights key components of developing relationships with grant makers, with input from Sarah Comerford, Grants Administrator for a Texas-based Foundation. 

Applying for competitive funding can be a daunting task. Learn how CFS can help.

The mission of these programs are to advance biomedical research and deliver healthcare solutions in response to the needs of Service Members, Veterans, and the American public.

To pursue competitive federal funding, applicants must first complete several registrations to get started. This insight will explain how to register with SAM.gov. 

Created by our grant writing team, this series provides guidance on the financial development and management processes of competitive funding.

Let's dive into the top moments of the year and celebrate all that we've accomplished together!

Have your questions about grant writing and CFS answered 

Created by our grant writing team, this series of articles provides guidance on the financial development and management processes of competitive funding.

Consider these objectives to craft a competitive proposal. 

This article provides a breakdown of the federal funding timeline and process, from start to finish, to help guide you in preparing to apply and implement awarded competitive funding.

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