The federal budget process is intricate, competitive, and governed by (relatively) strict timelines. For organizations aiming to secure funding through appropriations or earmarks in FY26, early preparation is crucial. Although legislation finalizing Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations has yet to come together (and likely won’t until late February at the earliest), now is the time to start thinking about programmatic requests, report language, and earmark requests for Fiscal Year 2026.
Starting the process now allows organizations to build a compelling case, navigate the complexities of the federal budget cycle, and maximize their chances of success. Here are a few reasons to get started early:
The Complexity of the Appropriations Process: Securing federal funding is far from straightforward. The appropriations process involves numerous stakeholders, including federal agencies, congressional committees, and individual lawmakers. Each has its own priorities and requirements, and aligning your request with these priorities takes time and effort. Take time to identify appropriate funding streams. Eligibility criteria for federal programs and earmark accounts vary widely. Early research ensures your proposal is directed to the right place. Consult with experts to ensure that you understand the requirements. Agencies and lawmakers often require detailed information, including itemized budgets, impact assessments, and alignment with federal priorities. Gathering and organizing this data is a time-intensive task.
Strategic Relationship-Building
Relationships are critical in the appropriations process. Congressional offices and federal agencies are more likely to support funding requests from organizations they know and trust. Be sure to regularly engage with legislators and their staff to explain your organization’s mission and the importance of your funding request. You’ll also want to coordinate with local community leaders, businesses, and advocacy groups to demonstrate broad support for your proposal. Partner with aligned organizations to demonstrate consensus.
Ensuring Quality and Detail
The strongest funding requests are those that are well-researched, clearly articulated, and meticulously detailed. Developing a strong request takes time. Start by crafting a compelling narrative that highlights the urgency and impact of your project. Provide supporting evidence like data, case studies, and testimonials that validate your request. Demonstrating buy-in from your organization and community is another important part of this process, as highly developed projects put forth by entities with “skin in the game” are more likely to be selected.
Aligning with Federal Priorities
Federal funding priorities evolve with changing administrations, legislative agendas, and economic conditions. Start by reading through the President’s Budget for the upcoming fiscal year to determine if your project is a priority for the administration. Keep an eye on emerging trends, such as infrastructure, climate change, or workforce development, and adjust your request accordingly. Conduct similar research to determine the priorities of legislators from your state and seek advice from congressional offices on how to align your request with their objectives.
Meeting Critical Deadlines
The appropriations process is governed by strict deadlines. For an upcoming fiscal year, the timeline is typically:
Fall: Federal agencies begin drafting budget proposals.
Winter: Congressional committees outline their priorities.
Spring: Lawmakers solicit earmark requests and review proposals.
However, the timeline is often delayed by administration and leadership changes. By starting now, you can avoid last-minute scrambles, ensuring your submission is polished and submitted on time.
Federal appropriations represent billions of dollars in funding opportunities. Missing out on these resources can mean delaying or foregoing critical projects that serve your community or advance your organization’s mission. Starting early ensures you’re in the best position to compete for these funds.
Preparing FY26 appropriations requests now is not just advisable—it’s essential. Early action allows your organization to navigate the complexities of the appropriations process, build strategic relationships, and craft a compelling proposal. By aligning your efforts with federal priorities and adhering to key deadlines, you can position your organization for success and secure the funding needed to make a meaningful impact.
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