After a twelve-year hiatus, Congress reinstated earmark funding in fiscal year 2022.

Earmarks allow Members of Congress to direct federal spending to support projects in their home states or districts that promote a variety of investments in economic development, education, health care, supportive and human services, and other community initiatives.

The House and Senate rules governing the earmark process are similar with respect to transparency, accountability, and eligibility. They are available to support nonprofit organizations and public agencies, but for-profit entities are ineligible.

Between FY 2002 and FY 2010, Rob Goldberg assisted more than fifty organizations located in twenty-five states across the country secure 110 earmarks exceeding $32 million that supported a variety of health and human services projects and related capital improvements. When earmarks returned in FY 2022, Rob assisted an additional thirteen clients secure more that $14 million in earmarks to create or expand programs in workforce development, suicide prevention, tele-health technology, and parks and facilities improvements, among others. Depending on the project type, earmarks can range from tens of thousands to several millions of dollars.

Securing earmarks is grassroots/locally driven. With the right guidance and direction from experienced earmark professionals, a nonprofit of any size and vocation can competitively and competently apply for an earmark grant. The earmark application period is typically very abbreviated, and applicants should plan in advance.

Goldberg & Associates is available to advise interested nonprofits and public agencies on the earmark process and in developing earmark requests.