Niskayuna seeks consultant for grant applications

The town of Niskayuna is looking for a consultant smart enough to research grant resources – and savvy enough to secure the funds.

Town Councilwoman Denise Murphy McGraw said money for the consultant – who will contract with the town – has been placed in the town’s 2019 budget.

“Throughout the budget process, my proposal was to start modestly and see if it will pay for itself and go from there,” McGraw said. “We allotted $15,000 in this year’s budget.”

McGraw believes the money for town improvements is available.

“A community like Niskayuna, there’s a wealth of things that are happening, whether it’s the public safety grants, cultural and parks grants or the more traditional grants you see from the state as it relates to water, sewer and infrastructure and some of those economic development items,” McGraw said. “I think there is a lot of opportunity for us.”

Application instructions are available at the town’s web site, www.niskayuna.org.

The successful candidate will conduct research to identify potential funding opportunities for the town; write grant proposals for federal, state, county and city entities, as well as for private and corporate foundations; prepare reports; and manage all proposal deadlines and submissions.

McGraw said grants could be used to purchase new items the town needs, such as public safety merchandise like police cars. Grant money also could be used to fund upgrades to park pavilions and other improvements in the town’s outdoor gathering spots.

McGraw also said the consultant should possess writing and research skills, and also know the grant “network” – “The understanding of what makes a good grant and the resources to know where to go to look for grants,” she said.

“It’s a very precise skill set,” McGraw said, adding she believes some Niskayuna residents understand grant procedures and have worked on applications in the past.

Applicants are asked to send a cover letter and resume to town Comptroller Paul Sebesta at One Niskayuna Circle, Niskayuna, 12309.

Contact Gazette reporter Jeff Wilkin at 518-395-3124 or at [email protected]