Earmarks are a way for lawmakers to send federal dollars straight to specific projects, programs, or organizations within a larger government spending bill. Unlike competitive grants, earmarks send resources straight to the community or organization. Earmarks let legislators address local or regional priorities with targeted funding support.
Earmarks are a powerful tool when the process is approached strategically.
Common Misconceptions About Earmarks
One common misconception is that earmarks can be awarded to organizations simply because they have close relationships with their members of Congress. While those relationships are a good start, they aren’t enough to secure earmarks.
The earmark process is just as selective as the competitive grant process. Members of Congress choose from the many qualified requests they receive. Successful earmark requests depend on strong project design that aligns with federal priorities and delivers a clear public benefit.
Why Lobby for Earmarks?
In the context of earmarks, lobbying means advocating for a project and helping legislators and their staff understand their value. McCaulley&Company supports clients by lobbying for earmarks in a strategic way.
Earmarks are used by Congress as part of the annual budget process to advance projects that may lack adequate funding sources. Earmarks can help launch new initiatives or close critical funding gaps.
How to Secure an Earmark
Pursuing an earmark begins with identifying the right opportunities. If you are working with McCaulley&Company we scout the appropriate funding accounts within the various federal budget bills and optimize the scope of a client’s project to appeal to a prospective sponsoring member of Congress. Projects can receive earmarks for operating or capital funding. Earmarked projects typically offer an obvious public benefit, such as infrastructure, public safety, public health, or economic development.
Preparation for Earmarks
The earmark process can be very flexible. The timing and process can vary depending on the project and the federal agency administering the award. That’s why we start early, working with clients to gather the right budget, timeline, and project details. This groundwork helps us decide together whether to move forward now or take steps to get the project ready for a future opportunity.
What Steps Can You Take Now?
- Make sure your projects fit your strategic or master plan, match the right funding accounts in the federal budget, and line up with the timelines for each.
- The best time to connect with your member of Congress and project partners was six months ago. The next best time is today.
- If you aren’t 100% certain of your position on each of these components of your earmark strategy, ask for help from an experienced team of professionals like McCaulley&Company.
Earmarks as a Long-term Strategy
Earmarks are not a quick win. Receiving an earmark is, itself, a long-term strategy. From project conception to spending the final dollar, the process can take anywhere from 9 months to 30 months. Members of Congress aim to distribute earmark awards evenly across their constituencies, which means success can require multiple budget cycles. So, securing a second earmark can require even more discipline, planning, and a long-term strategy.
Successful Earmarking Process
Success in the earmarking process must be both practical and optical, meaning the projects need to be realistic in scope, budget, and timeline while reflecting positively on everyone involved throughout the process. Start preparing early, plan carefully, and get expert guidance from McCaulley&Company to improve your chances.