Good morning! 

We're pushing into the second half of the year, and it’s all about keeping momentum high. Right now, we’re laser-focused on execution - leveraging AI and automation to do more with less. This means clearing out the noise, hitting our targets, and setting up for the wins ahead. Let’s keep this pace going.

— Lucas Robinson, Founder & CEO at BudgetMailboxes.com

🎯 This Week’s Strategy:

• Grant Acquisition and Management Strategy

🌐 Boardroom Brief:

• New HOA Warranty Offers Buyers Protection from Surprise Special Assessments
  

Strategy

🎯 Grant Acquisition and Management Strategy

As community needs grow and costs rise, HOAs are increasingly turning to external funding to supplement their budgets. While grants have traditionally been seen as a resource for municipalities and nonprofits, more funding opportunities are now available for community infrastructure, safety, energy efficiency, environmental initiatives, and even recreational upgrades. A well-executed Grant Acquisition and Management Strategy empowers HOA leaders to tap into these resources—expanding what’s possible without increasing dues or levying special assessments.

How HOA Leaders Can Implement a Grant Acquisition and Management Strategy

1. Identify Grant-Eligible Projects in Your Community

Start by assessing which upcoming or ongoing initiatives align with common grant categories such as sustainability, security, infrastructure, or accessibility.

Action Steps:
✅ Conduct a project review to determine funding gaps (e.g., stormwater upgrades, solar lighting, ADA improvements).

✅ Research grant trends at local, state, and federal levels to align projects with funder priorities.

✅ Create a list of projects that could be enhanced or accelerated with grant funding.

2. Build a Grant Research and Tracking System

Finding the right grants requires ongoing research and timely responses. A centralized system ensures no opportunity slips through the cracks.

Action Steps:
✅ Subscribe to newsletters from grant portals (e.g., Grants.gov, local housing agencies, energy efficiency programs).

✅ Create a shared calendar or spreadsheet to track application deadlines, eligibility, and submission requirements.

✅ Assign a board member or manager to monitor and maintain this database monthly.

3. Write Competitive Grant Applications

Effective applications highlight community need, project impact, and your HOA’s capacity to implement the work.

Action Steps:
✅ Gather relevant documentation (budgets, photos, resident feedback, board approvals) in advance.

✅ Use compelling storytelling to explain why the grant matters and how it will benefit the community.

✅ Consider hiring a grant writer or consulting with a nonprofit partner if internal resources are limited.

4. Prepare for Post-Award Grant Management

Winning a grant is only the beginning—compliance, reporting, and project execution are key to long-term success and future eligibility.

Action Steps:
✅ Designate a point person to oversee grant deliverables and deadlines.

✅ Use property management or accounting software to track expenses and submit reports.

✅ Communicate milestones and successes with the granting agency to build strong relationships.

5. Keep Residents Informed and Engaged

Transparency builds community support and can even help with future applications that require proof of community need or involvement.

Action Steps:
✅ Announce grant wins and updates through newsletters and meetings.

✅ Create signage or digital dashboards to showcase progress on grant-funded projects.

✅ Encourage resident participation in surveys or volunteer activities tied to the grant initiative.

Why It Matters

Grants are an underutilized opportunity in the HOA world. By developing a proactive strategy, your board can unlock funding for projects that improve safety, sustainability, and quality of life—without adding financial pressure to residents. Beyond the money, successful grant programs signal strong leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to community advancement. In today’s resource-constrained environment, that’s an advantage no HOA can afford to ignore.

Boardroom Brief

New HOA Warranty Offers Buyers Protection from Surprise Special Assessments

A new startup, HOA Warranty, is gaining traction among property professionals for tackling a long-standing challenge in the HOA housing market: unexpected special assessments. With an estimated 70% of U.S. HOAs underfunded in their reserve accounts, many buyers are increasingly wary of post-sale financial surprises. HOA Warranty, now active in six states, provides one-to-three year coverage (up to $10,000) to shield buyers from sudden repair-related fees when reserve funds fall short. This product not only boosts buyer confidence but also empowers sellers to close deals without the burden of large escrow holds. As HOAs face rising costs and deferred maintenance risks, tools like these could prove critical for maintaining transaction momentum in slower or high-risk markets.

Game

🎉 Fun Finale: Play & Poll