In a recent grant workshop in Pell City, Jessica Taylor, the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Founder of Simple Grants, was a featured expert. The workshop, organized by United States Senator Tommy Tuberville’s office, aimed to assist municipalities and nonprofits in St. Clair County.

Mike Raita, Tuberville’s Regional Director, and Patty Etheridge, Grants and Special Projects Coordinator, led the workshop, emphasizing Tuberville’s commitment to supporting Alabama by ensuring it receives its fair share of federal funding.

Addressing the unique challenges smaller rural communities face, Raita and Etheridge were joined by Jessica Taylor from Simple Grants, who shared insights into various opportunities and strategies for navigating grant applications. Taylor specifically discussed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and highlighted the importance of understanding grant regulations.

Riverside Mayor Rusty Jessup and the St. Clair County Mayors Association coordinated the workshop, which covered topics ranging from current grant opportunities to the Rebuilding America with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program.

Representatives from every city in St. Clair County, excluding Ashville, and several nonprofits attended the event. Riverside Mayor Rusty Jessup underscored the reliance on federal and state grants and expressed the city’s interest in exploring opportunities like the RAISE program for upgrading roads amid residential growth.

Pell City Manager Brian Muenger appreciated the chance to meet Tuberville’s staff, noting the workshop’s value in providing insights into new and existing grant opportunities. The strong turnout reflected the shared goal of seeing overall success in St. Clair County by effectively pursuing and leveraging grant resources.