Five for Friday: November 18, 2022

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of energy and infrastructure.

 

Grant Opportunities & More

Rural Energy for America Program

The USDA Rural Development provides funding for agriculture producers and rural small businesses to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems or complete energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. Eligible entities include agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations and Small businesses in eligible rural areas; communities of less than 50,000. Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as:

• Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels)
• Geothermal for electric generation or direct use
• Hydropower below 30 megawatts
• Hydrogen
• Small and large wind generation
• Small and large solar generation

Application Deadline: March 31, 2023

Rural Energy for America Program

 

Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) programs provide economically distressed communities and regions with comprehensive and flexible resources to address a wide variety of economic needs. Projects funded by these programs will support the mission of the Department by, among other things, leading to the creation and retention of jobs and increased private investment, advancing innovation, enhancing the manufacturing capacities of regions, providing workforce development opportunities, and growing ecosystems that attract foreign direct investment. EDA solicits applications from applicants in order to provide investments that support construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects under EDA’s Public Works program and EAA programs.

There are no submission deadlines under this opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until a new PWEAA NOFO is published, this PWEAA NOFO is cancelled, or all funds have been expended.

Application Deadline: None

PWEAA NOFO Information

 

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

The Federal Emergency Management Administration’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) will support states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The BRIC program guiding principles are supporting communities through capability- and capacity-building; encouraging and enabling innovation; promoting partnerships; enabling large projects; maintaining flexibility; and providing consistency.

Through BRIC, FEMA continues to invest in a variety of mitigation activities with an added focus on infrastructure projects benefitting disadvantaged communities, nature based solutions, climate resilience and adaption, and adopting hazard resistant building codes.
Subapplicants should check with their respective State Hazard Mitigation Officer or Applicant’s Office on any additional deadlines.

Application Deadline: January 27, 2023

BRIC Grant

FEMA Handbook

 

Energy Department Announces $35 Million To Deploy Clean Energy on Tribal Lands and Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings

Under two funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) aimed at unlocking the benefits of clean energy for Native communities, the DOE will award a total of $35 million to Indian Tribes to:
• Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands (DE-FOA-0002774)
• Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings (DE-FOA-0002771)
According to the DOE This funding will promote Tribal energy and economic development by helping Native communities unlock the benefits that come with the deployment of clean energy. The Office of Indian Energy will host informational webinars to provide potential applicants with detailed information on both FOAs. Registration is required.

Application Deadline Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands (DE-FOA-0002774): February 9, 2023 at 2 pm PT

Application Deadline Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings (DE-FOA-0002771): February 23, 2023 at 2 pm PT

Webinar Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands: November 29, 2023, 12 to 2 pm PT

Webinar Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings: December 1, 2022, 12 to 2 pm PT

FO: Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands

FO: Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings

Registration: Webinar Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands

Registration: Webinar Webinar Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings

 

Grants for Improving Cycling Infrastructure

The Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure (BICI) is a competitive grant program that will foster catalytic change in city cycling infrastructure around the world. The Initiative aims to promote this healthy, efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation available. Unfortunately, in too many cities, cycling infrastructure remains disconnected, incomplete, and in need of innovation.

Led in partnership with the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI), BICI will:

• Fund ambitious cycling infrastructure projects by providing grants of $400k USD to $1M USD
• Refine project plans by connecting winning cities with world-class technical assistance from GDCI
• Implement projects and track progress by training city leaders on data collection, resident engagement and other industry best practices
• Connect cities with a global network of peer

Application Deadline: February 3, 2023

Global Designing Cities Initiative GDCI

GDCI Information and Application Forms

Five for Friday: August 5, 2022

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Grant Opportunities and More!

Curated by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), this edition focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of workforce development, education and training, and food access.

Grant Opportunities & More

Congratulations to WNDD Partner Nevadaworks!

Northern Nevada to See $14.9M to Boost Workforce

Yesterday, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced a grant award of $14.9 million to Nevadaworks and various partners including WNDD, EDAWN, Western Nevada College, and more. Part of the American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge, funding will be utilized to develop and launch the Northern Nevada Equity in Employment Project, which will bolster and diversify the regional economy by placing workers into positions in growth industries.

This program will unite more than a dozen trade associations and companies in the information technology, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and healthcare sectors to place workers into good-paying jobs and strengthen the region’s economy.

Read More

Undergraduate STEM Education: Computing in Undergraduate Education (IUSE: CUE)

The Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Computing in Undergraduate Education program aims to better prepare a wider range of students from different backgrounds to use computation collaboratively in a variety of settings and to solve difficult problems.

Application Deadline: September 19, 2022

IUSE: CUE Grant

Service-Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (SDVETP)

This program announcement seeks funding proposals from eligible private and non-profit organizations, state, local and tribal agencies, and institutions of higher learning to further build their capacity to market and deliver their existing entrepreneurship training program(s) to service-disabled veteran, veteran entrepreneurs and Reserve Component members who aspire to be small business owners or currently own a small business.

Application Deadline: August 18, 2022

SDVETP Grant

Nevada Community Food Access/Rural Food Hub (RFH) Grants

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is offering two food access grants. The Nevada Community Food Access (NCFA) grant focuses on improving food distribution infrastructure and providing food to low-income households. The Rural Food Hub (RFH) grant aims to improve food storage and distribution in remote rural communities.

Application Deadlines: August 30, 2022

Nevada Community Food Access Grant

Rural Food Hub Grant

 

Western Governors University (WGU) Nevada Back to School Scholarship

WGU offers over 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, education, healthcare, or information technology. Now thru December 2022, WGU will be taking applications for their annual Back to School Scholarship Program with awards of up to $2,500. Focused on life, school balance, 81% of all WGU Students work while they further their education.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2022

WGU Back to School Scholarship

 

Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), is a vital partner to our member organizations in grant research, writing and Management. Our professional team is available to assist in identifying and obtaining funding sources to grow a stronger Nevada.

For more information about membership, visit WNDD.org

EDA Equitable Economic Development THIS WEEK: 2 Webinars for EDA Grants!

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You won’t want to miss two webinars this week about two new funding opportunities for programs aimed at strengthening equitable economic development strategies across the nation.

Wednesday, June 22nd:
Equity Impact Investments Program

The Equity Impact Investments Program will provide technical assistance to enable organizations serving underserved populations and communities to participate in economic development planning and projects.

Webinar: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 11am PT

Application Deadline: August 5, 2022

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is currently seeking an organization or coalition to provide technical assistance to build capacity within organizations serving underserved populations and communities to help them effectively participate in their local economic development efforts. Funding for the program is between $3 million and $10 million and will be dependent on reach, impact and number of grants awarded.

WEBINAR RSVP: Equity Impact Investments Program

NOTICE OF FUNDING: Equity Impact Investments Program

Thursday, June 23rd:
Economic Recovery Corps Program

The Economic Recovery Corps Program will add staff resources to local organizations focused on improving economic resilience and competitiveness in distressed regions across the country.

Webinar: Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 10:30 am PT

Application Deadline: August 5, 2022

EDA is currently seeking a Network Operator (an organization or coalition) to build, launch, and operate the Economic Recovery Corps program, which will embed Fellows in local economic development organizations across the country.

EDA seeks to award one grant to a Network Operator between $20 million and $25 million, with a five-year period of performance. EDA supports collaborative and innovative partnerships to build and launch these new initiatives and welcomes different perspectives and approaches.

Questions? Email: EquityImpact@eda.gov

WEBINAR RSVP: Economic Recovery Corps Program

NOTICE OF FUNDING: Economic Recovery Corps Program

Need help applying for these programs or any others? WNDD has your back! All WNDD member organizations can benefit from our extensive background in economic development planning and grant research, writing and management services.

VISIT: WNDD.ORG

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities and More! – June 17, 2022

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Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), is a vital partner to our members in Grant Research, Writing and Management. Working in regional collaboration with public and private entities to create an environment within which economic development can occur, WNDD’s professional team is available to our members in identifying and obtaining funding sources to grow a stronger Nevada.

Grant Opportunities & More

Curated by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), this Friday round up, focuses on opportunities around the region in the areas of women’s empowerment, workforce development and training and economic development.

Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) – Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy (AWEEA)

The Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) of the U.S. Department of State invites organizations to apply to carry out the Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy (AWEEA) initiative. This initiative will provide a convening forum and workforce development activities to support the empowerment and professional development of women working in or looking for work in the clean energy sector to overcome historic gender-based marginalization.

Deadline: July 7, 2022

AWEEA Grant

Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration – Apprenticeships for Complete and Committed Employment for Specialized Skills (ACCESS) Program

The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration will accept applications for grants for the Department of Energy National Lab Jobs Apprenticeships for Complete and Committed Employment for Specialized Skills (ACCESS) Program. The ACCESS Program is a pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program that leads to postsecondary qualifications for high school and college students. It focuses on skills and qualifications needed to fill traditional and emerging technician positions (including machinists and cybersecurity technicians) at the National Laboratories.

Deadline: July 7, 2022

ACCESS Grant

Administration for Children and Families (ACF) – Office of Community Services (OCS)

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) will solicit applications for $12.3 million in Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary grant funds to Community Development Corporations (CDC) for well-planned, financially viable, and innovative projects to enhance job creation and business development for low-income individuals.

Community Development Corporations Grant

National Institute of Corrections (NIC)

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is seeking applications for funding to revise the current 40-Hour blended Evidence-based Workforce Development curriculum into a virtual instruction-led format. This project aims to develop a blended training curriculum to provide criminal justice practitioners and stakeholders with the knowledge/skills needed to support justice-involved adults’ workforce development and reentry efforts effectively.

Deadline: July 18, 2022

NIC Grant

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Wildfire Recovery and Resilience

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is offering up to $600,000 to study the effectiveness of disaster recovery funding after a wildfire. The project aims to improve the ability of wildfire-affected communities to employ disaster aid to build resilience, especially in low- and moderate-income areas.

Deadline: July 19, 2022

Wildfire Recovery and Resilience Funding

Economic Recovery: By the Numbers June 14, 2022

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The economic recovery in Western Nevada is well underway, with key statistics showing significant improvements in recent months.

5,200: Nevada added 5,200 jobs in April 2022, an 8% annual increase. Reno’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) added 700 jobs, and Carson City’s added 300.

$1.3 billion: Nevada’s nonrestricted gaming licensees reported a total gaming win of $1,355,229,902 for March 2022, a 26.83% annual increase.

75 cents: Nevada’s minimum wage will rise 75 cents on July 1 to $9.50/hour for organizations with health insurance and $10.50/hour for those without.

Six: Governor Steve Sisolak appointed six members of his existing cabinet to a workforce development sub-cabinet to evaluate the state’s workforce needs and provide recommendations.

$15 million: Washoe County plans to spend $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to provide supportive housing to disproportionately affected communities, including $4.5 million for those with severe mental illness.

13: Spirit Airlines will be the 13th airline to service Western Nevada from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport when it begins twice-daily flights to the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas in August 2022.

With continued support from businesses and residents, we will continue to build a strong and thriving economy.

Read the Full WNDD Economic Recovery Newsletter Report

WNDD Economic Recovery Report – June 2022

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The latest edition of the WNDD’s Economic Recovery Report (ERR) is available online and includes updates, grants, and information you need to know about efforts and ideas to strengthen our region’s economy.

It includes information on the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Project’s (ERRP) activities and progress, such as developing and implementing the ERRP Plan based on priority projects identified by the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Council (ERRC) and Economic Recovery and Resiliency Action Teams.

Some of the hot topics addressed include:

• Longtime Carson City Resident Set to Become Next WNDD Executive Director
• Projects to Grow Western Nevada’s Economy Set For 2022 Strategy Update
• Regional Leaders Come Together to Support Economic Resilience

And more!

The data and information in this report can help WNDD members, other regional businesses, stakeholders, and other organizations develop and implement economic recovery and resiliency initiatives.

Economic Recovery Report – June 2022

This publication is part of a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Supplemental Award for the United States. It aims to help the region attract industry, retain and develop businesses, and create long-term sustainable private-sector jobs and investments.

$45 Billion Federal Program

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Aims To Provide Affordable, Reliable High-Speed Internet To All Americans By 2030

The Biden-Harris Administration launched an Internet for All initiative, investing $45 billion to provide affordable, reliable, high-speed internet for everyone in America by the end of the decade. The initiative will be administered and implemented by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

The program will build internet infrastructure, teach digital skills, and provide the necessary technology to ensure that everyone in America—including communities of color, rural communities, and older Americans—has the access and skills to participate in today’s society fully.

The Internet for All program includes three Notices of Funding Opportunities:

• Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program: $42.5 billion
• Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program: $1 billion
• State Digital Equity Act programs: $1.5 billion

Learn More

The Power to Speed Up Nevada’s Economic Growth Is in Your Hands!

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Take The Nevada Speed Test Today to Support Nevada’s Digital Economy

Nevada’s digital economy is only as strong as the broadband infrastructure that supports it. That’s why the Nevada Speed Test, spearheaded by WNDD, is so important.

The Nevada Speed Test aims to ensure that every home and business in Western Nevada has access to affordable, adequate, and reliable high-speed internet. This is essential for participating in a digital economy and society.

The Nevada Speed Test relies on participation from businesses and households in the WNDD region to be successful. The data provided through nevadaspeedtest.org can guide funding distribution to boost Western Nevada’s broadband connectivity in the coming years.

The clock is ticking!

The mapping program’s software license will expire in October 2022. With less than five months to go, participating jurisdictions in the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) region are roughly 6,500 tests short of meeting the minimum objective of 4% of households taking the test.

Outreach and promotion are vital to spreading the word about the Nevada Speed Test and encouraging participation. WNDD has been working with local governments, community organizations, and the media to help promote the Nevada Speed Test. So far, KOLO 8 News, Channel 2 News, Northern Nevada Business Weekly, and others have covered the Broadband Mapping Project.

Recent and ongoing efforts to market the Nevada Speed Test include sending individual requests to WNDD members, senior centers, community centers, libraries, school districts, the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, and other groups.

The project’s lead sponsor is Uprise Fiber, an associate member of WNDD.

Be Counted!

Take the Nevada Speed Test Today!

How the Map Works
The interactive map is progressively taking shape as residents take the Nevada Speed Test and may be viewed at nevadaspeedtest.org

Each speed test is shown on the map as a dot, and the color of the dot indicates the download and upload speeds.

New! WH Releases Infrastructure Technical Assistance Guide Supporting Local Infrastructure Hub

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Photo Source: Local Infrastructure Hub

In May, the White House released a technical assistance guide to help state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments access resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The 56-page document includes information for programs related to transportation, high-speed internet, water, power grid and clean energy, resilience, environmental remediation, and place-based initiatives.

Technical Assistance Guide

Local Infrastructure Hub to help communities navigate Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) resources

Funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Emerson Collective, the Ford Foundation, and the Kresge Foundation, the Local Infrastructure Hub was created to help communities navigate Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) resources.

The Hub will help local leaders navigate the nearly 400 available funding opportunities designed to drive local recovery, improve communities, and deliver results for residents.

Additionally, the Hub will assist cities and towns in developing competitive applications most likely to be awarded federal grants with special focus on helping traditionally underserved cities and towns.

Sign Up for Local Infrastructure Hub Updates

Local Infrastructure Hub

 

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities April 15, 2022

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Curated by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD)

This Friday round up, focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of workforce development, economic development and equality, health and engagement, and infrastructure.

Grant Opportunities

Economic Development: Research & National Technical Assistance (RNTA)

EDA provides strategic investments on a competitive merit basis to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private investment in economically distressed areas of the United States. Under this NOFO, EDA solicits applications from applicants in order to provide investments that support research and technical assistance projects under EDA’s R&E and NTA programs.

Grants and cooperative agreements made under these programs are designed to leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities.

Application Deadline: Accepted Continuously

RNTA

 

USDA Strengthen Rural Cooperatives and Expand Economic Opportunities for People in Rural America

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced that the department is accepting applications for grants to help start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses.

USDA is offering priority points to projects that advance key priorities under the current Administration to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, advance equity and combat climate change. These extra points will increase the likelihood of funding for projects seeking to address these critical challenges in rural America.

USDA is making the grants available under the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program to help improve economic conditions in rural areas through cooperative development. For fiscal year 2022, the maximum award is $200,000. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis through a national competition.

Nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for grants to provide technical and cooperative development assistance to individuals and rural businesses.

Electronic Application Deadline: June 6, 2022, 8:59 p.m. PT

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development

 

BroadbandUSA – National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has developed a comprehensive website dedicated to connecting communities to funding opportunities that support broadband planning, digital inclusion, and deployment projects.

Application Deadlines: Various/Ongoing

Nevada State Broadband Connectivity Strategy
BroadbandUSA

 

Aetna Foundation – Cultivating Healthy Communities Grant Program

Specifically for non-governmental agencies, the Cultivating Healthy Communities Grant Program seeks to support communities’ efforts to become healthier places to live, work, learn, play, and pray. Proposals should address the social determinants of health and participants’ physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The program is especially interested in projects that advance resident or youth-led initiatives and approaches that foster social engagement and reduce isolation.

Application Deadline: Applications Accepted Continuously

Cultivating Healthy Communities Grant Program

 

American Rescue Plan – Indigenous Communities Grants

Through this Indigenous Communities NOFO, EDA aims to assist indigenous communities to recover economically from the coronavirus pandemic. Even before the pandemic, indigenous communities faced high levels of economic distress and unique economic development challenges, resulting in severe inequalities in opportunity for members of these communities. The pandemic greatly exacerbated those challenges and inequities and will continue to cause deep economic injury to indigenous communities in unprecedented ways.

Application Deadline: Rolling

American Rescue Plan – Indigenous Communities Grants