Virtual Workshops on Infrastructure and Workforce Grant Opportunities

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The Infrastructure Bill: What’s in it for you

The Infrastructure bill includes more than $1 trillion to strengthen an array of government systems and services. The legislation provides grants to state and local governments to improve transportation, cybersecurity, public safety, water and energy utilities, broadband internet connectivity, and more.

Learn how your jurisdiction can benefit from funding programs created or modified by the bill.

A virtual seminar will be held on April 14, 2022 at 11 a.m. Pacific/2 p.m. Eastern.

Government Technology will host this live webinar to breakdown key funding streams and explain how state and local government agencies can best tap into this opportunity.

The interactive session will:
• Identify key funding streams to strengthen resilience for critical infrastructure and programs
• Prepare to apply for new state and local government cybersecurity grants that will roll out later this year
• Find key programs to support technology modernization to mobilize our citizens, increase their safety and improve citizen services connectivity, and more.

Register for the Infrastructure Webinar!

 

Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN)

USDA established the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) to create a forum for public and private partners to help increase access to workforce opportunities across rural America. This network represents governmental entities, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses that are actively working to improve workforce development in their local communities.

RWIN helps rural leaders collaborate to:
• Build new partnerships
• Develop tools and resources to meet the needs of rural employers and employees
• Share and identify information on emerging trends, best practices, and workforce development resources.
Participate in a two-part virtual workshop on how to effectively apply for and manage federal grants.

The workshop will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022 and Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific/3:00 p.m. Eastern.

Part One: discussions how to prepare and access systems required to applying for federal grants.

Part Two: Provide tips and guidance on grant applications and how to understand grant management.

Register for the Workforce Webinar!

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities – April 1, 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 infrastructure, innovation, workforce development and energy.

Grants with Upcoming Deadlines

Rebuilding American Infrastructure Sustainably and Equitably (RAISE)

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has opened the application process for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, designed to assist various projects involving streets, transit, and other infrastructure. The program is available to communities of all sizes to fix and modernize infrastructure. The 2022 program received an additional $1.5 billion over the nearly $1 billion received in November 2021.

Deadline: April 14, 2022

RAISE

 

Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program

The Build America Bureau/US Department of Transportation is currently accepting applications for the second round of funding to expand Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (RIA). Qualified RIAs serve as resources and demonstrate effectiveness in expediting projects that would otherwise take too long without assistance from an accelerator program.

Final Application Deadline: April 11, 2022

Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program

 

Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE)

The U.S Department of Agriculture encourages a regional, innovation-driven approach to economic development by funding job accelerator partnerships in low-income rural communities to create high-wage jobs and accelerate business formation within these areas. The agency has provided grant assistance for this program which offers financial support on an annual basis as well as increased access to resources such as entrepreneurial training programs or equipment loans if needed.

Deadline: April 19, 2022

RISE

 

Rural Community Development Initiative Grants

USDA Rural Development grants help non-profit housing and community development organizations support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Public bodies, non-profit organizations, and qualified private for-profit organizations can apply for this funding. Eligible locations are any area other than a city or town with a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such a city or town.

Deadline: April 19, 2022

Rural Community Development Initiative Grants

 

Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant Program

The ABA Grant Program, under the US Department of Labor, supports a coordinated, national investment strategy that aims to strengthen and modernize the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) system, centered on equity and promotes Registered Apprenticeship as a workforce development solution. The grant builds on the Department’s previous and ongoing efforts to expand and modernize Registered Apprenticeship through expanding the number of programs and apprentices, diversifying the industries that utilize Registered Apprenticeship, and increasing access to underrepresented populations and underserved communities.

Deadline: April 25, 2022

Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant Program

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities – February 18, 2022

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Collected by the Western Nevada Development District

TGIF4F—thank goodness it’s Five for Friday!

In this latest edition of the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) grant round-up, we’ve got funding opportunities for STEM, Tribes, small businesses, and arts organizations. There’s also information about the broadest grant publishing under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Let’s dig in.

Grants with Upcoming Deadlines

National Science Foundation STEM Network Grant

The National Science Foundation seeks to create a national network of stakeholders to share new knowledge, best practices, and design principles from its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM). Its purpose is to ensure access, inclusion, and flexibility for low-income domestic STEM students. This project will fund S-STEM Resource and Evaluation Centers (S-STEM-REC) and S-STEM Research Hubs (S-STEM-Hub). Proposals can come from two-year and four-year colleges, as well as non-profit organizations.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 22, 2022.

National Science Foundation

Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Center

The Federal Highway Administration will spend up to $17.8 million over five years to reopen seven Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Centers. The TTAP Centers strive to improve Tribal communities’ quality of life by helping Tribes manage their transportation programs and systems. The centers will support advanced initiatives and projects to improve safety on Tribal lands, foster economic opportunity, and build economic strength.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 25, 2022.

TTAP

SBA Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program

The Small Business Administration will fund grants for state governments to help new small businesses combat cyber threats. Small firms are appealing targets to cyber threats because they have valuable data and lack the security infrastructure of larger corporations. According to a recent SBA survey, 88% of small company owners fear a cyber-attack. The problem is that many firms can’t afford professional IT services or don’t know where to start.

Application deadline: Friday, March 25, 2022.

SBA Cybersecurity

Nevada Arts Council Project Grant For Organizations

The Nevada Arts Council’s Project Grants for Organizations offers grants up to $7,000, with one-to-one cash or in-kind match, to Nevada incorporated nonprofits to support arts and cultural projects that impact the community. Funds may be used to support the execution of one art and culture project or a series of related activities. Eligible projects include art exhibitions, performances, readings, and festivals.

Deadline: Friday, March 25, 2022.

Nevada Arts Council Project Grant

American Rescue Plan Act Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant

The U.S. Economic Development Administration is soliciting applications for the broadest grant publishing under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and any eligible applicant from any EDA Region may apply.

This grant is supported by the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, which is flexible and responsive to local and regional stakeholders’ economic development needs and priorities.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration aims to assist communities and regions impacted by the coronavirus pandemic through this grant, including historically underserved communities.

The grant is designed to provide a wide range of financial assistance to communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the coronavirus pandemic’s economic impacts, including long-term recovery and resilience to future economic disasters.

EDA anticipates funding approximately 300 non-construction and construction projects that cost between approximately $500,000 and $5,000,000 with this appropriation, though EDA will consider applications above and below these amounts.

Deadline: Thursday, March 31, 2022.

American Rescue Plan Act

USDA ReConnect Program

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2022 Application Workshops Announced

The USDA Rural Development Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is providing two, three-day virtual workshops for those interested in applying for ReConnect Program funding. The ReConnect Program offers loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in areas of rural America without sufficient access to broadband.

Both workshops will present the same content. Register for the dates convenient for you. Workshop content will be posted on the ReConnect website as well.

Workshop Webinar 1: Tuesday, January 18th – Thursday, January 20th.

Workshop Webinar 2: Tuesday, February 8th – Thursday, February 10th.

Workshops will explore the ReConnect program application system and program requirements for FY2022.

Topics will include:

• Program Eligibility
• Evaluation Criteria
• Live Demonstrations of the Application System
• Overview and deep dive sessions on financial, network, environmental, and mapping requirements
• Compliance and Post-award Reporting

Space is limited. Register Today!

ReConnect Program Information

Workshop 1: January 18 thru 20, 2022

Workshop 2: February 8 thru 10, 2022

Without You, We Can’t Close the Digital Divide!

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Take the Nevada Speed Test!

Reliable, affordable broadband connectivity is vital to the development and well-being of all residents in the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) region. However, not all communities are equally-well served with broadband connectivity.

The Nevada Speed Test is counting on fellow Nevadans to pinpoint those locations by logging on to NevadaSpeedTest.org, a mapping tool which measures internet speeds. By analyzing home and business connectivity, strategies can be identified and funding solutions pursued that improve regional broadband infrastructure.

The Nevada Speed Test may be performed on any device that has an internet or cellular connection and takes less than one minute to complete. No personal information will be collected. Repeated speed tests are encouraged during the one-year initiative to better capture variations in internet speeds and collect more statistically valid data.

If you haven’t taken the test, please log in today. If you have, please share with your friends, family and business colleagues. To help you help us, below is a copy/paste blurb ready for sharing on your social media platforms or e-mail outreach.

Nevada Speed Test

Copy and Paste Blurb Below to Help Spread the Word!

Please join me in being part of the Western Nevada Broadband Initiative, a coalition of local governments working to improve broadband connectivity. Your help is needed to pinpoint the region’s most unserved and underserved homes and businesses. By logging on to NevadaSpeedTest.org, a mapping tool which measures internet speeds, we can analyze home and business connectivity to identify strategies and funding solutions to improve our regional broadband infrastructure. It takes less than a minute and thanks for your help!

Connectivity in Nevada

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Broadband Funding Could Help Our Rural Communities

Connectivity is a crucial element for students and educators, particularly in rural Nevada. KTVN’s Paul Nelson profiled Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) member Pershing County and its school district’s reliance on the internet and the obvious gaps in digital service.

The Nevada Speed Test can help affected communities access funds being made available through the American Rescue Plan and the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Improvement and Jobs Act.

WNDD is urging everyone to be counted and be connected. Take the Speed Test Today!

KTVN: Broadband Funding

Nevada Speed Test

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities – November 2021

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In our Nevada Speed Test edition of Five for Friday (Be counted and be connected at NevadaSpeedTest.org) we share economic development grants and loans which can help revitalize and build sustainability in urban, rural, and tribal communities. In this edition, the Western Nevada Development District shares grant programs that can help rural broadband connectivity, bolster school nutrition programs with locally-sourced food and promote water efficiency in the arid West.

 

ReConnect Program
US Department of Agriculture

USDA Rural Development recently announced that it will begin accepting applications on November 24, 2021, for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to expand the availability of broadband in rural areas. $350 million in grant funding – with no matching funds requirement – is being made available for Tribal governments and socially vulnerable communities.

Application Deadline: February 22, 2022

ReConnect Program

 

Telecommunications Infrastructure Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for loans and loan guarantees to build or update broadband and telephone infrastructure in rural areas where financing can be used for the construction, improvement, or expansion of telecommunications infrastructure serving rural areas with a population of 5,000 or less.

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Telecommunications Infrastructure Program

 

Farm to School Grant Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA Food and Nutrition Service Grants to plan, establish, and/or sustain a Farm to School program that improves access to local foods and nutrition/agriculture resources in schools. A Frequently Asked Questions document will also be available through the Farm to School Grant Applicant Resources Page of the FNS website. Please keep an eye on The Dirt e-newsletter for updates about the Farm to School Grant application!

Application Deadline: January 10, 2022

Farm to School Grant Program

 

WaterSMART
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR.gov)

Through WaterSMART, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation works cooperatively with states, tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply through investments to modernize existing infrastructure. Through WaterSMART, Reclamation provides financial assistance to water managers for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the western United States. Up to $2 million is available for projects that must be completed within three years.

Application deadline: December 9, 2021

WaterSMART

 

Investing in Food

America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative offers resources such as grants, loans, technical assistance services, programming, and other forms of support to projects that will improve access to fresh, healthy foods in underserved rural and urban areas. The Targeted Small Grants Program (TSG Program) is making available at least $4 million will be available for grants for innovative fresh food retail and food system enterprises Grants will range from $20,000 to $200,000.

Letters of Interest due: December 7, 2021

America’s Healthy Food Finance Initiative

 

 

 

 

 

Take the Nevada Speed Test

KOLO TV Covers Nevada Broadband

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities – October 2021

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Collected by the Western Nevada Development District

Economic development grants and loans can help revitalize and build sustainability in urban, rural, and tribal communities. Strategic investments help support local economies, create jobs, and attract private investments to better residents’ lives. Every first, or sometimes second, Friday, the Western Nevada Development District will share our Five for Friday; grant programs from a variety of sources that can help rural healthcare services respond to COVID-19, address youth homelessness or build equity in broadband access.

Rural Health Care Grant Program

The Rural Health Care Grant Program provides up to $500 million in grant funding to help broaden access to COVID-19 testing and vaccines, rural health care services, and food assistance through food banks and food distribution facilities. Track One: Recovery Grants provide immediate relief to address the economic conditions arising from the COVID-19 emergency. Track Two: Impact Grants advance ideas and solutions to solve regional rural health care problems to support the long-term sustainability of rural health. Eligible applicants include public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally-recognized Tribes. Facilities and projects supported through this grant must be located in rural areas with populations of 20,000 or fewer, and must primarily serve rural areas.

Track One: Recovery Grants
Track Two: Impact Grants

HUD

HUD is offering funds through the Continuum of Care Program that seeks to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. This program supports efforts to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families, youth, and persons fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness.

Deadline: November 16, 2021

HUD: Continuum of Care (CoC) Program

Catholic Campaign For Human Development

The Catholic Campaign For Human Development (CCHD), established by the Catholic bishops of the United States, grant programs include the following: Community Development Grants support nonprofit organizations that are led by people living in poverty and work to address the root causes of poverty. Economic Development Grants support economic development initiatives that include the voice of the poor and marginalized in developing new businesses that offer good jobs or develop assets that will be owned by local communities. Grants range between $25,000 and $75,000.

Deadlines: Pre-applications for both programs may be submitted through November 1st, annually; the online application deadline is January 15th, annually.

CCHD Grants

Department Of Commerce Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program

The Department Of Commerce Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program supports the expansion of broadband Internet access, connectivity, and digital inclusion. Examples of supported activities include the purchase of broadband Internet access service or any eligible equipment, or to hire and train information technology personnel; to facilitate educational instruction and learning, including through remote instruction; to operate a minority business enterprise; or to operate a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization;

Deadline: December 1, 2021

Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program Grants

USDA’s Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program

USDA’s Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program provides grants to specialty crop producers and processors, other select producers, meat and other processors, distributors, and farmers markets to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID–19). This program is authorized and funded under section 751 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (Pub. L. No. 116—260). USDA developed the PRS Grant Program in response to extensive stakeholder feedback during listening sessions in March 2021, and written comments provided through March 30, 2021.

Application Period Closes: November 22, 2021

Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program USDA Info.

Economic Recovery Update – September 2021

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Record EDA Investments Aim to Build Back Better

The September 2021 Economic Recovery Report from the Western Nevada Development District shows how WNDD’s Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan is progressing toward implementation and how the WNDD Broadband mapping project is a tool to help close Northern Nevada’s digital divide.

The briefing also includes details on the Economic Development Administration’s historic $3 billion economic development plan, authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act. The update, funded through a CARES Act Supplemental Award for the United States, aims to support the revitalization, expansion, and improvement of distressed communities’ infrastructure to ultimately attract industry, encourage business retention, growth, and recruitment, and generate long-term private-sector jobs and investments.

Read the Update!

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities September 3, 2021

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Collected by the Western Nevada Development District

Economic development grants and loans can help revitalize and build sustainability in urban, rural, and tribal communities. Strategic investments help support local economies, create jobs, and attract private investments to better residents’ lives. Every first Friday, the Western Nevada Development District will share our Five for Friday; grant programs from a variety of sources that can help the region expand workforce training and capacity, support rural community projects and improve mobility for underserved populations.

 

STEM Talent Challenge Program

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is seeking applications to create and implement innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) work-based learning models that complement their respective region’s innovation economy. The STEM Talent Challenge seeks to develop or expand regional workforce capacity to support high-growth, high-wage entrepreneurial ventures, industries of the future, and other innovation-driven businesses that have a high likelihood of accelerating economic competitiveness and job creation in their respective regions and in the United States. Must provide matching share equal to at least 50 percent of the total project cost; i.e., applicants must match each dollar requested with at least one dollar of applicant match. Up to $250,000 per request.

Deadline: October 12, 2021

STEM Challenge Program Details

 

Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides $10,000 in funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul model. The grants are aimed to inspire community engagement for economic and social change by aligning their projects and collaborate on community priorities. Grant funding requires a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or a partnering organization.

Deadline: Ongoing

Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program Details

 

T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program

This is intended to help build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities throughout the United States. Up to 100 towns each year for the next five years will receive community improvement grants of up to $50,000 each. Examples of eligible projects include revitalizing a town hall, a senior center, a local little league field, a library, or any space where friends and neighbors gather. Elected leaders, town managers and employees, and nonprofit leaders are eligible to submit applications. Requests will be reviewed quarterly.

Deadline: Ongoing

T-Mobile Program Application

 

Federal Transit Administration National Center for Mobility Management Grants and Assistance

The Federal Transit Administration National Center for Mobility Management is offering grants and technical assistance to support communities that are ready to take concrete steps toward implementing transportation solutions to help underserved residents become more fully engaged in economic opportunities, improve their health and well-being, and/or become more integrated into their community.

Deadline: October 15, 2021

NCMM Funding Guidelines

 

USDA Rural Energy Grants

Applications for the USDA Rural Energy Grants is now open for renewable energy systems and the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements. The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Deadlines:

Applications for Grants of $20,000 or Less and Loan/Grant of $20,000 or Less Combo Applications due by Nov. 1, 2021, or March 31, 2022.

Applications for Unrestricted Grants or Loan/Unrestricted Grant Combo Applications due by March 31, 2022.

USDA Rural Energy Grants Funding Guidelines