Five for Friday: January 12, 2024

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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 seed funding, energy, transportation, water quality and climate resiliency.

Grant Opportunities & More

America’s Seed Fund Week: January 23 to 25, 2024

America’s Seed Fund serves as a springboard by providing over $4 billion each year in funding to early-stage startups and small businesses as innovators take their technology from R&D through to commercialization, through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. In a three-day virtual workshop, attendees can deepen their understanding of America’s Seed Fund, and have the valuable opportunity to connect directly with federal agency representatives who foster its competitive funding opportunities.

Register

America’s Seed Fund Resources

Energy Efficiency Grants for Ag Producers and Small Businesses

REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in areas of 50,000 or less 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. The upcoming deadline for the next REAP funding cycle is March 31. REAP provides Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs, grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs, and combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75 percent of total eligible project cost.

Please register your interest in discussing your questions and interests in REAP Programs with State Coordinator Laura Chavez.

Register with Laura Chavez

More Info

USDOT RAISE Program Assists Local Transportation Capital and Planning Projects

The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE Discretionary Grant program, provides a unique opportunity for the USDOT to invest in road, rail, transit, and port projects. RAISE allows project sponsors at the State and local levels to obtain funding for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects that are more difficult to support through traditional DOT programs. RAISE can provide funding directly to any public entity, including municipalities, counties, port authorities, tribal governments, MPOs, or others in contrast to traditional Federal programs which provide funding to very specific groups of applicants (mostly State DOTs and transit agencies). Applicants may submit a total of three (3) project applications (planning and/or capital) for RAISE grants. The maximum award is $25 million and requires a 25 percent match.

Application Deadline: February 28, 2024 at 11:59:59 pm ET

RAISE Info

RAISE Webinar Series

Water Quality Protection Grants Protect Nevada’s Waterways

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) Nonpoint Source Program (NPS Program) provides grant funding to qualifying counties, conservation districts, higher education institutions, regional agencies, and nonprofit organizations to improve conditions of Nevada’s watersheds and protect against nonpoint source (NPS) water pollution. NPS water pollution occurs when rain, snowmelt and irrigation water flow over developed or disturbed land, carrying with it contaminants including oil, sediment, pesticides, bacteria and nutrients. This contaminated water makes its way into Nevada’s waterways either directly or through storm drains. Nonpoint source pollution continues to be a significant threat to Nevada’s waterways. Implementing water quality restoration projects and educating our citizens on how they can help will reduce that threat. The NPS Program is now soliciting proposals for the implementation of on-the-ground projects to mitigate nonpoint source pollution or efforts that lead to watershed plans that will allow activities to protect waters from nonpoint source pollution in the future.

Application Deadline: February 14, 2024

More Info

EPA Grants Promote Climate Resilience and Climate Justice Projects

The EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Program’s Community Change Grants (Community Change Grants) aims to support environmental and climate justice activities that benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to respond to environmental and climate justice challenges. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input. EPA is accepting applications on a rolling basis for $2 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding available to support community-driven projects that build capacity for communities to tackle environmental and climate justice challenges, strengthen their climate resilience, and advance clean energy.

Community Change Grants

Five for Friday: 2023 a Year in Review

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

In this edition of Five for Friday, we review some of the highlights from 2023 for the Western Nevada Development District and its members.

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe – Wadsworth Multi-Purpose Center

The Tribe was awarded a $219,000 investment from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for pre-construction, environmental site review and final design activities for a new Multi-Purpose Cultural and Wellness Center in Wadsworth, the Tribe’s largest population center. The 16,455 square foot facility has been 10 years in the planning and will feature tribal offices, classrooms with a focus on workforce training and a configurable community multi-purpose room that will be ideal for small workshops and conferences. The construction plans also include a large kitchen. Construction costs are expected to be approximately $5 million, and the EDA investment will help the Tribe prepare for other state, local and federal investment opportunities.

Lovelock – USDA Reconnect Program Groundbreaking

USDA Rural Development celebrated the groundbreaking this past fall for a $27 million investment made through the USDA ReConnect Program and was awarded to Uprise Fiber to increase internet access in the City of Lovelock.

Uprise Fiber will utilize the funding to deploy a Fiber-to-the-Home network that will offer economical and dependable internet to Lovelock residents nearly thousands of times faster than their current internet, which can be insufficient for basic activities such as teleconferencing or streaming. This investment will be used to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network connecting 4,884 people, 130 businesses, 22 farms and 7 public schools to high-speed internet in Pershing County.

Part of the grant application employed WNDD’s Broadband Mapping Speed Test. The Nevada Speed Test was used to assist grant administrators and internet service providers to verify the impact of their programs and intended targets in real time without relying on out-of-date historical maps.

WNDD Announces the City of Yerington as Its Newest Member

The City of Yerington became the 7th city to join WNDD. Economic Development Districts are cities’ local connection with the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, providing locally-based, regionally driven economic development plans and grant resources for the infrastructure needed to support the strategic blueprint.

WNDD will partner with the city to improve airport infrastructure, assist workforce development and training initiatives and support Main Street projects. The City of Yerington joins the counties of Douglas, Humboldt, Mineral, Pershing, Storey and Washoe; the municipality of Carson City; the cities of Fallon, Fernley, Lovelock, Reno, Sparks, Winnemucca; and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe as WNDD members.

WNDD Annual Program Meeting

In August, the annual WNDD Program Meeting hosted nearly 40 members and guests to tour the Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility. Attendees received an update on the OneWater Nevada water reuse project. Lunch was held at the Sierra Nevada Job Corps Center where attendees learned about programming and toured the facility. EDA’s John Edmond and Civil Engineer, Luis Aguilar, were on hand to give some grant writing and project management tips. The EDA teams also met with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Chairman, James Phoenix, for a tour of key economic development sites and project areas at Nixon and Wadsworth.

EDA Tech Hub Designation

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and its consortium partners, including WNDD, were successful in their application to become a designated Tech Hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).

EDA granted the designation to the University’s Lithium Batteries and Other EV Material Loop, which aims to build a self-sustaining and globally competitive lithium lifestyle cluster, covering extraction, processing, manufacturing, and recycling.

UNR is one of 32 new tech hubs within the states and Puerto Rico, representing a cross-section of urban and rural regions. Designation is an endorsement of the region’s plans to supercharge their respective technological industries to create jobs, strengthen U.S. competitiveness, and protect national security. The program was authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law in August of 2022.

Tech Hub Designees are eligible to apply for the Tech Hubs Phase 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). In Phase 2, EDA will award implementation grants to 5 to 10 Designated Tech Hubs, with each of those Hubs receiving approximately $40 to $70 million.

Humboldt County EPA Brownfields Community Assessment Grant

This past summer, WNDD participated in the Kickoff Meeting for the Humboldt County EPA Brownfields Community Assessment Grant held in Winnemucca. The EPA’s Brownfields program provides technical assistance to communities, states, and tribes to assess, safely clean up and sustainably repurpose underutilized or blighted properties.

The redevelopment of vacant or underutilized land is an opportunity for new growth. This grant funding can be a pathway to new economic opportunities, private investment, and improved quality of life for Humboldt and Pershing County residents.

A partnership between Humboldt and Pershing counties, the grant is being administered through Humboldt County and the Nevada 95-80 Regional Development Authority. As a sub-awardee, WNDD will assist with community outreach and engagement activities. Converse Consultants is providing the Environmental Consulting Services that will lead the environmental assessment efforts, and reuse planning.

…but wait there’s more!

WNDD Planning Program Grant and CEDS Update Workshop

EDA announced in June a $240,000 Partnership Planning grant for WNDD for FY2023 thru FY2025. This EDA planning investment supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) for the region served by WNDD, which consists of nine counties and seven municipalities. The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.

WNDD members and local stakeholders participated in a workshop facilitated by the University Center for Economic Development, part of the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno to evaluate and update WNDD’s 2020 through 2025 CEDS. These funds will help sustain these collaborative regional planning efforts. Workshop participants included WNDD members and key community stakeholders who were given an opportunity to evaluate the existing strategic economic development vision, goals, and actionable items. They also prioritized projects, assessed existing local and regional socio-demographics, and economic and housing conditions. The workshop completed a revised Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis for the region, and teed up the final selection of revised priority CEDS projects for the coming year.

Shout out to Frederick Steinmann, DPPD, Director of the University Center for Economic Development for facilitating a brisk and meaningful workshop.

Mineral County and Partners Receive USDOT Thriving Communities Program Grant

Mineral County and community partners Walker River Paiute Tribe and Mineral County School District received a Technical Assistance grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Thriving Communities Program.

The County is working to implement a shared community revitalization plan by merging the community capacity needs for the Babbitt Industrial Park site with the infrastructure needs of the town of Hawthorne. The Thriving Communities Program support will help to advance local storm water infrastructure improvements to repair roadways from flooding events and improve community mobility. Through the Thriving Communities Program, USDOT selects and funds Capacity Builder teams to provide deep-dive technical assistance, planning, and capacity building support to under-resourced and disadvantaged communities across the U.S.

The goal is to assist communities with the technical tools and organizational capacity to comprehensively plan for and deliver quality infrastructure projects and community development projects that enable their communities and neighborhoods to thrive.

WNDD Summit Hits a Homerun

More than 100 were in attendance at the Western Nevada Development District Summit: “Show Me the Money — How to Get Your Next Grant” held last January at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno. Attendees learned the latest grant writing and management tools and techniques from a wide range of speakers representing state, federal and private organizations working in the grant sector.

An abundance of insight into the world of grants was shared with attendees at the Summit. Guest speaker presentations are perfect reference tools as you work towards getting that next grant for your community.

Reference Tools

Workshops with EDA’s Seattle Region Team

Members of the Western Nevada Development District along with host, the University of Nevada College of Business Center for Economic Development, welcomed Regional Director Sheba Person-Whitley and EDA Nevada Representative John Edmond from the Economic Development Administration’s Region VI Office last January for roundtable discussions and a local infrastructure tour through the City of Reno. WNDD members had the opportunity to share potential EDA grant eligible projects with the representatives, while UCED Director Fred Steinmann reviewed the Center’s work on establishing new Development Districts throughout the state and assisting communities with Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies.

The Regional Director, Nevada Representative, Storey County, NNDA, EDAWN and WNDD representatives toured the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) in McCarran, NV the following day to show the economic growth occurring in Northern Nevada.

Thank You to Our Members and Associate Members

WNDD sends a heartfelt thank you to all of our Members and Associate Members for your support in 2023, and we look forward to continuing to serve you in 2024!

Five for Friday: December 15, 2023

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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 freight and passenger infrastructure, clean energy, rural housing loans, climate challenges and resiliency.

Grant Opportunities & More

Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for FY2024. RAISE discretionary grants help project sponsors at the state and local levels, including municipalities, Tribal governments, counties, and others complete critical freight and passenger transportation infrastructure projects. The eligibility requirements of RAISE allow project sponsors to obtain funding for projects that may be harder to support through other USDOT grant programs.

First RAISE Webinar: December 19, 2023 at 11:30 am PT

RAISE Webinar Registration and More

NOFO

RAISE Grants

Agencies Seek Input on How Clean Energy Initiatives Can Benefit Farmers, Rural Americans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will host a series of listening sessions this winter. The agencies invite perspectives on the benefits and challenges of the rapidly increasing levels of clean energy being sited on agricultural lands and in rural communities. SDA and DOE seek feedback directly from a diverse set of stakeholders about what the agencies can do through their leadership, program guidance, or research and information sharing to encourage positive clean energy siting outcomes that benefit farmers, rural Americans, the renewable energy industry and others.

Stakeholders can register to participate in public listening sessions that are available virtually. Register below.

Listening Sessions:

• Government Permitting and Policy Representatives (state, county, and local levels): January 12, 2024, 9:30 to 11:00 am PT

• Agricultural Producers: January 16, 2024, 7:00 to 8:30 am PT

• All Stakeholders and Members of the Public: January 16, 2024, 11:30 to 1:00 pm PT

• Rural Electric Coops and Clean Energy Developers: January 17, 2024, Noon to 1:30 pm PT

Government Permitting and Policy Representatives

Agricultural Producers

All Stakeholders and Members of the Public

Rural Electric Coops and Clean Energy Developers

Submit Written Comments by January 20, 2024

Rural Housing Site Loans Help Low to Moderate Income Families

The USDA’s Rural Housing site loans provide two types of loans to purchase and develop housing sites:


• Section 523 Loans: To acquire and develop sites only for housing to be constructed using the Self-Help method

• Section 524 Loans: To acquire and develop sites for low- or moderate-income families, with no restriction as to the method of construction
Eligible applicants are private or public nonprofit organizations that will provide sites solely for self-help housing sold to low- or moderate-income families.

You can apply through your local RD office.

Application Deadline: Ongoing

USDA Rural Development Self Help Housing Program

RD Instruction 1944-I

Nevada State Contacts

Now Open: Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant program (Community Change Grants) are accepting applications for $2 billion in grants to fund community-driven projects that address climate challenges and reduce pollution while strengthening communities through thoughtful implementation.

This historic level of support will enable communities and their partners to overcome longstanding environmental challenges and implement meaningful solutions to meet community needs now and for generations to come.

There will be two tracks of funding under this opportunity:

Track I: will fund approximately 150 large, transformational community-driven investment grants of $10 million to $20 million.

Track II: will fund approximately 20 meaningful engagement grants of $1 million to $3 million.

Application Deadline: November 21, 2024. Reviewed on a rolling basis.

Community Challenge Grants

NOFO

Learn More About Environmental Justice

Build for the Future Funding Navigator

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Funding Navigator provides a list of funding opportunities under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and others across federal agencies to support efforts to enhance climate resiliency, energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, healthy housing, workforce development and environmental justice in HUD supported communities, programs and properties.

You can use the tool to find open and upcoming opportunities, including funding status and where to apply, for funds to implement projects that reduce energy use and strengthen resiliency in communities.

Funding Navigator

In the News:Groundbreaking Held for USDA $27M Internet Investment in Lovelock

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USDA Rural Development celebrated the groundbreaking last week for a $27 million investment made through the USDA ReConnect Program and awarded to Uprise Fiber to increase internet access in the City of Lovelock.

Uprise Fiber will utilize the funding to deploy a Fiber-to-the-Home network that will offer economical and dependable internet to Lovelock residents nearly thousands of times faster than their current internet, which can be insufficient for basic activities such as teleconferencing or streaming. This investment will be used to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network connecting 4,884 people, 130 businesses, 22 farms and seven public schools to high-speed internet in Pershing County.

Part of the grant application employed WNDD’s Broadband Mapping Speed Test. The Nevada Speed Test was used to assist grant administrators and internet service providers to verify the impact of their programs and intended targets in real time without relying on out-of-date historical maps.

Five for Friday: November 17, 2023

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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 loans to rural businesses, resilient infrastructure, natural resource conservation, and grant funding.

Grant Opportunities & More

Connecting to Our Natural Resources

The Nevada Division of Forestry’s Conservation Education and Outreach Program (CE) provides funding to organizations that help people of all ages understand and appreciate our country’s natural resources and how to conserve those resources for future generations. Through structured educational experiences and activities targeted to diverse age groups and populations, CE enables people to realize how natural resources and ecosystems affect each other and how resources can be used wisely. Funding is currently available for eligible applicants to expand or enhance CE programs and activities. Eligible applicants include state and local agencies, tribes, non-profit organizations and educational institutions.

Funding requests may not exceed $10,000 per application and indirect costs may not exceed 10% of the total budget request.

Applications: Continuous

Conservation Education & Outreach Grant

Guaranteed Loans for Rural Businesses from U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA Rural Development program offering loan guarantees to lenders for their loans to rural businesses including hospitals, clinics, hotels, and more. Eligible uses include (but are not limited to):

  • Business conversion, enlargement, repair, modernization, or development
  • Purchase and development of land, buildings, and associated infrastructure for commercial or industrial properties
  • Purchase and installation of machinery and equipment, supplies or inventory
  • Debt refinancing when such refinancing improves cash flow and creates jobs
  • Business and industrial acquisitions when the loan will maintain business operations and create or save jobs

Application Deadline: Open

Rural Business Loans

FEMA Climate Adaptation Grants Protect Communities

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program makes federal funds available to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized Tribal governments, and local governments for hazard mitigation activities. It does so with a recognition of the growing hazards associated with climate change, and of the need for natural hazard risk mitigation activities that promote climate adaptation and resilience with respect to those hazards. These include both acute extreme weather events and chronic stressors which have been observed and are expected to increase in intensity and frequency.

FEMA will provide financial assistance to eligible BRIC applicants for the following activities:

  • Capability and Capacity-Building activities – activities that enhance the knowledge, skills, and expertise of the current workforce to expand or improve the administration of mitigation assistance. This includes activities in the following sub-categories: building codes, partnerships, project scoping, hazard mitigation planning and planning-related activities, and other activities
  • Hazard Mitigation Projects – cost-effective projects designed to increase resilience and public safety; reduce injuries and loss of life; and reduce damage and destruction to property, critical services, facilities, and infrastructure (including natural systems) from a multitude of natural hazards, including drought, wildfire, earthquakes, extreme heat, and the effects of climate change
  • Management Costs – financial assistance to reimburse the recipient and subrecipient for eligible and reasonable indirect costs, direct administrative costs, and other administrative expenses associated with a specific mitigation measure or project in an amount up to 15% of the total amount of the grant award

Application Deadline: February 29, 2024

BRIC Grants

USDA and National Rural Health Association to Provide Technical Assistance to Rural Hospitals

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently partnered with the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) to provide technical assistance to rural hospitals across the nation. USDA is awarding NRHA a $2 million cooperative agreement to implement a technical assistance pilot program for hospitals located in rural communities of 50,000 or less. The technical assistance will help rural hospitals better manage their financial and business strategies to improve performance, prevent further hospital closings, and strengthen the delivery of health care for rural communities.

USDA Rural Healthcare Programs

Firehouse Subs Foundation First Responders and Public Safety Grants

The next round of the Firehouse Subs Foundation Grants Opens in January 2024. The Foundation provides support for life saving equipment, prevention education, scholarships, continuing education, and disaster relief. Fire Departments, law enforcement, EMS, municipal and state organizations, public safety organizations, non-profits and schools are encouraged to apply. Funding averages $15,000 to $35,000 and is capped at $50,000. Since 2005, the Firehouse Subs Foundation has awarded more than $850,000 in life-saving equipment to Nevada public safety organizations.

Firehouse Sub Foundation

Five for Friday: November 3, 2023

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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, electric vehicles, entrepreneur funding, strategic planning, and conservation.

Grant Opportunities & More

Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, health care, and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal, and high-poverty areas.

Renewable Energy System grants up to $1 million.

Energy Efficiency grants up to $500,000 (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels).

Next Application Deadlines:
December 31, 2023
March 31, 2024
June 30, 2024

Contact: USDA Rural Development State Office

Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Grants

The Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator is making up to $100 million available for building a convenient, affordable, reliable, equitable, and Made-in-America electric vehicle (EV) charging network along the Nation’s highways and within communities. The first round of funding made available in this program will focus on repairing or replacing non-operational EV chargers. Eligible applicants include State departments of transportation and local governments. States and localities are encouraged to coordinate to the extent possible to address broken and non-operational chargers.

Application Deadline: November 13, 2023

Submit Application

More Information

Funding Great Ideas for the Common Good

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation borrows from its venture capital legacy to create a simple yet unique model for working with social entrepreneurs: they find, fund and support leaders with exceptional promise and impactful ideas that have the potential to scale. Through exhaustive due diligence on hundreds of potential portfolio opportunities, including working in close contact with networks and institutions across the public, private and non-profit sectors, a select group of exceptional leaders and organizations become part of their portfolio. The year-round application process seeks exceptional entrepreneurs and provides them with three years of unrestricted capital (totaling $300,000) as well as rigorous on-going support by joining their board of directors for the 3 years and partnering with the leader to help them to build capacity.

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation

GOED’s Main Street Program Seeking Input for Strategic Plan

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Main Street Program is seeking input in the development of individual community plans through a survey in addition to planning workshops scheduled throughout the state. It is a holistic approach to downtown revitalization that includes historic preservation, community development, beautification, and economic vitality. GOED has partnered with the University Center for Economic Development (UCED), part of the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno, to develop individual community Main Street strategic plans and a new statewide Nevada Main Street Program strategic plan. As part of this effort, GOED staff and UCED faculty will host a series of strategic planning workshops with the WNDD community Main Street stakeholders that include:

Winnemucca: November 6 and 7, 2023

Survey

Nevada Main Street Program

Grant Program Preserves Forests, Promotes Public Access

The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program) of the U.S. Forest Service offers a unique opportunity for communities to acquire and conserve forests that provide public access and recreational opportunities, protect vital water supplies and wildlife habitat, serve as demonstration sites for private forest landowners, and provide economic benefits from timber and non-timber products. Interested local government and nonprofit applicants must submit applications to the State Forester where the property is located. Tribal applicants must submit applications to equivalent Tribal government officials.

Award Ceiling: $600,000

Application Deadline to State Foresters or Tribal governments: January 12, 2024

Community Forest Program

Nevada State Forester

Five for Friday: October 13, 2023

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Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities and More!

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 workforce development, EPA Brownfields Program, supply chain, housing, wildfire defense, and Cybersecurity.

Grant Opportunities & More

Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) Workshop Explores Agricultural Workforce Programs

USDA Rural Development is hosting a virtual workshop on programs and funding opportunities that support the agricultural workforce featuring presentations from the Department of Labor and the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement.

Additional resources are available in the USDA Resource Guide for Workforce Development Guide which outlines programs and services available at USDA and other federal agencies that support workforce development in rural communities.

Workshop: Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm PT

Workshop Registration

RWIN Program

Resource Guide

EPA Brownfields Program Accepting Applications Through November 13th

EPA’s Brownfields Program provides direct funding for brownfields assessment, cleanup, revolving loans, environmental job training, technical assistance, training, and research Applications for new grants through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) program are now be accepted.

This grant cycle offers awards between $500,000 and $5 million. The Brownfields’ mission is to advance environmental justice and help transform what were once polluted, vacant, and abandoned properties into community assets while spurring economic revitalization in underserved communities.

Application Deadline: November 13, 2023

Grant Application Resources

Futures Forum Highlights Opportunities in Pershing and Humboldt Counties

The 2023 Nevada 95-80 Futures Forum is set for October 25 at the Winnemucca Boys and Girls Club.

Nevada 95-80 Futures gathers people from across the region to discuss regional economic growth and to create synergy between stakeholders.

This includes:

  • Strengthening Regional Business Networks
  • Supporting Housing Development
  • Bolstering the Local Supply Chain
  • Partnering in Workforce Development

Nevada 95-80 Futures is hosted by the Nevada 95-80 Regional Development Authority and continues to be a springboard in facilitating regional growth and expanding business opportunities.

The event is FREE to attend.

Register Today!

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Applications Close Soon

The U.S. Forest Service is now accepting applications for the second round of funding under the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program (CWPP). These grants provide communities with funds to plan for and reduce their risks from wildfire. Communities, Tribes, States, and nonprofits are eligible to apply for grant funding.

Priority is given to applications that represent:

  • Areas with High Wildfire Hazard Potential
  • Low-income Communities
  • Communities Impacted by a Severe Disaster

The program provides funding to communities for two primary purposes:

  • Develop and Revise CWPP
  • Implement Projects Described in a CWPP Which Are Less Than Ten Years Old

Grant awards range from $250,000 to $10 million. Matching requirements range from no-match to 25 percent.

Application Deadline: October 31, 2023

More Information and Grant Application

Cybersecurity Summit Offers Tips to Protect Businesses from Digital Risks

The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a Cyber Summit, where industry leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs converge to empower owners and managers with the knowledge and tools to protect their business from evolving digital risks. This promises to be an immersive experience that will transform the way you approach cybersecurity! The SBA summit focuses on delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that are accessible to all.

Virtual Sessions are FREE to attend.

Virtual Sessions: Each Wednesday in October

Virtual Session Registration

Welcome Yerington!

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WNDD Announces the City of Yerington as Its Newest Member

This week the City of Yerington became the 7th city to join the Western Nevada Development District. Economic Development Districts are cities’ local connection with the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, providing locally-based, regionally driven economic development plans and grant resources for the infrastructure needed to support the strategic blueprint.

WNDD will partner with the city to improve airport infrastructure, assist workforce development and training initiatives and support Main Street projects. The City of Yerington joins the counties of Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Mineral, Pershing, Storey and Washoe; the municipality of Carson City; the cities of Fallon, Fernley, Lovelock, Reno, Sparks, Winnemucca; and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe as WNDD members.

Five for Friday: September 29, 2023

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on events around the region which promote economic development.

Grant Opportunities & More

Futures Forum Highlights Opportunities in Pershing and Humboldt Counties – October 25, 2023

The 2023 Nevada 95-80 Futures Forum is set for October 25th at the Winnemucca Boys and Girls Club. Nevada 95-80 Futures gathers people from across the region to discuss regional economic growth and to create synergy between stakeholders.

This includes:

  • Strengthening Regional Business Networks
  • Supporting Housing Development
  • Bolstering the Local Supply Chain
  • Partnering in Workforce Development

Nevada 95-80 Futures is hosted by the Nevada 95-80 Regional Development Authority and continues to be a springboard in facilitating regional growth and expanding business opportunities.

The event is free!

Register Today!

Tahoe Entrepreneurs Take Center Stage at Venture Summit – October 20, 2023

The Tahoe Prosperity Center’s Envision Tahoe Venture Summit is an opportunity to catalyze change and take action to benefit the Basin’s unique regional economy while supporting community, quality of life, and environment. This year’s focus is on Tahoe Inc – organizing and accelerating Tahoe’s innovation ecosystem spearheaded by local entrepreneurs. The Summit will share success stories, offer creative ideas, insight and inspiration.

The Summit is scheduled for October 20th at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. The Tahoe Prosperity Center is the innovative community and economic development non-profit for the Tahoe Basin working regionally with local businesses, jurisdictions, non-profits, and community members to advance identified, data-driven initiatives that better the environment, community, and economy for everyone living and working in Tahoe.

Register Today!

Event Information

Get the Business Edge on Industrial Development – October 26, 2023

The Northern Nevada Development Authority presents the Business Edge™, signature business briefings provide information, issues, and trends of interest to the Northern Nevada business community. These breakfast events also offer opportunities to network with local business executives and management teams, elected and government officials, key workforce leaders, and important nonprofit organizations. The next briefing is slated for Oct. 26 at the Atlantis Casino Resort and will feature Industrial real estate development in Nevada. Learn from local experts about the economic benefits the region has seen from industrial real estate and construction activities and how macroeconomic headwinds: inflation, rising interest rates, labor shortage and uncertainty are expected to affect future growth.

Register Today!

Northern Nevada Small & Minority Business Mixer – October 11, 2023

Join the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC) on October 11th at the Eldorado Convention Center in Reno for this exciting networking event. WRMSDC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting diversity in the marketplace. The mixer will bring corporations and government agencies together with small and diverse-owned businesses for a day of networking and connections and to meet potential suppliers.

What to Expect:

  • Rapid-Fire Corporate Opportunity Sharing
  • Informal Meet-Ups with Corporations & Government Entities
  • Resource Tables with Information to Elevate and Grow Your Business
  • Networking Connections in a Cool, Fun Environment
  • Opportunity Raffles for 1-on-1 Meetings with Corporate Representatives

Register Today!

Ready…Set…Train for Your Next Grant Application

The Governor’s Office of Federal Assistance offers free training sessions to help you access state, federal and private grant resources. These free events will be virtual (unless otherwise noted) and will take place via the Microsoft Teams Platform.

Free and Low-Cost Grant Training Resources

Grant Fundamentals Training on YouTube

More Training

Five for Friday: September 15, 2023

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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 disaster preparedness, community revitalization, museum and library support, and outdoor education.

Grant Opportunities & More

Tips and Tactics for Businesses to Get Ahead of the Next Disaster

National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. Every business has unique vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Knowing which disasters are most likely to affect your business can help you to return to operations faster. A back-to-business self-assessment can help you determine your risks for common hazards such as hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, or even cyberattacks. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a series of tips and links to resources that can help your business be prepared.

Emergency Preparedness

EDA Helps Communities After Disasters Immediately and Long-Term

National Preparedness Month is a time to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies.The data is irrefutable: disasters can strike any community in the U.S., and they are occurring with increasing frequency and intensity. Just last week, parts of Florida and South Carolina were hit by Hurricane Idalia; and in Hawaii, the risk of wildfire remains just weeks after deadly fires destroyed parts of the state. EDA’s support after natural disasters is both immediate and long-term through recovery and resilience investments. WNDD is uniquely positioned to lead federal coordination for economic recovery in the region. Our efforts have led to EDA assistance after multiple disasters and provided billions of dollars in disaster supplemental funding to support communities.

EDA Disaster Resources

Thriving Communities Program Helps Communities Access Historic Infrastructure Investments

The U.S. Department of Transportation has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for up to $22 million in grants to provide technical assistance and a Call for Letters of Interest from communities seeking support through the Thriving Communities Program (TCP). Launched in 2022, the program helps prepare state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to better access historic levels of federal funding for projects in their communities. TCP provides intensive technical assistance to under-resourced and disadvantaged communities to help them identify, develop, and deliver transportation and community revitalization opportunities. Those communities receive in-kind support from Capacity Builders funded through TCP to prepare grant application materials and undertake pre-development, and project delivery activities which include:


• Deploying Innovative Community Engagement
• Workforce Development
• Clean Technology Strategies

There is no cost for communities to receive support through the program.

Thriving Communities Program

The Institute for Museum and Library Services’ Inspire!

Grants for Small Museums is a special initiative of the Museums for America program. It is designed to support small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational/interpretive programs, digital learning resources, policy development and institutional planning, technology enhancements, professional development, community outreach, audience development, and/or collections management, curation, care, and conservation.

Inspire! has three project categories:

  • Lifelong Learning
  • Institutional Capacity
  • Collections Stewardship and Access

Grant awards range from $5,000 to $75,000. Cost share requirements depend on the size of the award.

Application Deadline: November 15, 2023

Inspire! Grants for Small Museums

NOFO

Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program

The Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program (NOER) seeks to provide quality opportunities for Nevada students to experience the outdoors. Administered by the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, the goals of the program are to improve academic achievement and personal wellness while fostering an appreciation of nature. Public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, schools, tribal governments, and other community-based entities that provide outdoor education and recreation programs for Nevada students are eligible for grants ranging from under $5,000 to $50,000. Grants will be available for outdoor environmental, ecological, agricultural, or other natural resource-based education and recreation programs serving Nevada students through the age of 18, with a focus on prioritizing students who face barriers to outdoor recreation access.

Application Deadline: October 6, 2023

More Information and Grant Manual