Five for Friday: April 5, 2024

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Curated by WNDD…

The latest information on economic development impacting your community.

Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors

The 2024 Western Nevada Development District’s Summit “Show Me More Money” provided more than 90 attendees with an in-depth look at the benefits of Brownfields, the Nevada Tech Hub impact, building coalition partnerships while breaking down silos, and opportunities available to rural Nevada.

Special thanks to the City of Fallon for rolling out the red carpet as the Summit kicked off with a special tour at the Frey Ranch Distillery followed by an enjoyable evening of food and fun at the Historic Oats Park Art Center. A shout out to all our panelists and lead speakers/moderators: Eileen Christiansen, Principal, BEC Environmental; Philip Childers, Brownfields Client Manager, Converse Consultants; Dr. Fred Steinmann, Director, UNR-UCED; Glen Martel, CEO, Nevada Builders Alliance and Shari Davis, Director, Rural Economic and Community Development, GOED.

The Summit would not have been possible without these great sponsors:

Platinum
Nevada Builders Alliance

Gold
City of Fallon
Converse Consultants

Silver
RailPros

Copper
Roman DBDR

Quartz
BEC Environmental, Inc.
RNDC

Special Thanks
Frey Ranch

Grants to Strengthen Rural Cooperatives and Expand Access to New and Better Markets

The USDA is making the $5.8 million in grants available under the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program to start, improve or expand rural cooperatives and other mutually owned businesses that will help improve economic conditions in rural areas.

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.

USDA is particularly interested in applications that will:

• Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities
• Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD funded projects
• Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
The maximum award is $200,000.

Stakeholder Announcement

RCDG Program

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Challenge America Grants Help Everyone Live More Artful Lives

Challenge America offers support primarily to small organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities. Challenge America features an abbreviated application, a robust structure of technical assistance, and grants for a set amount of $10,000. Grants require a cost share/match of $10,000 consisting of cash and/or in-kind contributions. Total project costs must be at least $20,000 or greater.

Challenge America supports projects in many artistic disciplines including Artist Communities, Arts Education, Dance, Design, Folk & Traditional Arts, Literary Arts, Local Arts Agencies, Media Arts, Museums, Music, Musical Theater, Opera, Presenting & Multidisciplinary Arts, Theater, and Visual Arts.

Projects must extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities. Projects may include, but are not limited to: arts programming, including the commissioning or presentation of artists or artwork; marketing and promotional activities; special events and organizational planning.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2024

More Info

Tribal Energy Funding Opportunities

The Office of Indian Energy is soliciting applications from Indian Tribes, Intertribal Organizations, and Tribal Energy Development Organizations, to:

• Install clean energy generating system(s) and/or energy efficiency measure(s) for Tribal buildings
• Deploy community-scale clean energy generating system(s) or community energy storage on Tribal lands
• Install integrated energy system(s) for autonomous operation (independent of the traditional centralized electric power grid) to power a single or multiple essential Tribal buildings during emergency situations or for Tribal community resilience
• Provide electric power to Tribal Building(s), which otherwise would be unelectrified

Grants range from $100,000 to $5 million depending on project area.

Application Deadline: May 30, 2024

Recorded Webinar

Funding Announcement

FHWA Announces Nearly $45 Million in Available Funds to Improve Bicyclist and Pedestrian Connectivity and Safety

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has opened applications for up to $44.5 million in funding for projects that will strengthen safety and improve bicycling, walking and access to public transit in communities across the country. The new Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), will award competitive grants to help communities plan, design, or construct safe and connected active transportation networks such as sidewalks, bikeways, and trails that connect destinations such as schools, workplaces, residences, businesses, recreation areas and medical facilities within a community or metropolitan region. Grants will also be provided for projects used for trails, pedestrian facilities, bikeways and other routes that serve as backbones to connect two or more communities, metropolitan regions or states. The funding is available for states, local and Tribal governments, as well as metropolitan and regional planning organizations, and applicants can apply for more than one grant. .

Applications Due: June 17, 2024

More Info

April 9 Webinar

April 10 Webinar

Five for Friday: February 23, 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 broadband, grant assistance, water infrastructure and agriculture.

Grant Opportunities & More

Last Chance! Book Your Room Today!

Room Block Thru February 25th

Comfort Inn and Suites
1830 W Williams Ave., Fallon
Government Rate of $107 plus tax

To get your room guaranteed rate, book with Crystal Schultz at the Comfort Inn and Suites before February 25. You will need to book individually and with your credit card.

Email:
Crystal.CIFallon@gmail.com

Room Rate Guaranteed for Emails received by February 25th

ReConnect Program Webinar March 6: Notice of Funding Opportunity Round 5

The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program provides funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. The application window for the fifth round of funding will open on March 22, 2024. Presented by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service, this webinar will provide information about the ReConnect Program and will cover the recently published Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Round 5.

This webinar will include:

  • A brief overview of the ReConnect Program
  • The current Funding Opportunity Announcement
  • A summary of changes from NOFO 4 to NOFO 5
  • Next steps and important dates
  • An opportunity to ask questions about the NOFO

Webinar: March 6, 2024, 10:00 to 11:30 am PT

Register

ReConnect Program

New Database Web Site Tracks Grant and Assistance Programs

The White House released a new database which tracks federal financial assistance programs. This website allows visitors to explore Federal financial assistance programs across categories, agencies, eligible applicants, and more. Over the past several years, financial assistance has routinely accounted for over $3 trillion of spending and constitutes a high proportion of Federal programs.

Start Your Search

EPA’s Water Technical Assistance Ensures Equitable Access to Water Infrastructure Funding

EPA’s free Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) services support communities to identify water challenges, develop plans, build capacity, and develop application materials to access water infrastructure funding. To implement WaterTA, EPA collaborates with states, Tribes, territories, community partners, and other key stakeholders. EPA WaterTA aims to assist communities with applications for federal funding, quality infrastructure, and reliable water services. If your community is facing water infrastructure challenges, and could benefit from support, explore this option.

WaterTA Program

Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants

Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) competitive grants initiate or expand efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools, and other stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs.

Projects may target areas of:
• food access
• education
• business
• start-up costs for new farmer
Grants can cover planning activities such as developing assessments of community needs within the local food system or identifying how food is grown, distributed, or marketed and what existing needs related to food access, nutrition, education, conservation, and economic development can be addressed.

The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $75,000 and the estimated funding ceiling is $350,000.

Application Deadline: April 9, 2024

UAIP Grants

Webinar Recordings

FAQs

Five for Friday: February 9, 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 grant information, networking, safe streets, business grants, and rural airport improvements.

Grant Opportunities & More

WNDD Summit: “Show Me More Money!”

The 2024 WNDD Summit will take off where “Show Me the Money” left off last year. This year’s event, dubbed “Show Me More Money,” will provide attendees with a more in depth look at navigating grant opportunities, building a successful grant application, fostering partnerships and more.

Expect presentations from area experts, exciting local tours, fun, food and entertainment!

Tentative Events – More Information Coming Soon!
March 25th

Tours
Naval Air Station Fallon Base Tour and Brief
Frey Ranch Distillery Tour and Tasting

Elevated Dining Experience
Catered Dinner, Antique Bar, Cultural Exhibits and Entertainment at the Historic Oats Park Art Center.
Enjoy a fabulous meal and a special signature drink handcrafted with Frey Ranch Whiskey.

March 26th
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks
Presentations, Q and A sessions, Nevada Lithium/EV Materials Loop Tech Hub Impact Discussions

Room Block by February 25th
Government Rate of $107 plus tax
Comfort Inn and Suites
1830 W Williams Ave.
Fallon, NV

Reno Hosts FY 2024 ReConnect Program NOFO 5 Workshop

The ReConnect Program provides funds in the form of loans, grants and combination loan/grants for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.

USDA is hosting an in-person workshop in Reno, Nevada on February 27th thru 29th. The workshop will cover important information for ReConnect Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 5 applicants including an overview of each component of a complete application, live demonstrations, office hours, and more.

More Info

Conference Registration

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program

US DOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program has $5 billion in appropriated funds available over 5 years, 2022-2026. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Over $3 billion is still available for future funding rounds.

The next NOFO is expected to be released later this month. These funds will help communities in the development of road safety action plans and improve unsafe roadway corridors by implementing effective interventions. Additionally, these funds can be utilized to test safety features such as separated bicycle lanes or curb extensions at intersections.

Safe Streets Grant Program

Grant Funds to Boost Rural Business

USDA Rural Development offers this versatile program to support business opportunities or business enterprise projects in eligible rural areas. Uses may include establishing business support centers, financing job training or leadership development programs, the repair or modernization of buildings, creating feasibility studies, the purchase of equipment to lease to small or emerging businesses, and much more. There is no maximum grant amount; however, smaller requests are given higher priority. There is no cost sharing requirement.

There are two types of Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) projects, Opportunity grants and Enterprise grants. Opportunity type grants are limited to up to 10 percent of the total RBDG annual funding. Enterprise type grants must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application.

Contact your local office for assistance.

Application Deadline: February 28, 2024

Local Office

More Info

Matching Dollars Available for Rural Airport Improvements

The Fund for Aviation was reestablished by the 2023 legislature through AB58 at $1,000,000 per year. These funds must be used exclusively on federal projects at public-use airports within the state for the enlargement, improvement, or maintenance of rural airports, landing areas or air navigation facilities. The money appropriated through this legislation must be used by rural airports to match money that is available from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Nevada Aviation Technical Advisory Committee (NATAC) manages these funds and was formed as a forum for discussing planning and programming issues related to the Nevada Airport & Heliport System Plan (NAHSP), providing recommendations for the administration of the Fund for Aviation, (formerly the Aviation Trust Fund).

More Info

ReConnect Program Webinar:Preparing to Apply

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ReConnect Program Webinar:
Preparing to Apply

Presented by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS), the webinar will provide information about the ReConnect Program and help prepare applicants ahead of the next Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

This webinar will include:

  • What applicants can do now to prepare for the next NOFO
  • Registration and system requirements
  • A high-level look at ReConnect Program eligibility requirement
  • Tips on using the Application System
  • An opportunity to ask RUS staff questions about the application preparation

Representatives will address as many questions as time permits during each session. Once the NOFO is published, RUS will host a NOFO Overview webinar to include an updated list of the most common.

ReConnect Program Round 5 Webinar

January 24, 2024
10:00 am to 11:30 pm PT

ReConnect Program

Webinar Registration

ReConnect Program Round 5 NOFO Coming Soon!

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: 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

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

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