Five for Friday: September 29, 2023

/in , , , /by

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

/in , , /by

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

Five for Friday:Special Labor Day Edition

/in , , /by

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, nutrition, transportation, and disaster loans.

Grant Opportunities & More

Solar for All Grants Target Low-Income and Disadvantaged Communities

The EPA’s $7 billion Solar for All grant competition will award up to 60 grants to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible nonprofit recipients to expand the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities primed for distributed solar investment. Grantees must use funds to expand existing low-income solar programs or design and deploy new Solar for All programs nationwide. EPA will not fund individual projects under this competition. Solar for All grants will range from $25 million to $400 million to provide subsidies and other financial assistance to residential rooftop and residential-serving community solar projects in and benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. Grants may include project-deployment technical assistance such as workforce development, community outreach, and other project-deployment support (e.g., interconnection technical assistance, siting and permitting support) to help overcome barriers to solar deployment.

Application Deadline: October 12, 2023

NOFO

Farm to School Programs Support Child Nutrition Activities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Technical Assistance grants support nonprofit entities and Indian Tribal Organizations to implement national- and/or regional-level farm to school activities. Awardees under this cooperative agreement will undertake projects supporting USDA’s priorities of Food System Transformation, Improving Child Health through Nutritious School Meals, and Indigenous Food Sovereignty.

Available funding ranges from $500,000 to $1 million depending on the applicant’s choice of track. Eligible applicants are national and/or regional level nonprofit entities and Indian Tribal Organizations with a history of meaningful engagement with the target audience.

Application Deadline: October 10, 2023

Farm to School Program

Electrifying Tribal Communities

The Department of the Interior has launched a new program through the availability of $72.5 million to help Tribal communities electrify homes. The program will provide financial and technical assistance to Tribes to connect homes to transmission and distribution that is powered by renewable energy; provide electricity to un-electrified Tribal homes through zero-emissions energy systems; transition electrified Tribal homes to zero-emissions energy systems; and support associated home repairs and retrofitting necessary to install the zero-emissions energy systems. Awards range from $250,000 to $20 million and can include planning, implementation or both.

Pre-Application Deadline: September 18, 2023

Full Proposal Deadline: December 22, 2023

Tribal Electrification Program

Pre-Application Information

Pilot Program Targets Transit-Oriented Development Planning and Implementation

The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced the availability of approximately $13.4 million in competitive grant funds through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning. The funding will support local planning and investment near transit hubs to promote sustainable, livable, and equitable communities. TOD links public transportation, land use, and housing to create communities that are connected to transit and walkable. Comprehensive planning funded through the program must examine ways to improve economic development and ridership, foster multimodal connectivity and accessibility, improve transit access for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, engage the private sector, identify infrastructure needs, and enable mixed-use development near transit stations.

Application Deadline: October 10, 2023

Webinar: September 14, 2023 at 11:00 am PT

Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning

Webinar Registration

Disaster Loans Available for Businesses and Homeowners in Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Mineral Counties

Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available from the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist businesses and residents in Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Mineral counties affected by severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred March 8-19. Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, and other business assets.

Disaster loans of up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles. Interest rates for loans can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.375 percent for private nonprofits and 2.375 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

SBA’s Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center is open 8 am to 4:30 pm PT and can be reached at FOCWAssistance@sba.gov or 916.735.1512.

Apply online or email/call SBA’s customer service center at: Disastercustomerservicee@sba.gov or 800.659.2955.

Disaster Loan Assistance: Applications and More

Five for Friday: August 18, 2023

/in , , /by

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 placemaking, infrastructure, mobility, drought preparedness, and wildfire defense.

Grant Opportunities & More

Placemaking: Community Development Success Stories

Creative placemaking integrates arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities. Community leaders and public and private grant funding organizations interested in rural placemaking are encouraged to attend the USDA and University of Kentucky Webinar on Placemaking Resources in Rural Communities.

Attendees will hear about firsthand experiences of rural leaders who have received grants to finance creative placemaking projects. The presentations will also provide successful placemaking models that small funding organizations can replicate in their own communities.

Webinar: August 30, 2023, at 10:00 am PT

Webinar Registration

Rural America Placemaking Toolkit

Infrastructure ‘Bootcamps’ Help Small Cities Get Grants

The National League of Cities’ (NLC) Local Infrastructure Hub is a national program designed to connect cities and towns with the resources and expert advice they need to access federal infrastructure funding in order to drive local progress, improve communities, and deliver results for residents.

As part of the Local Infrastructure Hub, NLC hosts Grant Application Bootcamps for local governments with 150,000 or fewer residents. The Bootcamps are designed to assist smaller communities navigate grant opportunities. More than 600 cities have participated in the Bootcamps, with new registrations opening later this summer.

Local Infrastructure Hub

Grant Application Bootcamps

Getting SMART about Transportation Technology

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting applications for the second year of its Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program. This SMART Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will accept applications for Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping grants. During Stage 1, the SMART program seeks to fund innovation aimed at solving real-world transportation problems and is focused on building data, technology capacity, and experience for State, local, and Tribal governments.

Recognizing that many public sector transportation agencies face challenges finding the resources and personnel to leverage new technologies, the program also builds in the time and support to enable successful deployment. The funding opportunity is open to public sector entities seeking to carry out transportation projects that demonstrate at least one of the following technology areas:

• Coordinated automation

• Connected vehicles

• Sensors

• Systems integration

• Delivery/logistics

• Innovative aviation

• Smart grid

• Traffic signals

Anticipated funding for Phase 1 projects is $250,000.

Application Deadline: October 10, 2023

SMART Grants Program

Application Submission

NOFO

WaterSmart Grants for Drought Preparedness Webinar

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation provides funding for projects that will help communities prepare for and respond to drought. Typically, these types of projects are referred to as “mitigation actions” in a drought contingency plan.

Reclamation will fund projects that build resiliency to drought by:

    Increasing the reliability of water supplies

    Improving water management

    Providing benefits for fish and wildlife and the environment

The Bureau will host an informational webinar to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for both the Planning and Project Design Grants funding opportunity and the Drought Resiliency Projects funding opportunity. The new Planning and Project Design Grants funding opportunity includes:

    Water Strategy Grants

    Project Design Grants

    Drought Contingency Planning

Awards range from $25,000 to $5 million.

Application Deadline: October 31, 2023

Webinar: August 24, 2023, 10:30 am PT

WaterSmart Grant and Webinar Information

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program

The Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is again accepting applications for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program. Now in its second year, the competitive program is designed to assist at-risk communities, including Tribal communities, non-profit organizations and state forestry agencies with planning for and mitigating wildfire risks.

In the first round of funding, the program awarded $197 million to 99 project proposals across 22 states and 7 Tribes. The program provides funding to communities for two primary purposes:

• Develop and revise Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP)

• Implement projects described in a CWPP that is less than 10 years old

Application Deadline: October 31, 2023

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program

Five for Friday: August 4, 2023

/in , , , , /by

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 repair grants, professional development, Brownfields Workshops and local issues.

Grant Opportunities & More

USDA Announces Disaster Repair Grant

The USDA announced $50 Million to pay for up to 75% of disaster repair projects in communities with less than 20,000 residents. Nevada Counties are able to apply for these funds directly due to the Federal disaster declaration.

Rural Development Key Priorities:
• Assisting rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure
• Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD programs and benefits from RD funded projects
• Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Disaster Repair Grant

National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference –
September 26 thru 28, 2023

The 2023 NACO Annual Conference is just two short months away and will be held in Elko, NV, at the Elko Convention Center.

Educational sessions will focus on: community health, emergency management, public lands and natural resources.

Tuesday, September 26

President’s Reception – Help us celebrate!
2023 NACO President, Lincoln County Commissioner, Varlin Higbee

Wednesday, September 27

General Session with an exciting and engaging Keynote Speaker
Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony

Thursday, September 28

Final Educational Sessions and Engagement Opportunities

Registration and Schedule

NNDA Conference: Realities and Opportunities in Nevada’s Workforce –
Wednesday, August 30, 2023

NNDA invites you to join educational stakeholders, businesses, and state agency leaders for an informational discussion regarding the efforts to support Nevada’s workforce.

Engage with our panelists in a discussion about the current problems facing the state and how we can better prepare our workforce to the changing job trends and opportunities through trainings, career education, and apprenticeships.

When:
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Doors open at 11:00 am
1:00 am till 11:30 am Networking
11:30 am till 1:00 pm Lunch & Speakers

Where:
Atlantis Casino
3800 S. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89502

Tickets

Nevada Brownfields Workshops: Connecting the Dots – Reuse, Renew & Revitalize Land

Two Sessions

Henderson, NV: Thursday, September 7, 2023, 8:00 am till 3:00 pm
Carson City, NV: Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 8:00 am till 3:00 pm

Choose which session you would like to attend or attend both.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

As the first event of its kind, the Nevada Brownfields Workshop will connect you with federal, state, and local experts to assist and support in overcoming land redevelopment challenges specific to Nevada, so you can transform unused land and revitalize your neighborhood! Meet the broad range of speakers, including housing and economic development experts, environmental consultants, and technical assistance providers!

Hosted by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR), these workshops will enable you to connect the dots between your idle or contaminated land and the end vision.

Learn More and Register

Webinar: Marketing Your Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

When:
Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 1:00 pm ET

Where:
Virtual

NDC has partnered with marketing firm DH to host a workshop and discussion on RLF marketing strategies, responding to Community of Practice participants identifying marketing as a key area to improve their RLF’s capacity.

Marketing Your Revolving Loan Fund

Kick Off Meeting: Humboldt County EPA Brownfields Community Assessment Grant

/in , , , /by

A Pathway to Economic Opportunities for Our Communities

The Kickoff Meeting for the Humboldt County EPA Brownfields Community Assessment Grant was held this week 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, Western Nevada Development District will assist with community outreach and engagement activities. Converse Consultants is providing the Environmental Consulting Services that will lead the assessment, reuse planning for assessed and/or clean-up sites, and co-develop revitalization strategies.

Five for Friday: July 21, 2023

/in , , , /by

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 forestry resources, wastewater, workforce development, and cultural enrichment.

Grant Opportunities & More

Urban Forestry: Nature Based Solutions to Extreme Heat and Climate Change

The USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program is a technical, financial, and educational assistance program, delivering nature-based solutions to ensure a resilient and equitable tree canopy where more than 84 percent of Americans live. It is the only dedicated urban forest program in the federal government.

The UCF Program assists State Forestry agencies and partner organizations in addressing and applying nature-based solutions to:

  • Become more resilient to climate change
  • Combat extreme heat with the cooling effects of increased urban tree canopy
  • Experience improved forest health conditions and safer access to tree benefits
  • Attain broadened exposure and access to environmental career pathways

In the State of Nevada, $3 million is available to non-profits, educational institutions of higher learning, any U.S. federally recognized Tribal Organization that is operating within the United States or its territories, and state organizations representing multi-state or national proposals are eligible. Local governments may apply if their proposal includes other local governments/eligible entities.

Grants are up to $500,000 and all grant funds are to be matched at least equally (dollar for dollar) with non- federal match, which may include in-kind donations, volunteer assistance, and private and public (non- federal) monetary contributions.

Next Application Deadline: August 15, 2023

Urban and Community Forestry Program

Application Process

Water and Waste Disposal Loans & Grants

Through the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service Water and Environmental Programs (WEP), rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities extend and improve water and waste treatment facilities that serve local households and businesses. Good practices can save tax dollars, improve the natural environment, and help manufacturers and businesses to locate or expand operations.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Most state and local governmental entities
  • Private nonprofits
  • Federally-recognized tribes
  • Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less

Funds available include long-term, low-interest loans. If funds are available, a grant may be combined with a loan if necessary to keep user costs reasonable. Funds may be used to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of facilities and a wide variety of related activities including land acquisition.

Water and Waste Disposal Loans & Grants

Sharing Community and Cultural Stories

The National Endowment for the Humanities Media program supports the development, production, and distribution of radio programs, podcasts, documentary films, and documentary film series that engage general audiences with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways.

Projects must be grounded in humanities scholarship and demonstrate an approach that is thoughtful, balanced, and analytical. Media Projects offers two levels of funding: up to $75,000 for Development and up to $700,000 for production.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations recognized as tax-exempt; accredited institutions of higher education (public or nonprofit); state and local governments and their agencies; and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: August 9, 2023

Application Overview

FAQs

EDA Announces Recompete Pilot Program

The Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete Pilot Program) will invest $200 million in persistently distressed communities to create and connect people to good jobs. This program will create renewed economic opportunity in communities that have been forgotten for too long. To do so, the program targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment significantly trails the national average, with the goal to close this gap through large, flexible investments.

This Phase 1 NOFO invites applicants to apply for:

  • Strategy Development Grants
  • Approval of a Recompete Plan
  • Combination of both

Applicants who receive approval of a Recompete Plan in Phase 1 can receive between $250,00 and $500,000 and will be invited to apply to Phase 2. In the Phase 2 NOFO, investments can support a wide range of implementation activities across workforce development, business and entrepreneur development, infrastructure, and additional planning, predevelopment, or technical assistance.

Application Deadline: October 5, 2023

Fact Sheet

Webinar

U.S Bank’s Community Possible Grant Program

The U.S. Bank Foundation focuses grant giving to economic development issues tied to work, home and play with 501c3 nonprofit partners based in and serving designated U.S. Bank communities.

The following factors are among those the foundation will consider:

  • Innovation and/or differentiation in our focus areas of Work, Home and Play
  • Programming and services that advance positive community engagement efforts
  • Demonstrated outcomes and impact
  • Service delivery to low-and moderate-income, women and people of color
  • Diversity in the management and governing board of the organization
  • The financial health of the organization

Grants are available to cover an organization’s day-to-day, ongoing expenses, such as salaries, utilities, office supplies and more. A program or project grant is given to support a specific, connected set of activities, with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives and a predetermined cost. Capital grants are available to develop an organization’s fixed assets.

U.S Bank’s Community Possible Grant Program

Five for Friday: July 7, 2023

/in , , , /by

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 energy, grant assistance, technology and innovation hubs, and conservation.

Grant Opportunities & More

US DOT Announces Three Grant Programs for Major Surface Transportation Projects

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is now taking applications for up to $5.575 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for projects of regional or national significance. This funding supports three major discretionary grant programs that involve surface transportation projects designed to strengthen supply chains, spur economic development, and improve safety and daily life.

Available funding includes:
• $1.8 billion for the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) Program:

The Mega program supports large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and are likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits. Eligible projects could include highway, bridge, freight, port, passenger rail, and public transportation projects of national or regional significance.

• $3.1 billion for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Program:

The INFRA program awards competitive grants to multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, accessibility, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas.

• $675 million for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant (Rural) Program:

The Rural program supports projects that improve and expand our nation’s surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas in order to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life.

Eligible projects for Rural grants include highway, bridge, and tunnel projects that improve freight, safety, and provide or increase access to agricultural, commercial, energy, or transportation facilities that support the rural area economy.

Application Deadline: August 21, 2023

MPDG Program

National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) Program

Rebuilding America (INFRA) Program

Rural Surface Transportation Grant (Rural) Program

PACE Program Delivers Clean Energy to Rural Communities

With $1 billion in funding, the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program helps make clean, affordable, and reliable energy accessible to the people of rural America. Under PACE, USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) will forgive up to 60 percent of loans for renewable energy projects that use wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, or biomass, as well as for renewable energy storage projects.

PACE funding makes it more affordable for rural Americans to use clean, reliable energy to heat and cool their homes, run their businesses, and power their cars, schools, and hospitals.

Eligible entities include:

  • Corporations, states, and territories, along with their subdivisions and agencies
  • Municipalities
  • Utility districts
  • Cooperatives
  • Nonprofits
  • Indian Tribes
  • Limited Liability Companies or other for-profit entities

Letters of Interest and Applications Open: July 10, 2023

Fact Sheet

NOFO

HUD Program Supports Main Street Affordable Housing

The HOPE VI Main Street Program provides grants to communities smaller than 50,000 in population to assist in the renovation of a historic, traditional central business district, or “Main Street” area by replacing unused, obsolete, commercial space in buildings with affordable housing units. The obsolete building space property may be publicly or privately owned. Eligible applicants under this NOFO are county governments, city or township governments, and special district governments. The local government, whose jurisdiction includes the Main Street area, is the only entity that is eligible to receive an award.

Funding of up to $1 million per project is available.

Application Deadline: October 12, 2023

HOPE VI Main Street Program

Funding Available for In-Demand Nevada STEM Training Programs

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Science Innovation and Technology has opened its eighth round of funding for STEM Workforce Challenge Grants. The purpose of these grants is to spark the creation of lasting partnerships between industry and workforce training providers resulting in sustainable training programs that provide in-demand, industry recognized STEM skills to training recipients that lead to full-time jobs in STEM industries. Funding must be used for capital or programmatic expenses to start or expand a STEM program.

Eligible applicants are Nevada’s Community Colleges or State College, private career colleges located in Nevada that provide technical training, Chambers of Commerce, organizations that specialize in workforce training, Regional Development Authorities, STEM-related businesses, employee associations, and city and county governments.

Application Deadline: August 28, 2023

STEM Workforce Challenge Grant Round XIII

Funding for Conservation, Outdoors and Military Veterans

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are helping shape the future of the outdoors through donations and grant-making. Community giving priorities align with their mission to focus on projects that make a difference in conserving the outdoors and inspiring the next generation of conservation stewards.

Grants support supports:

  • Conserving fish and wildlife: Initiatives that ensure the health of our precious fish and wildlife resources including habitat improvement and restoration, water quality and species health.
  • Introducing new audiences to the outdoors: Programs that foster passion in the next generation including youth and family outdoor adventures, outdoor skills training and multicultural outreach.
  • Protecting hunting and fishing heritage: Projects that protect our hunting and fishing heritage including second amendment rights, outdoor recreational access and conservation advocacy.
  • Military and veterans: Initiatives that care for our military and veterans in honor of their service to our country and our freedom, particularly programs that help military and veterans enjoy the outdoors.

Grants to eligible organizations can total up to $100,000.

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Conservation Education & Outreach Grants

Five for Friday: June 9, 2023

/in , , , /by

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 infrastructure, access to capital, homeownership, climate change and broadband.

Grant Opportunities & More

Join the Electric Highway:
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program (CFI)

The CFI Grant program provides funding to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and other alternative fueling infrastructure.

This grant program has two tracks:

Corridor Charging: to deploy electric vehicle charging and hydrogen/propane/natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors

Community Charging: to install electric vehicle charging and alternative fuel in locations on public roads, schools, parks, and in publicly accessible parking facilities

Community Charging grants will prioritize rural areas as well as low-and moderate-income neighborhoods with low ratios of private parking, or high ratios of multiunit dwellings.

Project Minimum: $500,000

Application Deadline: June 13, 2023

CFI Program

National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards and Requirements

Strategic Planning Grants to Address Climate Change

The National Endowment for the Humanities’ Climate Smart Humanities Organizations supports efforts from organizations such as museums, libraries, archives, historic sites, and colleges and universities for comprehensive organizational assessments that lead to strategic climate action and adaptation plans.

Grants of up to $300,000 are available with a 1:1 match required. Through the Climate Smart program, humanities organizations can undertake activities such as energy audits, risk assessments, and meetings with consultants. The resulting climate smart planning will establish goals and prioritize actions that reduce impacts on the environment through mitigation and vulnerability from extreme events through adaptation.

Application Deadline: September 14, 2023

Climate Smart Humanities Organizations

EDA Launches Build to Scale Supporting Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Startups

The U.S. Economic Development Administration is accepting applications for its $50 million Build to Scale (B2S) Program to support projects that strengthen equitable ecosystems and increase access to capital for innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups. The program strengthens regional economies by supporting scalable startups which help communities and regions grow technology-driven businesses, create high-skill/high-wage jobs, and build industries of the future.

The FY 2023 Build to Scale Program is comprised of two competitions:

Venture Challenge:

Venture Challenge supports programs that enable high-growth technology entrepreneurship and foster inclusive access to proven entrepreneurship support models.

Capital Challenge:

Capital Challenge increases access to capital in communities where risk capital is in short supply by providing operational support for early-stage investment funds, networks, and training programs that focus on both traditional and hybrid equity-based financing.

Application Deadline: July 28, 2023

Build to Scale (B2S) Program

Venture Challenge

Capital Challenge

NOFO

Apply Here

USDA Rural Development Programs Highlight Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month!

As part of this nationwide celebration, USDA Rural Development (RD) is showcasing programs that help people in rural and Tribal areas buy, build and repair affordable homes in America’s smallest towns and communities.

The USDA has invested $37 billion to help nearly 216,000 families and individuals through RD’s Single Family Housing programs:

Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program: provides loans directly to families and individuals to buy or build homes in rural America

Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program: enables USDA to partner with private lending institutions, backing their loans to help families and individuals buy homes in rural areas

Home Repair Loan and Grant Program: provides loans and grants to help families and individuals repair their homes to make them safer, healthier places to live

Mutual Self-Help Housing Grant Program: provides grants to qualified organizations to help them carry out local self-help housing construction projects

Single Family Housing Programs

Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans

Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants

Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants

Community Connect Grants Provide Internet Access and Economic Opportunities

The USDA’s Community Connect provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities where service does not exist.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Incorporated organizations
  • Federally recognized Tribes
  • State and local units of government
  • Any other legal entity, including cooperatives, private corporations, or limited liability companies organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis

Funds may be used for the construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service for all residential and business customers located within the Proposed Funded Service Area and all participating essential community facilities (such as public schools, fire stations, public libraries, and public safety stations).

The Community Connect program helps rural communities receive access where broadband service is least likely to be commercially available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for people and businesses.

Application Deadline: June 20, 2023

Community Connect Program

NOFO

Webinar Series: USDOT Safe Streets for All

/in /by

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is hosting informational webinars for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant opportunity. These webinars will be recorded and will serve as a resource for prospective SS4A applicants. Visit the USDOT website for recorded events.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the new SS4A discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

Upcoming May Webinar Dates:

Planning and Demonstration Grant applicants: How to fill out the SF-424A and SF-LLL forms
Monday, May 22, 2023, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm PT

Implementation Grant applicants: How to fill out the SF-424C and SF-LLL forms
Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 10:00 am to 11:00 am PT

Implementation Grant applicants: Example estimated supplemental budget
Thursday, May 25, 2023, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm PT

Implementation Grant applicants: Self-Certification Eligibility Worksheet
Tuesday, May 30, 2023, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm PT

Webinar Registration: May 22, 2023

Webinar Registration: May 24, 2023

Webinar Registration: May 25, 2023

Webinar Registration: May 30, 2023

USDOT Safe Streets for All Grants