USDA Opens Portal
USDA Rural Development has opened its Public Notice Filing (PNF) and Public Notice Response (PNR) Portal for the ReConnect Round 4 Proposed Funded Service Areas. Individuals may now view and respond to any PNF published in the portal. Additionally, the PNF/PNR User Guide and PNF Portal Demo have been posted to assist users in navigating the portal and how to submit a response.
Webinar for Stakeholders: December 13, 2022
The Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) initiative funding is earmarked to implement multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans. SECD is a funding opportunity designed to encourage and advance regional community and economic strategic planning.
Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in broadband, businesses, community facilities, infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation.
The FY23 SECD reserve funds programs include:
• Community Connect
• Community Facilities
• Rural Business Development Grants
• Water and Environmental Programs
Participation is encouraged for all stakeholders that support regional community and economic development, strategic planning, and seek funding to assist rural communities in efforts to improve and thrive.
Webinar: December 13, 2022, 11:00 am PT
Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…
This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of energy and infrastructure.
Grant Opportunities & More
Rural Energy for America Program
The USDA Rural Development provides funding for agriculture producers and rural small businesses to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems or complete energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. Eligible entities include agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations and Small businesses in eligible rural areas; communities of less than 50,000. Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as:
• Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels)
• Geothermal for electric generation or direct use
• Hydropower below 30 megawatts
• Hydrogen
• Small and large wind generation
• Small and large solar generation
Application Deadline: March 31, 2023
Rural Energy for America Program
Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) programs provide economically distressed communities and regions with comprehensive and flexible resources to address a wide variety of economic needs. Projects funded by these programs will support the mission of the Department by, among other things, leading to the creation and retention of jobs and increased private investment, advancing innovation, enhancing the manufacturing capacities of regions, providing workforce development opportunities, and growing ecosystems that attract foreign direct investment. EDA solicits applications from applicants in order to provide investments that support construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects under EDA’s Public Works program and EAA programs.
There are no submission deadlines under this opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until a new PWEAA NOFO is published, this PWEAA NOFO is cancelled, or all funds have been expended.
Application Deadline: None
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
The Federal Emergency Management Administration’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) will support states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The BRIC program guiding principles are supporting communities through capability- and capacity-building; encouraging and enabling innovation; promoting partnerships; enabling large projects; maintaining flexibility; and providing consistency.
Through BRIC, FEMA continues to invest in a variety of mitigation activities with an added focus on infrastructure projects benefitting disadvantaged communities, nature based solutions, climate resilience and adaption, and adopting hazard resistant building codes.
Subapplicants should check with their respective State Hazard Mitigation Officer or Applicant’s Office on any additional deadlines.
Application Deadline: January 27, 2023
Energy Department Announces $35 Million To Deploy Clean Energy on Tribal Lands and Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings
Under two funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) aimed at unlocking the benefits of clean energy for Native communities, the DOE will award a total of $35 million to Indian Tribes to:
• Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands (DE-FOA-0002774)
• Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings (DE-FOA-0002771)
According to the DOE This funding will promote Tribal energy and economic development by helping Native communities unlock the benefits that come with the deployment of clean energy. The Office of Indian Energy will host informational webinars to provide potential applicants with detailed information on both FOAs. Registration is required.
Application Deadline Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands (DE-FOA-0002774): February 9, 2023 at 2 pm PT
Application Deadline Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings (DE-FOA-0002771): February 23, 2023 at 2 pm PT
Webinar Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands: November 29, 2023, 12 to 2 pm PT
Webinar Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings: December 1, 2022, 12 to 2 pm PT
FO: Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands
FO: Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings
Registration: Webinar Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands
Registration: Webinar Webinar Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings
Grants for Improving Cycling Infrastructure
The Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure (BICI) is a competitive grant program that will foster catalytic change in city cycling infrastructure around the world. The Initiative aims to promote this healthy, efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation available. Unfortunately, in too many cities, cycling infrastructure remains disconnected, incomplete, and in need of innovation.
Led in partnership with the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI), BICI will:
• Fund ambitious cycling infrastructure projects by providing grants of $400k USD to $1M USD
• Refine project plans by connecting winning cities with world-class technical assistance from GDCI
• Implement projects and track progress by training city leaders on data collection, resident engagement and other industry best practices
• Connect cities with a global network of peer
Application Deadline: February 3, 2023
Grant Opportunity – Department of Transportation
The Thriving Communities Program is focused on three components:
• Main Streets
• Complete Neighborhoods
• Networked Communities
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) invites Letters of Interest from eligible applicants interested in receiving two years of technical assistance, planning, and capacity building support from the Thriving Communities Program (TCP). This step will help applicants compete for federal aid and deliver quality infrastructure projects that enable their communities and neighborhoods to thrive.
Eligibility: Letters of Interest must be submitted by a state, local, or Tribal unit of government or similar. Non-profit Main Street programs can encourage local or state governments to apply and be a part of the local partnership. Applicants must include a lead applicant and at least two community partner organizations.
Letter of Interest Deadline: December 6, 2022
Identifying Disadvantaged Communities
WNDD: Here to Assist Your Community
• Write grant applications for state, federal and other funding.
• Assist grant administrators and internet service providers in verifying the impact of their programs and intended targets in real time without relying on out-of-date historical maps.
• Check if broadband deployments and related grant programs are meeting expectations.
• Identify areas of broadband need and produce design and cost estimates for projects covering fiber, fixed wireless and hybrid options.
• Contribute to more detailed broadband design studies by GEO Partners at the county and city level (future studies).
$1 Million Available Thru HOPE IV Main Street Program
The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) of $1 Million through the HOPE VI Main Street Program.
This grant program provides assistance to smaller communities in the development of affordable housing that is undertaken in connection with a Main Street revitalization effort.
Program Objectives:
• Redevelop central business districts (Main Street areas)
• Preserve historic or traditional Main Street area properties by replacing unused commercial space in buildings with affordable housing units
• Enhance economic development efforts in Main Street areas
• Provide affordable housing in Main Street areas
Eligible applicants are limited to Units of General Local Governments with a population of 50,000 or less and 100 or fewer physical housing units within its jurisdiction and who have an existing Main Street rejuvenation project already in progress.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2023
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 rural housing, mobility, rural microlending and more.
Grant Opportunities & More
Manufactured Housing Pilot Program Renewed
The USDA’s Section 502 Direct Loan Program assists low and very low income applicants obtain decent, safe and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase an applicant’s repayment ability. Payment assistance is a type of subsidy that reduces the mortgage payment for a short time. The amount of assistance for this pilot program is determined by the adjusted family income. Loan funds may be used to help low-income individuals or households purchase homes in rural areas. Funds can be used to build, repair, renovate or relocate a home, or to purchase and prepare sites, including providing water and sewage facilities.
Application Deadline: Open until November 4, 2024
Manufactured Housing Pilot Program
FY 2023 Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants
Guidelines are now available for EPA grants offered by the Brownfields Program used to address sites contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum) and petroleum. Assessment provides funding for brownfield inventories, planning, environmental assessments, and community outreach.
Application Deadline: November 22, 2022
Types of EPA Brownfield Grant Funding
Multipurpose, Assessment, RLF, and Cleanup (MARC) Grant
Community Mobility Solutions for Economic Health
The National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM) recognizes the vital role transportation plays in all activities that support the empowerment of individuals across the board. Yet often community transportation systems lack the resources and/or strategies to provide the level of mobility to residents that they would like to. The 2023 Ready-to-Launch Grants, funded by the Federal Transportation Administration, of up to $75,000 will allow communities to pilot a promising mobility solution, the development of which was inspired and informed by the results of community research. The solution being proposed must be a new idea, not the expansion or continuation of an existing service.
Application Deadline: November 23, 2022
National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM)
Want to Give Business a Boost? Learn About the USDA’s Rural Microlending Program
Nonprofits, federally recognized tribes and institutions of higher education are eligible entities to administer the USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program as a Microenterprise Development Organization (MDO). Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural microentrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually. Loans of $50,000 – $500,000 may be used to establish a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the MDO.
Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:
• Working capital
• Debt refinancing
• Purchase equipment and supplies
• Improve real estate
Application Deadline: Open
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
Building Cultural and Community Resilience
The National Endowment for the Humanities Cultural and Community Resilience program supports community-based efforts to mitigate climate change and COVID-19 pandemic impacts, safeguard cultural resources, and foster cultural resilience through identifying, documenting, and/or collecting cultural heritage and community experience. The program prioritizes projects from disadvantaged communities in the United States or its jurisdictions, and NEH encourages applications that employ inclusive methodologies.
Maximum award amount is $150,000.
Application Deadline: January 12, 2023
Building Cultural and Community Resilience
Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), is a vital partner to our member organizations in Grant Research, Writing and Management. Our professional team is available to assist in identifying and obtaining funding sources to grow a stronger Nevada.
Virtual Listening Event: November 3rd & 4th
USDA is seeking public input on how to use Inflation Reduction Act funding to advance clean energy for people in rural America. This commitment to cleaner energy will help USDA Rural Development provide resources to reduce climate pollution and ensure that communities have access to a clean, secure energy supply to keep rural people and economies prepared for the future.
Inflation Reduction Act strives to reduce energy costs for families and create thousands of good-paying jobs for people across rural America.
USDA is hosting two virtual listening sessions to provide an opportunity for stakeholders and other interested parties to submit comments. Tribes and Tribal utilities are invited to join these sessions. USDA will announce a Tribal-specific listening session or consultation in the near future.
Registration is required and the listening sessions will be recorded and made publicly available.
Virtual Session: Thursday, November 3, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM PT
This session is for rural communities, rural small businesses, and agricultural producers including renewable energy generation providers, distribution utilities, transportation fueling facilities, fuel distribution facilities, environmental, community and consumer groups, industry associations, and Federal, state, and local government and agencies.
Friday, November 4, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM PT
The Friday session focuses on rural electric cooperatives and related stakeholders as described above.
Interested parties may also submit written comments on or before Monday, November 28, 2022.
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, infrastructure and broadband.
Grant Opportunities & More
New Data Analysis Tool Helps Determine Grant Eligibility and Critical Recovery Needs
In partnership with the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), Argonne has developed the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE) to help a variety of users across the country with local economic recovery and resilience analysis. The NERDE consolidates information and data on economic distress criteria, COVID-19 impacts to local economies, and the existence and emergence of industry clusters. The searchable information is displayed at the Economic Development District (EDD) and county levels in two separate dashboard tools. These data also help inform communities on the types of criteria that may indicate eligibility for EDA assistance
National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE)
USDA seeks qualified small businesses to support research toward commercial opportunities in agriculture!
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) focus on transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial potential and/or societal benefit. Unlike fundamental research, the USDA SBIR/STTR programs support small businesses in the creation of innovative, disruptive technologies and enable the application of research advancements from conception into the market. The programs provide equity-free funding and entrepreneurial support at the earliest stages of company and technology development in categories including:
• Plant Production and Protection (Biology)
• Animal Production and Protection
• Conservation of Natural Resources
• Rural and Community Development
• Aquaculture • Biofuels and Biobased Products
• Small and Mid-size Farms
Awards range up to $181,000
Phase I Application Deadline: October 25, 2022
USDA Learning Program Grants look to increase knowledge of agriculture and improve the nutritional health of children.
The purpose of the Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program is to increase the knowledge of agricultural science and improve the nutritional health of children. The program’s goal is to increase the capacity for food, garden, and nutrition education within host organizations or entities, such as school cafeterias and classrooms, while fostering higher levels of community engagement between farms and school systems by bringing together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system. The initiative is part of a broader effort to not only increase access to school meals for low-income children, but also to dramatically improve their quality.
Awards range up to $225,000 (No match required)
Application Deadline: December 8, 2022
Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
FEMA’s BRIC grant program give states, local communities, tribes and territories funding to address future risks to natural disasters, including ones involving: wildfires, drought, hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme heat, and flooding. Addressing these risks helps make communities more resilient. On Oct. 7, 2022, FEMA announced an increase in program accessibility for communities for the fiscal year 2022 to benefit underserved communities with challenges meeting the Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) requirement when accessing funding through Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs. Eligible states, territories and federally recognized tribal governments can submit applications on behalf of subapplicants for BRIC funding via FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO). This is the grants management system to support FEMA grant programs.
Application Deadline: January 27, 2023
Annual Economic Outlook Forum: October 26, 2022
Futures Event Highlights Humboldt & Pershing County Economies
Nevada US-95 I-80 Futures presents the annual economic outlook for these crossroads communities in the Pershing/ Humboldt County region on Wednesday, October 26 at the Boys and Girls Club of Winnemucca. Speakers representing leading businesses will share up-to-the minute information, trends, expansions, and their company’s outlook and growth for the upcoming year. The key theme of this year’s Futures Forum is community capacity building to support businesses so they might survive and thrive. Presented by the Nevada 95-80 Regional Development Authority the event is free to attend.
Annual Economic Outlook Forum: October 26, 2022
ReConnect Round 4 “Ask Me Anything: ReConnect”
The USDA Rural Development Rural Utilities Service (RUS) will be hosting another “Ask Me Anything: ReConnect” Q&A session. The webinar will provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about the Program.
Webinar: Thursday, October 20th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PT
EmployNV Job Center Grand Re-Opening – October 20, 2022
Please join Nevadaworks as they re-introduce Northern Nevada’s workforce development center.
Please join Nevadaworks as they hold the reopening of the EmployNV Job Center on October 20th! This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know our community partners and the services provided at the EmployNV Career and Business Hub!
Nevadaworks is Northern Nevada’s partner for job seekers looking for training and employment opportunities, and employers looking to develop and hire skilled workers. By helping you achieve your goals, we’re building a stronger Nevada workforce and more diverse economy.
Where:
Reno Town Mall
4001 S. Virginia St.
Reno, NV
When:
Thursday, October 20, 2022
3:00 to 5:00 PM
Special Guests:
Governor Steve Sisolak
Various Federal & State Officials
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 resiliency, infrastructure and grant assistance.
Grant Opportunities & More
Futures Event Highlights Humboldt & Pershing County Economies
Nevada US-95 I-80 Futures presents the annual economic outlook for these crossroads communities in the Pershing/ Humboldt County region on Wednesday, October 26 at the Boys and Girls Club of Winnemucca. Speakers representing leading businesses will share up-to-the minute information, trends, expansions, and their company’s outlook and growth for the upcoming year. The key theme of this year’s Futures Forum is community capacity building to support businesses so they might survive and thrive. Presented by the Nevada 95-80 Regional Development Authority the event is free to attend.
Annual Economic Outlook Forum: October 26, 2022
FEMA and EDA Release New Resource to Align Community Plans and Build Resilience
A new resource will help economic development and hazard mitigation planners achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Hazard Mitigation Plan Alignment Guide connects economic development and hazard mitigation plans so communities can be more resilient from natural hazards.
The guide was a collaboration between FEMA and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Communities, states and federal officials can use the guide when preparing or reviewing FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plans and EDA Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS).
Included in the guide are strategies to help align strategies with approved local plans. When communities align their CEDS and mitigation plans:
• Businesses and business districts are built in safer areas with a lower risk of hazard impacts.
• Private investment is directed to safer areas. It is also developed to be more resilient to hazards.
• Buildings are placed and built to design standards that help withstand hazard events.
• Businesses can reopen more quickly after hazard events.
• Critical facilities and infrastructure keep working during and after events.
• The community can manage open space and natural resources in ways that reduce hazard impacts and support the economy through agriculture and tourism.
CEDS and Hazard Mitigation Plan Alignment Guide
FHWA Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund
Transportation fatalities and injuries severely impact the quality of life in Indian country. Each year under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 4% of the available TTP funds are set aside to address transportation safety issues identified by federally recognized Indian tribes through a competitive, discretionary program. Projects are chosen whose outcomes will reduce fatal and serious injuries in transportation related incidents, such as motor vehicle crashes. FHWA advocates the development of strategic transportation safety plans as a means for tribes to determine how transportation safety needs will be addressed in and around tribal communities.
Eligible projects for the TTP Safety Fund include:
• Develop and update transportation safety plans
• Safety data assessment, improvement, and analysis
• Systemic roadway departure countermeasures
• Infrastructure improvements and other eligible activities as listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4)
FY2023 Application Deadline: January 15, 2023
Webinar: October 11, 2022. 1:00 PM PT. Use link below or call 551 285 1373 and enter meeting ID 160 835 1138 and passcode 923902.
Searching for Grant Opportunities? The Nevada Grant Lab Can Help
Nevada GrantLab, a nonprofit corporation, started in 2020 with a vision to help nonprofits, local governments, and State agencies better access and maximize historically underutilized federal funding that can be used to build greater quality of life and opportunity for all Nevadans.
They accomplish this by:
• Capacity Building: Helping partners discover and build skills, capabilities, and partnerships.
• Grant Services: Assisting partners identify funding that is a good fit and submit competitive applications.
• Data, Engagement, and Policy: Activating stakeholders and decision-makers, ensuring they have the data they need, and supporting aligned action and policy improvements that maximize the benefit of federal grants for Nevadans.
Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (AWARE) Grant
The purpose of Project AWARE is to develop a sustainable infrastructure for school-based mental health programs and services. Grant recipients are expected to build collaborative partnerships with the State Education Agency, Local Education Agency, Tribal Education Agency, the State Mental Health Agency, community-based providers of behavioral health care services, school personnel, community organizations, families, and school-aged youth. Grant recipients will leverage their partnerships to implement mental health related promotion, awareness, prevention, intervention, and resilience activities to ensure that students have access and are connected to appropriate and effective behavioral health services.
Application Deadline: October 13, 2022
Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), is a vital partner to our member organizations in Grant Research, Writing and Management. Our professional team is available to assist in identifying and obtaining funding sources to grow a stronger Nevada.
For more information about membership, visit WNDD.org
