Five for Friday: January 6, 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 professional education, grant processes, social justice and infrastructure.

Grant Opportunities & More

WNDD Summit – Save the Date

January 30 and 31, 2023

WNDD Summit “Show Me the Money: How to Get your Next Grant”

Join Us…

For our 2023 Summit and explore the complicated world of grants, grant writing and more. The events start on January 30th with the Reception Dinner and all are invited to attend. The one-day Summit on January 31st offers attendees the opportunity to learn from, and engage with grant experts from around the country.

January 30th
Reception Dinner: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

January 31st
Registration and Coffee: 8:00 am to 9:00 am
Summit: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Where:
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Grand Ballrooms 5,6 and 7

Registration Fee:
Members – Dinner and Full Summit $25
Non Members – Dinner and Full Summit $75
Dinner Only – $50

Registration begins January 11th. Visit WNDD.org.

Rural Renewable Energy Grants and Loans

SDA Rural Development will make $300 million available under the Rural Energy for America Program to expand renewable energy and support energy-efficiency projects. The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Funding includes $250 million provided by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Two significant changes include an increase in the maximum grant share from 25% to 40% of total project cost and an increase of maximum grant amounts from $250,000 to $500,000 for energy efficiency projects and an increase from $500,000 to $1,000,000 for renewable energy systems.

Who may apply for this program?
• Agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations.
• Small businesses in eligible rural areas. .

Technical Assistance Application Deadline: January 31, 2023
Grant Application Deadline: March 31, 2023
Loan Guarantee Deadline: Open All Year

Rural Energy for America Program

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grants

Federal Emergency Management Agency grants support pre-disaster mitigation activities to build capacity to help identify mitigation actions and implement projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards. 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. In addition to providing funding, the BRIC program offers help to communities in the form of non-financial Direct Technical Assistance that can provide holistic hazard mitigation planning and project support.

Application Deadline: January 27, 2023

BRIC Program

 

EPA’s Environmental Justice and Civil Rights Implementation Plan Needs Your Input: Nevada Session January 9, 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9 will host four listening sessions on Zoom to discuss the Region’s draft Fiscal Year 2023 Environmental Justice and Civil Rights Implementation Plan. Regional Administrator, Martha Guzman, will provide an overview of the Region’s priorities and welcome public input. Members of the public are invited to join any session, but three of the four sessions will have a geographic focus. Spanish language interpretation will be provided. Please RSVP for connection information and identifying other accessibility needs.

Zoom Listening Nevada Session: January 9, 2023 at 2:00 pm PT

EPA Region 9: Pacific Southwest

Listening Session Registration

Building Better Transportation Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Transportation has $1.5 billion in grant funding made available through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. RAISE discretionary grants help project sponsors at the State and local levels, including municipalities, Tribal governments, counties, and others complete in critical freight and passenger transportation infrastructure projects.

In 2022, RAISE funded 166 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This year’s Notice of Funding Opportunity builds on the success of the RAISE program as authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by refining the rating rubric and continuing to give priority to safety, environmental sustainability, mobility and community connectivity, and quality of life.

Additionally, projects designated “Reconnecting Extra” during the new FY 2022 Reconnecting Communities Program (RCP) competition and submitted for consideration under the FY 2023 RAISE NOFO will have a greater opportunity to be advanced during the FY 2023 RAISE evaluation process, as described in the NOFO.

Application Deadline: February 28, 2023
Selections Announced No Later Than: June 28, 2023

RAISE Program

Reconnecting Communities Program

Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) 2023

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Program helps communities carry out projects with significant local or regional impact

The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for 2023. The popular program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact.

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 are harder to support through other U.S. DOT grant programs.

Recent examples of funded projects include a critical bridge replacement in Tucson, new berth construction at Port Tampa Bay, a new pontoon bridge in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, and a new snowmelt system in Berlin, New Hampshire. The Department is encouraging applicants to consider how their projects can address climate change, ensure racial equity, and remove barriers to opportunity.

The Department also intends to use the RAISE program to support wealth creation and the creation of good-paying jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union, the incorporation of strong labor standards, and training and placement programs, especially registered apprenticeships.

Application Deadline: February 28, 2023, 8:59 PM PT
Selection Announcements: no later than June 28, 2023

2022 Awarded Projects

NOFO

Five for Friday: December 16, 2022

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Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season and Prosperous New Year

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, housing, cultural preservation and more.

Grant Opportunities & More

City of Reno to award nearly $4 million through HOME program

The City of Reno is accepting grant applications for projects to assist people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and those who are victims of domestic violence. The $4 million in HOME program grants is part of the American Rescue Plan funds provided to local governments.

Projects eligible for funding include rental and deposit assistance, development of rental housing or non-congregate shelters, and supportive services including housing counseling, homelessness prevention and child care.

Housing may consist of single or multi-family units providing ownership and/or rental housing. Eligible costs include those associated with new construction, re-construction, rehabilitation, site acquisition, site improvement, and demolition. Other expenses include financial costs and relocation expenses of any displaced persons, businesses, or organizations.

Final funding recommendations for the grants will be made by mid-April 2023 and awards will be distributed in early summer.

Application Deadline: January 9, 2023

More Grant Information

Past Project Profiles

 

Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Preservation and Access is accepting applications for the Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections program. This program helps cultural institutions meet the complex challenge of preserving large and diverse holdings of humanities materials for future generations by supporting sustainable conservation measures that mitigate deterioration, prolong the useful life of collections, and strengthen institutional resilience (i.e., the ability to anticipate and respond to disasters resulting from natural or human activity).

Preventive conservation encompasses managing relative humidity, temperature, light, and pollutants in collection spaces; providing protective storage enclosures and systems for collections; and safeguarding collections from theft, fire, floods, and other disasters.

For the January 12, 2023 deadline, there are two levels of funding available at the Implementation phase. Level I (up to $100,000) is intended to address discrete preservation challenges that are identified through general preservation assessments at small to mid-sized institutions. Level II (up to $350,000) provides funding for institutions of any size that have completed interdisciplinary planning and are prepared to implement more extensive preventive conservation projects. .

Application Deadline: January 12, 2023

Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections Program

 

STEM Workforce Development Challenge Grants

To spark the creation of lasting partnerships between industry and workforce training providers that result in sustainable training programs for in-demand industries, the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science Innovation and Technology is offering STEM Workforce Challenge Grants.

Funds from a grant award must be used to support the development, implementation, improvement, or expansion of programs that will train participants for “middle-skills” STEM jobs requiring technical skills and postsecondary credentials below a bachelor’s degree.

Eligible applicants for a STEM Workforce Challenge Grant 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: On Going

STEM Workforce Development Challenge Grants

 

Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund (TTP)

The Federal Highway Administration 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. Tribal Transportation Program 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.

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)

Application Deadline: January 15, 2023

Federally Recognized Tribes

Eligible Activities

Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund

 

Community Revitalization through Rewarding Private Investment

The New Market Tax Credit Program (NMTC) incentivizes community development and economic growth through the use of tax credits that attract private investment to distressed communities. As of the end of FY 2021, the NMTC Program has:

• Generated $8 of private investment for every $1 of federal funding
• Created nearly 239 million square feet of manufacturing, office, and retail space
• Financed more than 10,800 businesses

The NMTC Program helps businesses with access to financing that is flexible and affordable. Investment decisions are made at the community level, and typically 94 to 96% of NMTC investments into businesses involve more favorable terms and conditions than the market typically offers. Terms can include lower interest rates, flexible provisions such as subordinated debt, lower origination fees, higher loan-to-values, lower debt coverage ratios, and longer maturities.

Application Deadline: January 26, 2023

NMTC Program

WEBINAR: Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT)

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Wednesday, December 14, 2022

The USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other – and the world – overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Projects are encouraged that promote equity and economic opportunity in rural America, specifically those that advance these key priorities:

• Supporting health care needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and helping prepare for future pandemic events

• Ensuring racial equity

• Rebuilding our rural economy

• Addressing the climate crisis

DLT Grant Information

Webinar Registration

Five for Friday: December 2, 2022

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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 manufacturing, preservation, incentives and infrastructure.

Grant Opportunities & More

The New Markets Tax Credit Program (NMTC Program)

The New Market Tax Credit Program (NMTC Program) incentivizes community development and economic growth through the use of tax credits that attract private investment to distressed communities. The Program aims to break the cycle of disinvestment and reinvigorate struggling local economies.

The NMTC Program attracts private capital by permitting individual and corporate investors to receive a tax credit against their federal income tax in exchange for making equity investments in specialized financial intermediaries called Community Development Entities (CDEs). The credit totals 39% of the original investment amount and is claimed over a period of seven years.

Application Deadline: January 26, 2023

NMTC Program

 

Historic Preservation Fund – Semiquincentennial Grants

National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund Grant Program supports the physical preservation of a broad variety of cultural resources associated with the founding of America as a nation in commemoration of the country’s semiquincentennial (250th anniversary). Funded projects will preserve National Register listed, State owned, cultural resources related to the founding of the nation.

These grants will fund physical preservation to National Register listed historic properties including buildings, sites, structures, objects, or historic districts. Grants are awarded through a competitive process and do not require non-Federal match, though match may be considered as a competitive factor.

Application Deadline: December 6, 2022

Historic Preservation Fund – Semiquincentennial Grants

 

Solid Waste Management Grants

USDA Rural Development offers funds to organizations to provide technical assistance and/or training to improve the planning and management of solid waste sites in rural areas.

Projects can include:
• Evaluate current landfill conditions to identify threats to water resources
• Provide technical assistance or training to enhance the operation and maintenance of active landfills
• Provide technical assistance or training to help communities reduce the amount of solid waste coming into a landfill
• Provide technical assistance or training to prepare for closure and future use of a landfill site

Application Deadline: December 31, 2022

Solid Waste Management Grants

Fact Sheet

 

Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants

USDA Rural Development provides funds for organizations that assist communities with water and/or waste operations through technical assistance and training. This program helps qualified, private nonprofits provide technical assistance and training to identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste problems; helps applicants prepare applications for water and waste disposal loans/grants; and helps associations improve the operation and maintenance of water and waste facilities in eligible rural areas.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2022

Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants

Fact Sheet

 

Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program

The Walmart foundation offers grants to support local needs in their service area. Grants range from $250 to $5,000. Organizations can submit up to 25 applications. Open to non-profits, state, county or city government including first responders, and schools.

Funding areas include:

• Community and Economic Development
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Education
• Environmental Sustainability
• Health and Human Service
• Hunger Relief and Healthy Eating
• Public Safety
• Quality of Life

Application Deadline: December 31, 2022

Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program

ReConnect Round 4 – Public Notice Filings

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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.

Public Notice Filing Portal

User Guide

Portal Demonstration

Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) Funding Opportunity

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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

Webinar Registration

Stakeholder Announcement

Five for Friday: November 18, 2022

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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 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

PWEAA NOFO Information

 

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

BRIC Grant

FEMA Handbook

 

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

Global Designing Cities Initiative GDCI

GDCI Information and Application Forms

Thriving Communities Program

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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

Information for 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).

In the News: Small Communities Win Big – $1 Million in Grants

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$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

HOPE VI Main Street Program