Five for Friday: November 15, 2024

/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 land reuse, business development, veterans services, community grants and transportation.

Grant Opportunities & More


Webinar: Crafting Community Outreach for Land Reuse Projects

The Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) and the Center for Community Energy and Environmental Justice (CCEEJ) are hosting a webinar entitled “Game Changers: Crafting Community Outreach MVPs (Most Valuable Plans).”

Community engagement is a cornerstone for success in any brownfield reuse project. A strong community engagement strategy will mobilize and empower marginalized communities, inspire informed decision-making and sustainable development, mitigate conflict, increase accountability, and foster long-term stewardship.

Workshop Highlights:

• Importance of Community Engagement: Learn why involving the community is crucial for project success and sustainability
• Step-by-Step Plan Development: Walk through a detailed, step-by-step process for creating a robust community outreach plan
• Case Study, Resources, and Takeaways: Learn from successfully implemented community outreach strategies in redevelopment projects and access materials and tools to continue this type of engagement

Webinar: Wednesday, November 20, 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm

CCEEJ Info

Webinar Registration

 

USDA Rural Business Development Grants (RBDGs)

The RBDG supports targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities that promote the development and expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross annual revenues.

RBDG funding is separated into either enterprise or opportunity-type grant activities.

Enterprise Grants Include:

• Training and technical assistance, including project planning, business counseling, market research, feasibility studies, and product or service improvements
• Buying or developing land, easements, or rights of way, including access streets and parking areas
• Constructing or renovating buildings, and buying machinery and equipment
• Supporting rural business incubators and community economic development

Opportunity Grants Include:

• Business support centers
• Technology-based economic development
• Leadership and entrepreneur training
• Feasibility studies, business plans, and long-term strategic planning, and other eligible activities

Eligible Entities:

• Municipalities
• Non-profits
• Tribes
• Institutes of higher education

Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000. There is no cost-sharing requirement.

Grant Resource Manual

 

Veterans Business Resource Fair

Join the Nevada Veterans Business Outreach Center (NVVBOC) in Reno located at 1041 S. Virginia Street for their Veterans Business Resource Fair and Military Spouse Pathway to Business event. This is a unique opportunity designed to empower veterans and military spouses on their entrepreneurial journey. This event features the Military Spouse Pathway to Business program, an immersive course that introduces military spouses to the essentials of entrepreneurship.

There will also be a resource fair where veteran and military spouse businesses can connect with valuable resources and network with other local veteran entrepreneurs.

The NVVBOC is dedicated to veteran empowerment and entrepreneurial excellence.

Veterans Fair: November 19, 2024, 11:00 am to 3:30 pm

Registration

 

Walmart Spark Good Program Grants

Applications are now being accepted for the next round of Walmart Spark Good Local Grants. The grants range from $250 to $5,000 and are awarded through an open application process to eligible organizations operating locally and directly benefiting the service area of the facility from when they are requesting funding. All organizations interested in applying for a Spark Good Local Grant must have a Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits and be verified by Walmart’s third-party verification partner, Deed. Only authorized users of the organization’s Spark Good account may apply.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2024

More Info

FAQs

 

FY 2025 RAISE Grants Now Open

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. The eligibility requirements of RAISE allow project sponsors, including state and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities, to pursue multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional projects that are more difficult to fund through other grant programs.

Eligible Projects Include:

• Highway, bridge, or other road projects
• Public transportation projects
• Port infrastructure investments
• Intermodal projects
• Various planning projects

For capital projects located in urban areas, the minimum award is $5 million. For capital projects located in rural areas, the minimum award is $1 million. Planning projects do NOT have a minimum award size. The maximum grant award is $25 million.

Application Deadline: January 30, 2025

More Info

Applications

Five for Friday: October 4, 2024

/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 rural energy, entrepreneurship, workforce development, tourism and museums.

Grant Opportunities & More

USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program Guaranteed Loans & Grants (REAP)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s REAP 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.

Funds may be used for the purchase and installation of 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
• Small and large wind generation
• Small and large solar generation

Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:

• High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC)
• Insulation
• Lighting
• Cooling or refrigeration units
• Doors and windows
• Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots
• Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor
• Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment

REAP Grants range from $2,500 to $1 million

Energy Efficiency Grants range from $1,500 to $500,000

Applications Opened: October 1, 2024

REAP Grant Program

Build to Scale Funding Aims to Boost Entrepreneur Ecosystems

The Build to Scale (B2S) program aims to increase the capacity of entrepreneurs in regions throughout the United States to demonstrate, deploy, and deliver new technologies by starting and growing new companies and creating and sustaining new, good jobs. Funding of up to $5 million is available for organizations that aid companies in developing, demonstrating, and deploying new, emerging, and critical technologies.

Eligible Applicants:

• A State
• An Indian tribe
• A city or other political subdivision of a State
• An entity whose application is supported by a State or a political subdivision of a State, and that is a nonprofit organization; or an institution of higher education

Application Deadline: October 28, 2024

NOFO

More Info

Clean Energy Careers for All Program Will Award Nearly $3 Million for Workforce Development Programs

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers funding for non-profit educational organizations, including engineering, scientific, and technical societies, to support programs that promote awareness and interest in clean energy careers among K–12 and university students, alumni and academic professionals, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals.

DOE will accept applications for new or expanded workforce development programs in key clean energy sectors including renewable energy, building energy efficiency, energy storage, advanced materials and manufacturing, electric vehicles, among others.

Eligible Programs:

• Facilitating work-based learning opportunities (like internships, apprenticeships, or other job-based experiences) with industry partners
• Providing career coaching and mentorship (including soft skills development)
• Enhancing education and curriculum development
• Providing career exposure (virtual exposure or in-person visits) to stakeholder groups at multiple levels of the clean energy workforce pipeline

Phase I awards are up to $300,000.

Webinar: October 16, 2024

Phase I Application Deadline: December 13, 2024

Webinar

More Info

 

Helping Tribes Evaluate and Identify Viable Tourism Business Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Indian Economic Development offers a Tribal Tourism Grant program to support tribal economic development and fulfill the mission of the NATIVE Act by providing funding for tribes to conduct feasibility studies to help them make informed decisions about potential tourism projects.

Indian Affairs expects to select 10 to 15 projects which will receive between $75,000 to $150,000 each over 2 years. The grants are intended to support building Tribal capacity to plan, develop and manage tourism and related infrastructure in support of economic development to elevate the living standards of the community.

Application Deadline: October 25, 2024

Apply Now!

 

Grant Funding for Local Museums

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Museums for America program supports museums of all sizes and disciplines in strategic, project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational/interpretive programs, digital learning resources, professional development, community debate and dialogue, audience-focused studies, and/or collections management, curation, care, and conservation.

Project Categories:

• Lifelong Learning
• Community Engagement
• Collections Stewardship and Access

Successful applicants provide funds from non-federal sources in an amount that is equal to or greater than the amount of the request. With IMLS funding, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe collected oral history interviews from tribal wisdom-keepers and developed digital stories to supplement museum displays and exhibits for its Pyramid Lake Museum/Visitor Center.

Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $250,000 and run for a period of up to three years.

Application Deadline: November 15, 2024

More Info

 

Five for Friday: September 20, 2024

/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 grant tools and resources, the arts, technology, healthy food, and recreation.

Grant Opportunities & More

OFA Webinar Offers Key to Unlock Federal Funding

Mark your calendars for 10:00 am, Thursday, September 26th, when the Nevada Governor’s Office of Federal Assistance will host: “Unlocking Federal Funding: Navigating Nevada’s OFA Grant Discovery Tools and Resources.”

Webinar will Explore:

• Gaining a better understanding of available grant resources
• Learning how to navigate and utilize OFA’s online tools
• Understanding the role of Nevada’s Single Point of Contact

Webinar: September 26, 2024 at 10:00 am PT

Register Today!

Nevada Arts Council Seeks Input on Proposed Changes FY26 Grant Guidelines

The Nevada Arts Council is seeking public comment on proposed changes to select Fiscal Year 2026 Grant Offering Guidelines.

Attendee input may be done in person, virtually via Zoom, or provided through comments via email. All comments will be discussed during the workshop.

Guidelines to be Reviewed:

• Nevada Arts Council: Grant and Award Policies
• Artist Fellowship Award
• Arts Learning Project Grant
• Arts Learning Express Grant
• Folklife Artist Grant
• Folklife Community Grant
• Nevada Heritage Fellowship
• Operating Support Grant
• Project Grant for Artists
• Project Grant for Organizations
• Target of Opportunity Grant

Workshop: September 30, 2024, Noon PT

More Info

$50 Million ‘Build to Scale’ Funding Opportunity Aims to Boost Technology Entrepreneur Ecosystems

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is accepting applications for its FY24 $50 million Build to Scale program.

The Build to Scale program supports organizations that strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems that support entrepreneurs in technology-driven businesses.

EDA expects to grant 40 to 50 awards, with awards up to $5 million.

The Build to Scale Program Aims to:

• Build capacity for entrepreneurs and innovators to invent, improve, and bring to market new technology products and services
• Accelerate growth of regional economies focused on future industries
• Empower communities to enable technology innovators and entrepreneurs to pilot and test their products and services
• Increase access to capital for technology-enabled entrepreneurs

Eligible Applicants Include:

A state, an Indian Tribe, a city or other political subdivision of a state, and an entity whose application is supported by a state or political subdivision of a state, and is:

• Nonprofit organization
• Institution of higher education
• Public-private partnership
• Science or research park
• Federal laboratory
• Venture development organization
• Economic development organization or similar entity that is focused primarily on improving science, technology, innovation, or entrepreneurship
• Consortium of any of the aforementioned entities
Application Deadline: October 28, 2024

NOFO

More Info

 

Local and Regional Healthy Food Financing Partnerships Grants

The Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) provides loans, grants, and technical assistance resources to improve and support access to fresh, healthy, affordable food in urban and rural underserved communities. HFFI is using additional USDA-allocated American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Eligible Applicants:

• State, local, Tribal governments and their agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Cooperative businesses
• For-profit businesses

Funds Usage:

• Support new or existing partnerships, such as state or local food funds or financing programs
• Explore, establish, or grow a healthy food financing fund for underserved communities
• Increase internal and external capacity building
• Identify and improve access to seed capital
Application Deadline Round 1: October 14, 2024

More Info

Fact Sheet

Apply Now!

 

Building Outdoor Recreation Economies in Rural Communities

The Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for its Recreation Economy for Rural Communities planning assistance (RERC).

This program helps communities identify strategies to grow their outdoor recreation economy and revitalize their main streets.

The RERC planning assistance process involves developing a local steering committee in each partner community and pairing them with a team of federal agency partners and consultants. Over a period of a few months, the team assists communities in bringing together local residents and other stakeholders to decide strategies, and develop an action plan to grow the local outdoor recreation economy.

Application Deadline: October 16, 2024

More Info

Five for Friday: July 12, 2024

/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 Brownfields Grants, charging and fueling infrastructure, nutrition, and regional events.

Grant Opportunities & More

FY25 EPA Brownfields Grant Types and Amounts Announced!

The EPA has just announced specifics for the agency’s FY25 Brownfields grants. Approximately $235 million will be available in the form of: Community Wide Assessment, Assessment Coalition, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup grants this application cycle. Grants offered by the Brownfields Program may be used to address reuse strategies for vacant properties or underutilized properties that may have environmental concerns as well as sites contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum) and petroleum. EPA anticipates issuing the solicitations for funding in September 2024.

Types of Brownfields Grant Funding

Review EPA FY25 Resources

Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants

The Federal Highway Administration is accepting applications for its Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program. The CFI Round 2 NOFO offers up to $1.3 billion in funding for new applications and for previously submitted applications. The CFI Program is a competitive grant program to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work – urban and rural areas alike – in addition to designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). CFI Program investments will make modern and sustainable infrastructure accessible to all drivers of electric, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas vehicles.

The Program provides two categories of grants:

1. Community Charging and Alternative Fueling Grants (Community Program)
2. Charging and Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants (Corridor Program)

On June 6th, FHWA hosted a grant overview webinar, and on June 11th a webinar on reconsideration of Round 1 applications. These recordings are available to view below.

Application Deadline: August 28, 2024

More Info and Recorded Webinars

Local and Regional Healthy Food Financing Partnerships Grants

The USDA’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) provides loans, grants, and technical assistance resources to improve and support access to fresh, healthy, affordable food in urban and rural underserved communities. Applicants may apply for loans ranging from $500,000 to $5 million to implement healthy food projects. Funds may be used to support predevelopment, land acquisition, renovations, and equipment purchases. Applicants may also apply for grants up to $250,000 to implement healthy food projects. Funds may be used to support project management, equipment purchases, and construction.

Applications are open to:

• State, local, Tribal governments, and their agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Cooperative businesses
• For-profit businesses

More Info

Fact Sheet

Humboldt/Pershing Brownfields Grant Community Meeting July 24

Humboldt County and the 95-80 Regional Development Authority are hosting an EPA Brownfields Grant Community Meeting on Wednesday, July 24 at 6:00 pm at the Winnemucca Convention Center – East Hall, 50 W Winnemucca Blvd, Winnemucca, NV.

The purpose of the meeting is to share information about the county’s Brownfields Program. Humboldt County was awarded a $500,000 EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant in 2023, which is being used to conduct environmental site assessments and prepare any cleanup and reuse plans for Brownfields sites, along with funding community outreach activities. The program covers the Nevada 95-80 region of both Humboldt and Pershing counties.

Brownfields are vacant properties or underutilized properties that may have environmental concerns related to previous industrial or commercial activities on those properties. Making our community better, welcoming, and pleasant, Brownfields programs also boost the local economy by creating jobs, improving the value of adjacent property, and increasing general tax revenues.

Broadband Technical Assistance for Rural Communities

The USDA’s Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) program provides financial assistance through cooperative agreements to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training. Funds can be used to promote broadband expansion in eligible rural areas and includes activities such as project planning and community engagement, operations, financial sustainability, environmental compliance, construction and engineering planning, accessing federal resources, and data collection and reporting.

The USDA is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am PT to cover the following topics:

• An Overview of the Broadband Technical Assistance Program
• Fiscal Year 2024 Program Requirements
• How to Apply and Key Application Resources
• Important Dates and Next Steps
• Questions and Answer Period

Application Deadline: August 20, 2024

Webinar Registration

Fact Sheet

NOFO

Five for Friday: June 21, 2024

/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 rural housing, environmental justice, infrastructure, and more.

Grant Opportunities & More

Rehabilitation Grants for Rural Housing (HPG)

The USDA’s HPG program provides grants to qualified organizations to repair or rehabilitate homes, rental properties or co-ops occupied by low- and very-low-income residents in rural areas.

Eligible applicants are organizations which include most State or local governmental entities, federally recognized Indian tribes, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations.

Applicants provide grants or low-interest loans to repair or rehabilitate housing for low- and very-low-income families. Rental property owners may also receive assistance if they agree to make units available to low- and very-low-income families.

Eligible expenses include:
• Repairing or replacing electrical wiring, foundations, roofs, insulation, heating systems and water/waste disposal systems
• Handicap accessibility features
• Labor and materials
• Administrative expenses

Pre-application Letters Due: July 29, 2024

More Info

Begin Process: Contact Nevada State Office

Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants

The EPA’s new Community Change Grants program funds environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input.

The entities eligible to apply under this NOFO are:
• A partnership between two community-based non-profit organizations (CBOs)
• A partnership between a CBO and one of the following:
o a Federally-Recognized Tribe
o a local government
o an institution of higher education
The activities to be performed under the grants may generally fall under the following categories:
• Climate resiliency and adaptation
• Mitigating climate and health risks from urban heat islands, extreme heat, wood heater emissions, and wildfire events
• Community-led air and other (including water and waste) pollution monitoring, prevention, and remediation investments in low- and zero-emission technologies and related infrastructure
• Workforce development that supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
• Reducing indoor toxins and indoor air pollution
• Facilitating the engagement of disadvantaged communities in State and Federal advisory groups, workshops, rulemakings, and other public processes
Award Range: $1 million to $20 million

Application Deadline: November 21, 2024

NOFO

FAQs

EV and Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Grants

The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program) will strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in urban and rural areas where people live and work located along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). CFI Program investments will make modern and sustainable infrastructure accessible to all drivers of electric, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas vehicles.

This program provides two funding categories of grants:

1. Community Charging and Alternative Fueling Grants (Community Program)
2. Charging and Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants (Corridor Program)

Eligible applicants include:

• States or political subdivision of States
• Metropolitan planning organizations
• Unit of local governments
• Special purpose districts or public authorities with a transportation function, including port authorities
• Indian Tribes
• Authorities, agencies, or instrumentalities or entities owned by, one or more entities listed above
• Group of entities listed above
• State or local authorities with ownership of publicly accessible transportation facilities
(applies to Community Program only)

Award Floor: $500,000

Application Deadline: August 28, 2024

NOFO

Building Climate Smart Humanities Organizations

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Office of Challenge Program strengthens the institutional base of the humanities by funding operational assessments and strategic planning efforts to sustain and protect historical, cultural, educational, intellectual, and physical assets from the risks of climate change. Projects will result in a climate action, resilience, or adaptation plan including detailed assessments, measurable actions, and expected outcomes. Proposals must address how strategic planning for climate change will increase the organization’s resilience and support its work in the humanities over the long term. Projects are financed through a combination of federal matching funds and gifts raised from third-party, non-federal sources.

Eligible applicants include:
• County governments
• State governments
• Special district governments
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• City or township governments
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education

Award Ceiling: $300,000

Application Deadline: September 18, 2024

More Info

Get Your Non-Profit Noticed

With billions of Google searches happening every day, nonprofits around the world use the Google Ad Grant Program to connect with people looking to learn more about their cause. To help people digitally reach and engage their organization’s supporters, Google can provide a (free) helping hand. Through the Google Ad Grant program, qualifying nonprofits can receive up to $10,000 per month in free advertising spend on the Google Search Network. This in-kind donation allows nonprofits to promote their brand, programs, volunteer opportunities, and fundraisers online using the Google Ads platform.

More Info

 

 

 

Five for Friday: June 7, 2024

/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 Brownfields technical assistance, transit development, community facilities, USDA/EDA Resource Guides and STEM grants.

Grant Opportunities & More

Free Technical Assistance for Property Assessment and Revitalization

EPA’s Brownfields program sparks Community-serving projects in historically underserved neighborhoods. Under EPA’s Targeted Brownfields Assessment program, EPA assists communities to assess potentially contaminated properties and safely facilitate their redevelopment. Available at no cost to local governments, quasi-governmental agencies and tribes, information gathered from Targeted Brownfields Assessments gives prospective purchasers a better understanding of potential contamination issues at brownfields in their communities. EPA will characterize a brownfield to determine the nature and extent of the contamination. Results are provided to the community to assist them in redevelopment planning.

More Info

Fact Sheet

Funding Announced for Transit-Oriented Development Planning

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the availability of nearly $10.5 million in competitive grant funds for agencies to plan transit-adjacent development. FTA’s Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development supports planning and investment near transit hubs to promote sustainable, livable, and equitable communities, with a focus on projects that plan for affordable housing. 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: July 22, 2024

More Info

NOFO

Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grants

USDA Rural Development provides Technical Assistance and Training grants to eligible public bodies and private, nonprofit organizations (such as states, counties, cities, townships, incorporated towns, villages, boroughs, authorities, districts, and Tribes located on Federal or state reservations) to provide technical assistance and/or training in support of essential community facilities programs. In turn, this technical assistance and training helps grantees identify and plan for community facility needs in their area. Once these needs are pinpointed, the grantee can find additional public and private financial resources.

Funds may be used to:

• Assist communities in identifying and planning for community facility needs
• Identify resources to finance community facility needs from public and private sources
• Prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial assistance to
develop community facilities
• Prepare applications for financial assistance from Rural Development
• Improve administrative and financial operations management
• Assist with other areas of need identified by the Secretary of Agriculture

Maximum Award: $150,000

Application Deadline: July 8, 2024

More Info

Fact Sheet

USDA and EDA Update Resources in Joint Guide to Boost Economic Development in Rural Communities

USDA Rural Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) updated resources in the joint guide originally released in 2022 to help rural communities build strategies to boost local economic development. Both agencies made several key updates to ensure communities can access new webpages and resources. The resource guide outlines programs and services that can be used to advance community and economic development in rural communities through four focus areas.

These include:

• Planning and technical assistance
• Infrastructure and broadband expansion
• Entrepreneurship and business assistance
• Workforce development and livability

Resource Guide

STEM Grants for Workforce Development Partnerships

Nevada’s STEM Workforce Challenge Grants provide funding 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 and lead to full-time jobs in STEM industries. These grants are available for 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.

Total Available Funding: $425,000

Workforce Challenge Webinar: July 18, 2024 at 10:00 am PT

Application Deadline Round XV: August 26, 2024

Webinar

Office of Science, Innovation & Technology Grants

Five for Friday: April 19, 2024

/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 housing, energy and more.

Grant Opportunities & More

Be on the Lookout: CEDS Update Survey and Project Forms – WNDD Members ONLY

Western Nevada Development District members will be invited to submit projects for regional support in the 2024 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Update. Also, we are seeking your input through a MailChimp survey to add updates to the existing CEDS.

Western Nevada Development District Members will be asked to participate in this simple two part process:

Projects:

Members will be invited to submit projects for regional support in the 2024 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Update. New projects or updates to existing projects already in the CEDS need to be turned in by May 3, 2024.

Survey:

Members will be asked to complete a simple survey to aid WNDD in creating the 2024 CEDS Update.

The 2020-2025 CEDS is a locally based, regionally driven economic development planning process and document that successfully engages the region’s community leaders, private sector partners, and stakeholders. The result creates an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy and to qualify the region for additional assistance from the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce (EDA).

Areas of focus are:

• Workforce Development Infrastructure (sewer, water, energy, broadband)
• Transportation
• Quality of life
• Attainable Housing

Organizations are welcome to submit projects based on; community/regional needs, current community plans, and projects that support the CEDS goals.

This process can help bring money into our communities and create job opportunities.

HUD Grants Available for Manufactured Housing

Cooperatives, nonprofit entities, CDFIs, and governments are eligible applicants for HUD grants that may be used to acquire manufactured housing, community land, repair and replace manufactured housing units, make infrastructure improvements, and provide technical assistance. Applications for the Preservation & Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) program, which will provide $225 million for the benefit of low-income individuals.

Application Deadline: June 5, 2024

NOFO

HUD PRICE

More on HUD and Manufactured Housing:

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to support manufactured housing
• HUD webinars on manufactured housing

CDBG

HUD Webinars

Cultural and Community Resilience Grants Program Touts Preservation and Access

The Cultural and Community Resilience program supports community-based efforts to address the impacts of climate change and COVID-19 by safeguarding cultural resources and fostering cultural resilience through identifying, documenting, and/or collecting cultural heritage and community experiences. The program prioritizes projects from disadvantaged communities in the United States or its jurisdictions.

Project activities may take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Collaborative planning to identify cultural and historical resources
• Documentation of cultural and historical resources through digital means
• Recording oral histories
• Preserving Traditional Knowledge, practices, or technologies, and memories of elders and community, including in languages other than English; or
• Establishing shared resources and protocols for rapid response collecting

Maximum Award: $150,000

Application Deadline: May 21, 2024

NOFO

More Info and Recorded Webinar

Nonprofits can Spread their Good Word through Google Ad Program

With billions of Google searches happening every day, nonprofits around the world use the Google Ad Grant program to connect with people looking to learn more about their cause. To help people digitally reach and engage their organization’s supporters, Google can provide a (free) helping hand. Through the Google Ad Grant program, qualifying nonprofits can receive up to $10,000 per month in free advertising to spend on the Google Search Network. This in-kind donation allows nonprofits to promote their brand, programs, volunteer opportunities, and fundraisers online using the Google Ads platform.

Application Info

How to Blog

Local Government Energy Program: Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy

This funding opportunity will support eligible local governments and Tribes to implement projects that provide direct community benefits, spark additional investments, meet community-identified priorities, and build local capacity. Community benefits may include creation of local economic opportunities for workers, workforce measures and agreements, community revitalization, lowered energy burdens, increased access to renewable energy, improved air quality, increased public participation in energy decision-making processes, and improved quality of life for local residents. Projects may span a range of geographic scopes and wide variety of technology areas including, but not limited to building efficiency and/or electrification, electric transportation, energy infrastructure upgrades, microgrid development and deployment, renewable energy, resilience hubs, and workforce development.

Award Amount: $900k to $3.6M

Application Deadline: May 31, 2024

Application Info

FAQs

Five for Friday: April 5, 2024

/in , , , /by

Curated by WNDD…

The latest information on economic development impacting your community.

Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors

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

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

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

Platinum
Nevada Builders Alliance

Gold
City of Fallon
Converse Consultants

Silver
RailPros

Copper
Roman DBDR

Quartz
BEC Environmental, Inc.
RNDC

Special Thanks
Frey Ranch

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

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

Nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for grants to provide technical and cooperative development assistance to individuals and rural businesses.

USDA is particularly interested in applications that will:

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

Stakeholder Announcement

RCDG Program

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

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

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

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

Application Deadline: April 30, 2024

More Info

Tribal Energy Funding Opportunities

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

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

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

Application Deadline: May 30, 2024

Recorded Webinar

Funding Announcement

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

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

Applications Due: June 17, 2024

More Info

April 9 Webinar

April 10 Webinar

Five for Friday: October 13, 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 workforce development, EPA Brownfields Program, supply chain, housing, wildfire defense, and Cybersecurity.

Grant Opportunities & More

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

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

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

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

Workshop Registration

RWIN Program

Resource Guide

EPA Brownfields Program Accepting Applications Through November 13th

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

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

Application Deadline: November 13, 2023

Grant Application Resources

Futures Forum Highlights Opportunities in Pershing and Humboldt Counties

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

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

This includes:

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

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

The event is FREE to attend.

Register Today!

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Applications Close Soon

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

Priority is given to applications that represent:

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

The program provides funding to communities for two primary purposes:

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

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

Application Deadline: October 31, 2023

More Information and Grant Application

Cybersecurity Summit Offers Tips to Protect Businesses from Digital Risks

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

Virtual Sessions are FREE to attend.

Virtual Sessions: Each Wednesday in October

Virtual Session Registration

Five for Friday: 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