Five for Friday: April 5, 2024

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Curated by WNDD…

The latest information on economic development impacting your community.

Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors

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

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

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

Platinum
Nevada Builders Alliance

Gold
City of Fallon
Converse Consultants

Silver
RailPros

Copper
Roman DBDR

Quartz
BEC Environmental, Inc.
RNDC

Special Thanks
Frey Ranch

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

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

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

USDA is particularly interested in applications that will:

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

Stakeholder Announcement

RCDG Program

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

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

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

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

Application Deadline: April 30, 2024

More Info

Tribal Energy Funding Opportunities

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

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

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

Application Deadline: May 30, 2024

Recorded Webinar

Funding Announcement

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

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

Applications Due: June 17, 2024

More Info

April 9 Webinar

April 10 Webinar

Five for Friday: October 13, 2023

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Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities and More!

Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of workforce development, EPA Brownfields Program, supply chain, housing, wildfire defense, and Cybersecurity.

Grant Opportunities & More

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

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

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

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

Workshop Registration

RWIN Program

Resource Guide

EPA Brownfields Program Accepting Applications Through November 13th

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

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

Application Deadline: November 13, 2023

Grant Application Resources

Futures Forum Highlights Opportunities in Pershing and Humboldt Counties

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

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

This includes:

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

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

The event is FREE to attend.

Register Today!

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Applications Close Soon

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

Priority is given to applications that represent:

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

The program provides funding to communities for two primary purposes:

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

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

Application Deadline: October 31, 2023

More Information and Grant Application

Cybersecurity Summit Offers Tips to Protect Businesses from Digital Risks

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

Virtual Sessions are FREE to attend.

Virtual Sessions: Each Wednesday in October

Virtual Session Registration

Five for Friday: August 4, 2023

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of 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

Five for Friday: July 21, 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 forestry resources, wastewater, workforce development, and cultural enrichment.

Grant Opportunities & More

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next Application Deadline: August 15, 2023

Urban and Community Forestry Program

Application Process

Water and Waste Disposal Loans & Grants

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

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

Eligible applicants include:

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

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

Water and Waste Disposal Loans & Grants

Sharing Community and Cultural Stories

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

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

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

Application Deadline: August 9, 2023

Application Overview

FAQs

EDA Announces Recompete Pilot Program

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

This Phase 1 NOFO invites applicants to apply for:

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

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

Application Deadline: October 5, 2023

Fact Sheet

Webinar

U.S Bank’s Community Possible Grant Program

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

The following factors are among those the foundation will consider:

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

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

U.S Bank’s Community Possible Grant Program

Five for Friday: July 7, 2023

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

Grant Opportunities & More

US DOT Announces Three Grant Programs for Major Surface Transportation Projects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Application Deadline: August 21, 2023

MPDG Program

National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) Program

Rebuilding America (INFRA) Program

Rural Surface Transportation Grant (Rural) Program

PACE Program Delivers Clean Energy to Rural Communities

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

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

Eligible entities include:

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

Letters of Interest and Applications Open: July 10, 2023

Fact Sheet

NOFO

HUD Program Supports Main Street Affordable Housing

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

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

Application Deadline: October 12, 2023

HOPE VI Main Street Program

Funding Available for In-Demand Nevada STEM Training Programs

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

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

Application Deadline: August 28, 2023

STEM Workforce Challenge Grant Round XIII

Funding for Conservation, Outdoors and Military Veterans

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

Grants support supports:

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

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

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Conservation Education & Outreach Grants

Five for Friday: June 9, 2023

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

Grant Opportunities & More

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

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

This grant program has two tracks:

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

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

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

Project Minimum: $500,000

Application Deadline: June 13, 2023

CFI Program

National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards and Requirements

Strategic Planning Grants to Address Climate Change

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

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

Application Deadline: September 14, 2023

Climate Smart Humanities Organizations

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

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

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

Venture Challenge:

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

Capital Challenge:

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

Application Deadline: July 28, 2023

Build to Scale (B2S) Program

Venture Challenge

Capital Challenge

NOFO

Apply Here

USDA Rural Development Programs Highlight Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Single Family Housing Programs

Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans

Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants

Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants

Community Connect Grants Provide Internet Access and Economic Opportunities

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

Eligible applicants include:

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

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

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

Application Deadline: June 20, 2023

Community Connect Program

NOFO

Five for Friday: February 3, 2023

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of rural services, business development, infrastructure and food security.

Grant Opportunities & More

From Fire Trucks to Telemedicine: USDA Program Bolsters Rural Community Services

The USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. Examples of essential community facilities include:

• Health care facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities
• Public facilities such as town halls, courthouses, airport hangars or street improvements.
• Community support services such as childcare centers, community centers, fairgrounds or transitional housing
• Public safety services such as fire departments, police stations, prisons, police vehicles, fire trucks, public works vehicles or equipment
• Educational services such as museums, libraries or private schools
• Utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment
• Local food systems such as community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, food banks, food hubs or greenhouses

Application Deadline: Open

Fact Sheet

Rural Business Development Grants

USDA Rural Development program designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses that have fewer than 50 new workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue. Uses include project planning/feasibility study, business incubators, land acquisition, leadership and entrepreneur training.

Contact your state to learn about local application timelines, concept paper requirements.

Application Deadline: February 28, 2023

State Contacts

Federal Register

Local Foods, Local Places Toolkit: A Guide to Help Communities Revitalize Using Local Food Systems

Nationwide, consumers are growing more interested in getting foods from producers in the same geographic region through farmers markets, community-supported agriculture, farm-to-school programs, and similar initiatives. Strong interest from communities prompted a group of federal agencies to offer assistance with a community-driven planning process that explores how to use the benefits of local foods to help revitalize downtowns and neighborhoods.

The resulting Local Foods, Local Places Program presented by the U.S. EPA helps communities create action plans that chart a course for using local foods to help meet a broad range of community goals. The program and its predecessor, Livable Communities in Appalachia, has worked with more than 80 communities since 2014.

Local Foods Local Places Program

Program Background: Livable Communities in Appalachia

Local Foods Toolkit

National Roadway Safety Strategy Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) is a discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over the next 5 years. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. This week, U.S. Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, announced $800 million in grant awards for 510 projects through the first round of funding for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program.

Activities are eligible for the SS4A program:

• Develop or update a comprehensive safety action plan (Action Plan)
• Conduct planning, design, and development activities in support of an Action Plan
• Carry out projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan

Round 2 of grant funding is expected to open in April 2023

Award Announcement and Selected Projects

National Roadway Safety Strategy Grants

Conserve and Improve Wildlife Habitat

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program is a voluntary, incentive-based program that provides direct technical assistance and financial assistance in the form of cooperative and grant agreements to private landowners to restore and conserve fish and wildlife habitat for the benefit of federal trust resources. Current U.S. Fish and Wildlife partners include farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, recreational landowners, corporations, local governments and universities. Priority goes to projects judged likely to provide habitat for rare, threatened and endangered species. Projects have a minimum duration of 10 years. In addition to private landowners, we partner with other federal agencies, state agencies and non-governmental organizations to complete projects on private lands. Maximum grant awards of $750,000.

Review all program information and contact your state Fish and Wildlife biologist BEFORE developing or submitting an application.

Program Contact Information

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program

Notice of Funding: Fish and Wildlife Program

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

Five for Friday: October 21, 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 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

SBIR/STTR Grant Information

Phase I

 

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

FASLP Funding Information

 

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

BRIC Grants

 

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

Register Today!

Five for Friday: September 23, 2022

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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 Brownfields programs, entrepreneur capital, workforce development and broadband.

Grant Opportunities & More

EPA Brownfields Program Taking 2023 Applications

The FY 2023 Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grant Guidelines are now available. Grants offered by the Brownfields Program may be used to address sites contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum) and petroleum as well as general revitalization and reuse. Potential applicants are invited to participate in the upcoming webinars with EPA to review and address questions about the solicitations.

The September 29th webinar will discuss the FY 2023 guidelines for entities applying for:

• Multipurpose Grant funding
• Community-wide Assessment Grant funding
• Assessment Coalition Grant funding
• Community-wide Assessment Grants for States and Tribes funding

Webinar: September 29, 2022 at 11 AM PT
Application Deadline: November 22, 2022

Join Webinar

2023 Brownfields Grant Information

 

AngelNV Bootcamp: Taking Business Ventures to the Next Level

The AngelNV Entrepreneur Bootcamp is for aspiring or current startup founders that are considering raising capital, and want to learn “what angel investors want” in a business venture. Over the course of the 13-week program, entrepreneurs will hear from investors, experienced startup founders, and business experts on a variety of core topics related to starting and scaling a startup. Sessions will be held both in-person in Las Vegas and online via Zoom. The bootcamp is a program that can provide startups with eligibility for the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding. Hosted by StartUpNV, a Nevada 501(c)3, the organization is focused on entrepreneurship, economic development, and diversity across the state.

First Session: October 11, 2022

Program Information and Registration


Get in the Grant Game for Workforce Development and Rural Prosperity

Through the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN), USDA highlights Rural Development programs and other Agency resources for local leaders that can be used to develop the rural workforce in their communities by financing rural infrastructure and community development projects. RWIN is presenting a regional series on the Federal Grant Process and Management. Attendees will learn how to access, explore, and apply for federal grants. This is a collaborative event with presentations by USDA Rural Development, U.S. Health and Human Services, U.S. Economic Development Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Housing and Urban Development.

Attendance is recommended by region, but participants may join any session.

Midwest: September 29, 2022
West: October 13, 2022
Northeast: October 27, 2022
South: November 17, 2022

Midwest Registration

West Registration

Northeast Registration

South Registration


USDA Opens Fourth Round of Rural Broadband Grants & Loans

The USDA ReConnect Program offers loans, grants, and loan-grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in areas of rural America that currently do not have sufficient access to broadband. USDA is making additional funding available for high-speed internet in Round 4 of the ReConnect Program. The Department is accepting applications for up to $150 million in loans, up to $300 million in loan/grant combinations, and up to $700 million in grants.

Application Deadline: November 2, 2022

USDA ReConnect Program Grant

ReConnect Round 4 Application Guide

 

In the News….ICYMI: Leaders Envision Resiliency And Recovery At Tahoe Economic Summit

The Envision Tahoe Economic Summit was hosted earlier this month by the Tahoe Prosperity Center. The annual Summit is an opportunity to catalyze change and take action for the benefit of the Tahoe-Truckee regional economy while supporting our community, quality of life and environment.

The 2022 Summit brought together over 100 community leaders to engage in conversations about economic resiliency and implementing the Envision Tahoe Prosperity Playbook. The Envision Tahoe process was a collaborative regional economic recovery and resiliency strategy, funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and completed over the past year.

WNDD was a proud sponsor of this year’s Summit.

Tahoe Prosperity Center

Envision Tahoe Prosperity Playbook