Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities and More! – June 3, 2022

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Collected by the Western Nevada Development District

Curated by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), this Friday round up, focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of infrastructure, equity in housing, emergency management resources and workforce development.

Grant Opportunities & More

US Department of Transportation (DOT) – Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)

DOT released a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the SS4A discretionary grant program, which comprises Action Plan Grants and Implementation Grants.

Eligible activities include:
• Develop or update a comprehensive safety Action Plan
• Conduct planning, design, and development activities in support of an Action Plan
• Carry out projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan

Eligible applicants include metropolitan planning organizations, political subdivisions of States, federally recognized Tribal governments and multijurisdictional groups comprised of the aforementioned entities.

Application Deadline: September 15, 2022 at 2:00pm PT

SS4A Grant

SS4A Notice of Funding


Fannie Mae – Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge

Fannie Mae has announced the Call for Ideas is open for The Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge 2022: Advancing Racial Equity in Housing. This is a new competition to identify projects that advance equity in rental and homebuying experiences for Black households. Fannie Mae will select projects and execute contracts with public, private, and nonprofit sector organizations, as well as individuals and teams.

Application Deadline: June 17, 2022 at 5:00pm PT

Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge

Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge Guide

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Resource Guides

FEMA Region 9 has provided a compilation of resources to be shared with communities and colleagues within the region to serve as guides.

The purpose of these documents is to provide State, Local, Territorial, and Tribal governments with an overview of resources and programs capable of being used to respond to and recover from the impacts of natural disasters, human-made disasters, public health emergencies, economic hardships, humanitarian crisis, security issues, expanding incidents, and complex emergencies.

Please use as a starting point for research and note that information is constantly changing. For the most up-to-date information, visit the individual organization’s website or work directly with the relevant entity.

Broadband Resource Guide

Food System Resource Guide

US Environmental Protection – Brownfields Job Training (JT) Grants

NEW: EPA’s Brownfields Job Training Grant Program is refocusing the competition on training activities that support assessment, cleanup, and preparation of brownfields sites for reuse. As part of that change, the former Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Program will now be called the Brownfields Job Training Program.

Eligible entities including nonprofit organizations, to deliver Brownfields Job Training (JT) programs that recruit, train, and place local, unemployed and under-employed residents with the skills needed to secure full-time employment in the environmental fields.

The Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization will also host an outreach webinar on June 15, 2022, from 11:00 am to 12:30pm PT to explain the guidelines for interested applicants and to address commonly asked questions.

Application Deadline: August 2, 2022

Webinar June 15, 2022, 11:00am to 12:30pm PT

Brownfields Job Training Grants

Brownfields Webinar

In the News: Driving it home…

Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) – Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Program at Western Nevada College (WNC)

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board approved a $400,000 grant from the Workforce Innovations for the New Nevada (WINN) fund to grow a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Program at Western Nevada College (WNC).

Nevada has 4,500 fewer licensed commercial drivers than the national average, according to In-Demand Occupations. The American Trucking Association’s 2021 National Truck Driving Shortage Report estimates a shortage of 80,000 commercial drivers, which could climb to 170,000. The Nevada Trucking Association estimates that 92% of manufactured items in Nevada are transported by truck, making a qualified trucking workforce essential.

This program, which will be offered in Carson City and Fallon, intends to provide 100 training slots for $24 per hour positions.

“The CDL program will help train workers for an industry seeing significant vacancies,” said Kyle Dalpe, WNC Interim President. “This funding will help educate students faster and into jobs sooner.”

WNC CDL Program

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities – April 1, 2022

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Curated by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD)

This Friday round up, focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of infrastructure, innovation, workforce development and energy.

Grants with Upcoming Deadlines

Rebuilding American Infrastructure Sustainably and Equitably (RAISE)

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has opened the application process for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, designed to assist various projects involving streets, transit, and other infrastructure. The program is available to communities of all sizes to fix and modernize infrastructure. The 2022 program received an additional $1.5 billion over the nearly $1 billion received in November 2021.

Deadline: April 14, 2022

RAISE

 

Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program

The Build America Bureau/US Department of Transportation is currently accepting applications for the second round of funding to expand Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (RIA). Qualified RIAs serve as resources and demonstrate effectiveness in expediting projects that would otherwise take too long without assistance from an accelerator program.

Final Application Deadline: April 11, 2022

Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program

 

Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE)

The U.S Department of Agriculture encourages a regional, innovation-driven approach to economic development by funding job accelerator partnerships in low-income rural communities to create high-wage jobs and accelerate business formation within these areas. The agency has provided grant assistance for this program which offers financial support on an annual basis as well as increased access to resources such as entrepreneurial training programs or equipment loans if needed.

Deadline: April 19, 2022

RISE

 

Rural Community Development Initiative Grants

USDA Rural Development grants help non-profit housing and community development organizations support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Public bodies, non-profit organizations, and qualified private for-profit organizations can apply for this funding. Eligible locations are any area other than a city or town with a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such a city or town.

Deadline: April 19, 2022

Rural Community Development Initiative Grants

 

Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant Program

The ABA Grant Program, under the US Department of Labor, supports a coordinated, national investment strategy that aims to strengthen and modernize the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) system, centered on equity and promotes Registered Apprenticeship as a workforce development solution. The grant builds on the Department’s previous and ongoing efforts to expand and modernize Registered Apprenticeship through expanding the number of programs and apprentices, diversifying the industries that utilize Registered Apprenticeship, and increasing access to underrepresented populations and underserved communities.

Deadline: April 25, 2022

Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant Program

Job Posting: WNDD Executive Director

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WESTERN NEVADA DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) seeks full-time Executive Director. WNDD is a nonprofit organization serving a seven-county region in western Nevada: Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, and Washoe Counties, including the seven cities of Fallon, Lovelock, Fernley, Sparks, Reno, Carson City and Winnemucca and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.

Job requirements include:

1. Reports to a 49-member Board of Directors and Associate Members;
2. Implement policies and directives of the Board;
3. Requires excellent written and verbal communications;
4. Organizes and directs staff;
5. Manage Board meetings to include organizing agenda, Board packet, and staff reports;
6. Experience in public administration, fiscal management, budget preparation, economic development and project planning and management;
7. Ability to work with representatives of the public and private sectors;
8. Grant research, writing and administration experience;
9. Maintaining, updating and implementing WNDD’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS);
10. On-going administration of WNDD Revolving Loan Fund;
11. Development and implementation of programs benefitting individual members as well as programs of a regional approach in addressing economic development issues

Salary Range $75,000 to $100,000 plus benefits, includes health insurance stipend, dental, vision

Exempt: This position is classified as Exempt

Responsibilities: Responsible for all WNDD activities; Board and membership relations; personnel administration; regional economic development planning; budget and grant management

Skills Required: Extensive knowledge of state, federal, and local programs, rules and regulations; strong written and oral communication skills; computer skills

Education Required: A four-year degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Regional and Community Planning or related field – or – combination of education, training and at least a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in public and/or non-profit agencies

To apply: submit letter of application and resume to Sheryl A. Gonzales, Executive Director at: sgonzales@wndd.org

Extended Deadline! Submit no later than Friday, April 15th, 2022.

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities – February 18, 2022

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Collected by the Western Nevada Development District

TGIF4F—thank goodness it’s Five for Friday!

In this latest edition of the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) grant round-up, we’ve got funding opportunities for STEM, Tribes, small businesses, and arts organizations. There’s also information about the broadest grant publishing under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Let’s dig in.

Grants with Upcoming Deadlines

National Science Foundation STEM Network Grant

The National Science Foundation seeks to create a national network of stakeholders to share new knowledge, best practices, and design principles from its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM). Its purpose is to ensure access, inclusion, and flexibility for low-income domestic STEM students. This project will fund S-STEM Resource and Evaluation Centers (S-STEM-REC) and S-STEM Research Hubs (S-STEM-Hub). Proposals can come from two-year and four-year colleges, as well as non-profit organizations.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 22, 2022.

National Science Foundation

Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Center

The Federal Highway Administration will spend up to $17.8 million over five years to reopen seven Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Centers. The TTAP Centers strive to improve Tribal communities’ quality of life by helping Tribes manage their transportation programs and systems. The centers will support advanced initiatives and projects to improve safety on Tribal lands, foster economic opportunity, and build economic strength.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 25, 2022.

TTAP

SBA Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program

The Small Business Administration will fund grants for state governments to help new small businesses combat cyber threats. Small firms are appealing targets to cyber threats because they have valuable data and lack the security infrastructure of larger corporations. According to a recent SBA survey, 88% of small company owners fear a cyber-attack. The problem is that many firms can’t afford professional IT services or don’t know where to start.

Application deadline: Friday, March 25, 2022.

SBA Cybersecurity

Nevada Arts Council Project Grant For Organizations

The Nevada Arts Council’s Project Grants for Organizations offers grants up to $7,000, with one-to-one cash or in-kind match, to Nevada incorporated nonprofits to support arts and cultural projects that impact the community. Funds may be used to support the execution of one art and culture project or a series of related activities. Eligible projects include art exhibitions, performances, readings, and festivals.

Deadline: Friday, March 25, 2022.

Nevada Arts Council Project Grant

American Rescue Plan Act Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant

The U.S. Economic Development Administration is soliciting applications for the broadest grant publishing under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and any eligible applicant from any EDA Region may apply.

This grant is supported by the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, which is flexible and responsive to local and regional stakeholders’ economic development needs and priorities.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration aims to assist communities and regions impacted by the coronavirus pandemic through this grant, including historically underserved communities.

The grant is designed to provide a wide range of financial assistance to communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the coronavirus pandemic’s economic impacts, including long-term recovery and resilience to future economic disasters.

EDA anticipates funding approximately 300 non-construction and construction projects that cost between approximately $500,000 and $5,000,000 with this appropriation, though EDA will consider applications above and below these amounts.

Deadline: Thursday, March 31, 2022.

American Rescue Plan Act

USDA Invests $1 Billion to Improve Community Infrastructure in Rural Towns

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Funding Will Increase Access to Health Care, Education and Public Safety in Rural Communities

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that USDA is investing $1 billion to build and improve critical community facilities in 48 states, Puerto Rico and Guam. This infrastructure funding will increase access to health care, education and public safety while spurring community development and building sound infrastructure for people living in rural communities.

USDA Deputy Secretary, Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, stated that investing in infrastructure improvements is a top priority of the current administration. This announcement makes loans and grants available to assist rural communities invest in facilities and services that are deemed vital such as: health care facilities, schools, libraries, and first responder vehicles and equipment.

The announcement highlighted 731 projects under five over-arching programs:
• Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants
• Community Facilities Loan Guarantees
• Community Facilities Technical Assistance Training Grants
• Community Facilities Disaster Grants
• Economic Impact Initiative Grants

Nevada Congressman, Mark Amodei has been integral in securing $8.1M of the Community Facilities Direct Loan for the Elko Institute for Academic Achievement.

Learn More

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities September 3, 2021

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Collected by the Western Nevada Development District

Economic development grants and loans can help revitalize and build sustainability in urban, rural, and tribal communities. Strategic investments help support local economies, create jobs, and attract private investments to better residents’ lives. Every first Friday, the Western Nevada Development District will share our Five for Friday; grant programs from a variety of sources that can help the region expand workforce training and capacity, support rural community projects and improve mobility for underserved populations.

 

STEM Talent Challenge Program

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is seeking applications to create and implement innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) work-based learning models that complement their respective region’s innovation economy. The STEM Talent Challenge seeks to develop or expand regional workforce capacity to support high-growth, high-wage entrepreneurial ventures, industries of the future, and other innovation-driven businesses that have a high likelihood of accelerating economic competitiveness and job creation in their respective regions and in the United States. Must provide matching share equal to at least 50 percent of the total project cost; i.e., applicants must match each dollar requested with at least one dollar of applicant match. Up to $250,000 per request.

Deadline: October 12, 2021

STEM Challenge Program Details

 

Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides $10,000 in funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul model. The grants are aimed to inspire community engagement for economic and social change by aligning their projects and collaborate on community priorities. Grant funding requires a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or a partnering organization.

Deadline: Ongoing

Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program Details

 

T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program

This is intended to help build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities throughout the United States. Up to 100 towns each year for the next five years will receive community improvement grants of up to $50,000 each. Examples of eligible projects include revitalizing a town hall, a senior center, a local little league field, a library, or any space where friends and neighbors gather. Elected leaders, town managers and employees, and nonprofit leaders are eligible to submit applications. Requests will be reviewed quarterly.

Deadline: Ongoing

T-Mobile Program Application

 

Federal Transit Administration National Center for Mobility Management Grants and Assistance

The Federal Transit Administration National Center for Mobility Management is offering grants and technical assistance to support communities that are ready to take concrete steps toward implementing transportation solutions to help underserved residents become more fully engaged in economic opportunities, improve their health and well-being, and/or become more integrated into their community.

Deadline: October 15, 2021

NCMM Funding Guidelines

 

USDA Rural Energy Grants

Applications for the USDA Rural Energy Grants is now open for renewable energy systems and the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements. 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.

Deadlines:

Applications for Grants of $20,000 or Less and Loan/Grant of $20,000 or Less Combo Applications due by Nov. 1, 2021, or March 31, 2022.

Applications for Unrestricted Grants or Loan/Unrestricted Grant Combo Applications due by March 31, 2022.

USDA Rural Energy Grants Funding Guidelines

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities Collected by the Western Nevada Development District

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Economic development grants and loans can help revitalize and build sustainability in urban, rural, and tribal communities. Strategic investments help support local economies, create jobs, and attract private investments to better residents’ lives. Every first Friday, the Western Nevada Development District will share our Five for Friday; grant programs from a variety of sources that can help kickstart a business, raise up a neighborhood or build broadband connectivity.

Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge

USDA is making available up to $3 million in cooperative agreements under the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC). Qualified entities can use the funds to help rural communities create plans to enhance capacity for broadband access; preserve cultural and historic structures; and support the development of transportation, housing, and recreational spaces. The grant program emphasizes partnerships and collaboration among public, private, and philanthropic and community partners. USDA is offering a Webinar on the grant program on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. PDT. Click here to register. Grant application deadline is July 26. Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge | Rural Development (usda.gov)

USDA Loan and Microenterprise Program

USDA Rural Development funding provides loans and grants to microenterprise development organizations to help them establish revolving loan programs to assist microenterprises and businesses with 10 or fewer full-time employees. Application Deadline: June 30, 2021.  Click here for more information and to apply.

Building Broadband Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is making available $288 million in grant funding to deploy broadband infrastructure. Grants will be awarded to partnerships between a state or political subdivisions of a state and providers of fixed broadband service. Projects should be designed to provide broadband service to the greatest number of households in an eligible service area with an emphasis on rural service. NTIA is holding a series of webinars on June 9 and 10 to inform the public about the program further. More information about the program, including requirements for grant applications, can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity

American Rescue Plan: Museums and Libraries Grants  

The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced a new funding opportunity for $15 million in support for museums, libraries, and Native American and Native Hawaiian communities. The federal investment will provide direct support to address community needs created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and in assisting with recovery. Projects may continue, enhance, or expand existing programs and services, or they may launch new ones to address emergent needs and unexpected hardships. Equal matching funds are required. Award amounts range from $10,000 – $50,000. The deadline for submitting applications is June 28, 2021, with award announcements anticipated in October 2021. A free informational webinar will be made available on-demand on the IMLS website.

A Community Thrives

This grantmaking and crowdfunding program of USA TODAY NETWORK with funding from the Gannett Foundation, invests in community-building initiatives across the country. The program is a way to share community improvement ideas on the national stage, gain support through donations and local connections.  During the campaign, nonprofit organizations have the chance to raise funds for their charities on their official A Community Thrives challenge page. At the end of the crowdfunding period, the Gannett Foundation will award grants ranging from $2,500 to $100,000 to selected organizations. Deadline:  nonprofit organizations and municipal programs such as libraries and schools are encouraged to apply between before June 30.  Click here for more information on this opportunity.

WNDD Economic Recovery Update – May 2021

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The May 2021 edition of the Western Nevada Development District’s Economic Recovery & Resiliency Update features a variety of information you can use.

Here are key takeaways:

1. The WNDD’s Economic Recovery and Resiliency Council, with its associated team members, supported by WNDD staff, identified four broad target areas needing focus and attention to recover from COVID-19 and become more resilient to future economic shocks.

2. Nevada is beginning to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The booming housing market, the return of notable events in Reno, the Washoe County gaming win, projected statewide revenue projections, and increased traffic at the Reno Tahoe International Airport are a few metrics we analyzed across the state.

3. The WNDD Board of Directors will review an update to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and rankings of more than 30 projects related to the strategy at its June 28 meeting.

4.  In May, the Department of Treasury announced its Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds guidelines. The stimulus money marks one of the most significant infusions of federal dollars into the state in history.

This monthly newsletter is part of WNDD’s effort to identify and develop strategies to create and build a more resilient economy in our region, plus the latest in available grant opportunities.

To read the full report.

WNDD Economic Recovery Update

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14 Ways Western Nevada Can Become More Resilient

Greetings Fellow Nevadans,

In the April 2021 edition of the Western Nevada Development District’s Economic Recovery & Resiliency Update, you’ll find a variety of information you can use, including:

– Resiliency and recovery tips from national experts
– Funding provided to WNDD members via the American Rescue Plan
– What the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Council is up to
– Data and information regarding economic recovery
– Grant and funding opportunities
– And more!

This monthly newsletter is part of WNDD’s effort to identify and develop strategies to create and build a more resilient economy in our region.

Read the Update!

Rural Relief Small Business Grants

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There’s still time to participate the in the next round of the Rural Relief Small Business Grants program presented by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation and supported by Lowe’s.

Before you apply, please note:

Only small businesses located in rural communities are eligible at this time. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less. A community is defined as the city/town/village where your business address is located. If the business is mobile (a food truck, fishing boat, ride share driver, etc.), please use the address where your vehicle is stored during non-business hours.

All potential applicants are encouraged to review the FAQ and Grant Information before applying. This program is separate from previous small business grant applications from LISC.

You must submit a new application each round to be considered for a Rural Relief Small Business Grant.

Deadline for this round is: Monday, November 2, 2020.