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All the news that is relevant for the WNDD Region
Program helps communities carry out projects with significant local or regional impact
The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for 2023. The popular program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact.
RAISE discretionary grants help project sponsors at the State and local levels, including municipalities, Tribal governments, counties, and others complete critical freight and passenger transportation infrastructure projects. The eligibility requirements of RAISE allow project sponsors to obtain funding for projects that are harder to support through other U.S. DOT grant programs.
Recent examples of funded projects include a critical bridge replacement in Tucson, new berth construction at Port Tampa Bay, a new pontoon bridge in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, and a new snowmelt system in Berlin, New Hampshire. The Department is encouraging applicants to consider how their projects can address climate change, ensure racial equity, and remove barriers to opportunity.
The Department also intends to use the RAISE program to support wealth creation and the creation of good-paying jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union, the incorporation of strong labor standards, and training and placement programs, especially registered apprenticeships.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2023, 8:59 PM PT
Selection Announcements: no later than June 28, 2023
Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season and Prosperous New Year
Curated by the Western Nevada Development District, this edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of workforce development, housing, cultural preservation and more.
Grant Opportunities & More
City of Reno to award nearly $4 million through HOME program
The City of Reno is accepting grant applications for projects to assist people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and those who are victims of domestic violence. The $4 million in HOME program grants is part of the American Rescue Plan funds provided to local governments.
Projects eligible for funding include rental and deposit assistance, development of rental housing or non-congregate shelters, and supportive services including housing counseling, homelessness prevention and child care.
Housing may consist of single or multi-family units providing ownership and/or rental housing. Eligible costs include those associated with new construction, re-construction, rehabilitation, site acquisition, site improvement, and demolition. Other expenses include financial costs and relocation expenses of any displaced persons, businesses, or organizations.
Final funding recommendations for the grants will be made by mid-April 2023 and awards will be distributed in early summer.
Application Deadline: January 9, 2023
Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Preservation and Access is accepting applications for the Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections program. This program helps cultural institutions meet the complex challenge of preserving large and diverse holdings of humanities materials for future generations by supporting sustainable conservation measures that mitigate deterioration, prolong the useful life of collections, and strengthen institutional resilience (i.e., the ability to anticipate and respond to disasters resulting from natural or human activity).
Preventive conservation encompasses managing relative humidity, temperature, light, and pollutants in collection spaces; providing protective storage enclosures and systems for collections; and safeguarding collections from theft, fire, floods, and other disasters.
For the January 12, 2023 deadline, there are two levels of funding available at the Implementation phase. Level I (up to $100,000) is intended to address discrete preservation challenges that are identified through general preservation assessments at small to mid-sized institutions. Level II (up to $350,000) provides funding for institutions of any size that have completed interdisciplinary planning and are prepared to implement more extensive preventive conservation projects. .
Application Deadline: January 12, 2023
Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections Program
STEM Workforce Development Challenge Grants
To spark the creation of lasting partnerships between industry and workforce training providers that result in sustainable training programs for in-demand industries, the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science Innovation and Technology is offering STEM Workforce Challenge Grants.
Funds from a grant award must be used to support the development, implementation, improvement, or expansion of programs that will train participants for “middle-skills” STEM jobs requiring technical skills and postsecondary credentials below a bachelor’s degree.
Eligible applicants for a STEM Workforce Challenge Grant are Nevada’s Community Colleges or State College, private career colleges located in Nevada that provide technical training, Chambers of Commerce, organizations that specialize in workforce training, Regional Development Authorities, STEM-related businesses, employee associations, and city and county governments.
Application Deadline: On Going
STEM Workforce Development Challenge Grants
Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund (TTP)
The Federal Highway Administration advocates the development of strategic transportation safety plans as a means for tribes to determine how transportation safety needs will be addressed in and around tribal communities. Tribal Transportation Program funds are set aside to address transportation safety issues identified by federally recognized Indian tribes through a competitive, discretionary program.
Projects are chosen whose outcomes will reduce fatal and serious injuries in transportation related incidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Eligible projects for the TTP Safety Fund include:
• develop and update transportation safety plans
• safety data assessment, improvement, and analysis
• systemic roadway departure countermeasures
• infrastructure improvements and other eligible activities as listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4)
Application Deadline: January 15, 2023
Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund
Community Revitalization through Rewarding Private Investment
The New Market Tax Credit Program (NMTC) incentivizes community development and economic growth through the use of tax credits that attract private investment to distressed communities. As of the end of FY 2021, the NMTC Program has:
• Generated $8 of private investment for every $1 of federal funding
• Created nearly 239 million square feet of manufacturing, office, and retail space
• Financed more than 10,800 businesses
The NMTC Program helps businesses with access to financing that is flexible and affordable. Investment decisions are made at the community level, and typically 94 to 96% of NMTC investments into businesses involve more favorable terms and conditions than the market typically offers. Terms can include lower interest rates, flexible provisions such as subordinated debt, lower origination fees, higher loan-to-values, lower debt coverage ratios, and longer maturities.
Application Deadline: January 26, 2023
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
The USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other – and the world – overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Projects are encouraged that promote equity and economic opportunity in rural America, specifically those that advance these key priorities:
• Supporting health care needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and helping prepare for future pandemic events
• Ensuring racial equity
• Rebuilding our rural economy
• Addressing the climate crisis
Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…
This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of manufacturing, preservation, incentives and infrastructure.
Grant Opportunities & More
The New Markets Tax Credit Program (NMTC Program)
The New Market Tax Credit Program (NMTC Program) incentivizes community development and economic growth through the use of tax credits that attract private investment to distressed communities. The Program aims to break the cycle of disinvestment and reinvigorate struggling local economies.
The NMTC Program attracts private capital by permitting individual and corporate investors to receive a tax credit against their federal income tax in exchange for making equity investments in specialized financial intermediaries called Community Development Entities (CDEs). The credit totals 39% of the original investment amount and is claimed over a period of seven years.
Application Deadline: January 26, 2023
Historic Preservation Fund – Semiquincentennial Grants
National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund Grant Program supports the physical preservation of a broad variety of cultural resources associated with the founding of America as a nation in commemoration of the country’s semiquincentennial (250th anniversary). Funded projects will preserve National Register listed, State owned, cultural resources related to the founding of the nation.
These grants will fund physical preservation to National Register listed historic properties including buildings, sites, structures, objects, or historic districts. Grants are awarded through a competitive process and do not require non-Federal match, though match may be considered as a competitive factor.
Application Deadline: December 6, 2022
Historic Preservation Fund – Semiquincentennial Grants
Solid Waste Management Grants
USDA Rural Development offers funds to organizations to provide technical assistance and/or training to improve the planning and management of solid waste sites in rural areas.
Projects can include:
• Evaluate current landfill conditions to identify threats to water resources
• Provide technical assistance or training to enhance the operation and maintenance of active landfills
• Provide technical assistance or training to help communities reduce the amount of solid waste coming into a landfill
• Provide technical assistance or training to prepare for closure and future use of a landfill site
Application Deadline: December 31, 2022
Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants
USDA Rural Development provides funds for organizations that assist communities with water and/or waste operations through technical assistance and training. This program helps qualified, private nonprofits provide technical assistance and training to identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste problems; helps applicants prepare applications for water and waste disposal loans/grants; and helps associations improve the operation and maintenance of water and waste facilities in eligible rural areas.
Application Deadline: December 31, 2022
Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants
Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program
The Walmart foundation offers grants to support local needs in their service area. Grants range from $250 to $5,000. Organizations can submit up to 25 applications. Open to non-profits, state, county or city government including first responders, and schools.
Funding areas include:
• Community and Economic Development
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Education
• Environmental Sustainability
• Health and Human Service
• Hunger Relief and Healthy Eating
• Public Safety
• Quality of Life
Application Deadline: December 31, 2022
USDA Opens Portal
USDA Rural Development has opened its Public Notice Filing (PNF) and Public Notice Response (PNR) Portal for the ReConnect Round 4 Proposed Funded Service Areas. Individuals may now view and respond to any PNF published in the portal. Additionally, the PNF/PNR User Guide and PNF Portal Demo have been posted to assist users in navigating the portal and how to submit a response.
Webinar for Stakeholders: December 13, 2022
The Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) initiative funding is earmarked to implement multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans. SECD is a funding opportunity designed to encourage and advance regional community and economic strategic planning.
Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in broadband, businesses, community facilities, infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation.
The FY23 SECD reserve funds programs include:
• Community Connect
• Community Facilities
• Rural Business Development Grants
• Water and Environmental Programs
Participation is encouraged for all stakeholders that support regional community and economic development, strategic planning, and seek funding to assist rural communities in efforts to improve and thrive.
Webinar: December 13, 2022, 11:00 am PT
Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…
This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of energy and infrastructure.
Grant Opportunities & More
Rural Energy for America Program
The USDA Rural Development provides funding for agriculture producers and rural small businesses to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems or complete energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. Eligible entities include agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations and Small businesses in eligible rural areas; communities of less than 50,000. Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as:
• Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels)
• Geothermal for electric generation or direct use
• Hydropower below 30 megawatts
• Hydrogen
• Small and large wind generation
• Small and large solar generation
Application Deadline: March 31, 2023
Rural Energy for America Program
Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) programs provide economically distressed communities and regions with comprehensive and flexible resources to address a wide variety of economic needs. Projects funded by these programs will support the mission of the Department by, among other things, leading to the creation and retention of jobs and increased private investment, advancing innovation, enhancing the manufacturing capacities of regions, providing workforce development opportunities, and growing ecosystems that attract foreign direct investment. EDA solicits applications from applicants in order to provide investments that support construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects under EDA’s Public Works program and EAA programs.
There are no submission deadlines under this opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until a new PWEAA NOFO is published, this PWEAA NOFO is cancelled, or all funds have been expended.
Application Deadline: None
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
The Federal Emergency Management Administration’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) will support states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The BRIC program guiding principles are supporting communities through capability- and capacity-building; encouraging and enabling innovation; promoting partnerships; enabling large projects; maintaining flexibility; and providing consistency.
Through BRIC, FEMA continues to invest in a variety of mitigation activities with an added focus on infrastructure projects benefitting disadvantaged communities, nature based solutions, climate resilience and adaption, and adopting hazard resistant building codes.
Subapplicants should check with their respective State Hazard Mitigation Officer or Applicant’s Office on any additional deadlines.
Application Deadline: January 27, 2023
Energy Department Announces $35 Million To Deploy Clean Energy on Tribal Lands and Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings
Under two funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) aimed at unlocking the benefits of clean energy for Native communities, the DOE will award a total of $35 million to Indian Tribes to:
• Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands (DE-FOA-0002774)
• Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings (DE-FOA-0002771)
According to the DOE This funding will promote Tribal energy and economic development by helping Native communities unlock the benefits that come with the deployment of clean energy. The Office of Indian Energy will host informational webinars to provide potential applicants with detailed information on both FOAs. Registration is required.
Application Deadline Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands (DE-FOA-0002774): February 9, 2023 at 2 pm PT
Application Deadline Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings (DE-FOA-0002771): February 23, 2023 at 2 pm PT
Webinar Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands: November 29, 2023, 12 to 2 pm PT
Webinar Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings: December 1, 2022, 12 to 2 pm PT
FO: Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands
FO: Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings
Registration: Webinar Deploy Clean Energy Technology on Tribal Lands
Registration: Webinar Webinar Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings
Grants for Improving Cycling Infrastructure
The Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure (BICI) is a competitive grant program that will foster catalytic change in city cycling infrastructure around the world. The Initiative aims to promote this healthy, efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation available. Unfortunately, in too many cities, cycling infrastructure remains disconnected, incomplete, and in need of innovation.
Led in partnership with the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI), BICI will:
• Fund ambitious cycling infrastructure projects by providing grants of $400k USD to $1M USD
• Refine project plans by connecting winning cities with world-class technical assistance from GDCI
• Implement projects and track progress by training city leaders on data collection, resident engagement and other industry best practices
• Connect cities with a global network of peer
Application Deadline: February 3, 2023