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All the news that is relevant for the WNDD Region
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 placemaking, infrastructure, mobility, drought preparedness, and wildfire defense.
Grant Opportunities & More
Placemaking: Community Development Success Stories
Creative placemaking integrates arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities. Community leaders and public and private grant funding organizations interested in rural placemaking are encouraged to attend the USDA and University of Kentucky Webinar on Placemaking Resources in Rural Communities.
Attendees will hear about firsthand experiences of rural leaders who have received grants to finance creative placemaking projects. The presentations will also provide successful placemaking models that small funding organizations can replicate in their own communities.
Webinar: August 30, 2023, at 10:00 am PT
Rural America Placemaking Toolkit
Infrastructure ‘Bootcamps’ Help Small Cities Get Grants
The National League of Cities’ (NLC) Local Infrastructure Hub is a national program designed to connect cities and towns with the resources and expert advice they need to access federal infrastructure funding in order to drive local progress, improve communities, and deliver results for residents.
As part of the Local Infrastructure Hub, NLC hosts Grant Application Bootcamps for local governments with 150,000 or fewer residents. The Bootcamps are designed to assist smaller communities navigate grant opportunities. More than 600 cities have participated in the Bootcamps, with new registrations opening later this summer.
Getting SMART about Transportation Technology
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting applications for the second year of its Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program. This SMART Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will accept applications for Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping grants. During Stage 1, the SMART program seeks to fund innovation aimed at solving real-world transportation problems and is focused on building data, technology capacity, and experience for State, local, and Tribal governments.
Recognizing that many public sector transportation agencies face challenges finding the resources and personnel to leverage new technologies, the program also builds in the time and support to enable successful deployment. The funding opportunity is open to public sector entities seeking to carry out transportation projects that demonstrate at least one of the following technology areas:
• Coordinated automation
• Connected vehicles
• Sensors
• Systems integration
• Delivery/logistics
• Innovative aviation
• Smart grid
• Traffic signals
Anticipated funding for Phase 1 projects is $250,000.
Application Deadline: October 10, 2023
WaterSmart Grants for Drought Preparedness Webinar
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation provides funding for projects that will help communities prepare for and respond to drought. Typically, these types of projects are referred to as “mitigation actions” in a drought contingency plan.
Reclamation will fund projects that build resiliency to drought by:
Increasing the reliability of water supplies
Improving water management
Providing benefits for fish and wildlife and the environment
The Bureau will host an informational webinar to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for both the Planning and Project Design Grants funding opportunity and the Drought Resiliency Projects funding opportunity. The new Planning and Project Design Grants funding opportunity includes:
Water Strategy Grants
Project Design Grants
Drought Contingency Planning
Awards range from $25,000 to $5 million.
Application Deadline: October 31, 2023
Webinar: August 24, 2023, 10:30 am PT
WaterSmart Grant and Webinar Information
Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program
The Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is again accepting applications for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program. Now in its second year, the competitive program is designed to assist at-risk communities, including Tribal communities, non-profit organizations and state forestry agencies with planning for and mitigating wildfire risks.
In the first round of funding, the program awarded $197 million to 99 project proposals across 22 states and 7 Tribes. The program provides funding to communities for two primary purposes:
• Develop and revise Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP)
• Implement projects described in a CWPP that is less than 10 years old
Application Deadline: October 31, 2023
October 20, 2023
Tahoe Prosperity Center will be hosting their annual economic summit, Envision Tahoe Venture, on October 20, 2023, at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. The event will showcase the new economic driver for the community.
The Summit is an opportunity to catalyze change and take action to benefit the regional economy while supporting the community, quality of life, and the environment. The 2023 focus is on Tahoe Inc. – organizing and accelerating Tahoe’s innovation ecosystem. Spearheaded by local entrepreneurs and success stories, the Summit will explore creative ideas, provide insight and inspiration.
When:
October 20, 2023
9:00 am till 5:00 pm
Where:
Tahoe Blue Event Center
75 HWY 50
Stateline, NV
Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available.
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
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
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
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.
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.
A Pathway to Economic Opportunities for Our Communities
The Kickoff Meeting for the Humboldt County EPA Brownfields Community Assessment Grant was held this week in Winnemucca. The EPA’s Brownfields program provides technical assistance to communities, states, and tribes to assess, safely clean up and sustainably repurpose underutilized or blighted properties.
The redevelopment of vacant or underutilized land is an opportunity for new growth. This grant funding can be a pathway to new economic opportunities, private investment, and improved quality of life for Humboldt and Pershing county residents.
A partnership between Humboldt and Pershing counties, the grant is being administered through Humboldt County and the Nevada 95-80 Regional Development Authority. As a sub awardee, Western Nevada Development District will assist with community outreach and engagement activities. Converse Consultants is providing the Environmental Consulting Services that will lead the assessment, reuse planning for assessed and/or clean-up sites, and co-develop revitalization strategies.
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:
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
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:
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
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:
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
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:
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.
The Tahoe Blue Event Center Slated to Open in September
The new Tahoe Blue Event Center offers flexible meeting space, unique clubs & balconies and an arena for concerts, sporting events and family shows. The venue also doubles as an event center with exhibit floor. Uniquely, all spaces can be divided into smaller areas for breakouts or catered functions.
Events are already scheduled for September including: National Association of State Park Directors Conference, Lake Tahoe Comic Con, Billy Strings Concert and many more…
Tahoe Blue Event Center is located in beautiful Stateline, NV.
Tahoe Blue Event Center
75 U.S. 50
Stateline, Nevada 89449
775.790.3736
Visit: Tahoe Blue Event Center
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
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:
Letters of Interest and Applications Open: July 10, 2023
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
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:
Grants to eligible organizations can total up to $100,000.
Application Deadline: Ongoing