FUNDING
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is excited to share a new Rural Development funding opportunity authorized by Section 6025 of the 2014 Farm Bill. This new authority entitled Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) prioritizes projects that support the implementation of multi-jurisdictional plans under the Community Facilities Program, Water and Waste Disposal Program, Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program, and Rural Business Development Grant Program. Under this provision, up to 10 percent of each programs annual appropriations can be set aside and made available to eligible SECD applicants. Many communities already working together to develop multi-jurisdictional plans with the help of strategic partners including non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, university extensions, regional authorities, coalitions of counties/towns and federal special initiative coalitions such as: Stronger Economies Together, Promise Zones, Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnerships, Sustainable Communities, and Local Food, Local Places. The goal of SECD is to promote collaboration in rural communities and across Rural Development agencies and programs. Communities are incentivized to align resources, develop long-term community and economic growth strategies and engage federal, state and local partners. By promoting this regional focus USDA resources can be more effectively utilized and have a larger impact on rural capacity building and wealth creation.
- Apply for Technical Assistance to Create Walkable, Healthy, Vibrant Communities
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites communities to apply for technical assistance through three programs that create economic opportunities, make neighborhoods more walkable, help people live healthier lives, and revitalize downtowns and neighborhoods.
Eligibility: See each program's application for specific eligibility requirements.
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. EST on November 6, 2016.
How to apply: Submit a completed application and optional letters of support (see each program's application for specific instructions).
- Local Foods, Local Places helps communities create walkable, healthy, economically vibrant neighborhoods through the development of local food systems. This initiative is supported by EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Delta Regional Authority. Learn how to apply for the Local Foods, Local Places Program
- Cool & Connected helps small towns use broadband service to revitalize small-town main streets and promote economic development. The initiative is supported by EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service, and the Appalachian Regional Commission. Learn how to apply for the Cool & Connected Program
- Healthy Places for Healthy People is a new program to help communities partner with community health centers (including Federally Qualified Health Centers), nonprofit hospitals, and other health care facilities to create walkable, healthy, economically vibrant places. The program is supported by EPA and the Appalachian Regional Commission. Under this program, communities will receive planning assistance to develop action plans focusing on health as an economic driver and catalyst for downtown and neighborhood revitalization. Healthy Places for Healthy People will focus on communities that are economically challenged, including those in rural Appalachia. Learn how to apply for the Healthy Places for Healthy People Program
- //foundationcenter.hosted.strongview.com/t/gcjbbCFuQABRoJ9D7a0GoFGZ5aaaa0GoBMACJM8aa?l=-@tEzCv&n=Tqirj2fyYni.yixT2f0_nmT.3jmR.pf4&;c=Kz&6=&i=yemiog~r-x-r-v" target="_blank">Bush Foundation Accepting Applications for Community Innovation Grant Program
POSTED: October 11, 2016
DEADLINE: Open
Grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded in support of inclusive, collaborative projects that use community assets to address a community need or opportunity....
- //foundationcenter.hosted.strongview.com/t/gcjbbCFuQABRoJ9D7a0GoFGZ5aaaa0GoBMACJM8aa?l=-@tEzCv&n=Tqirj2fyYni.yixT2f0_nmT.3jmR.pf4&;c=Kx&6=&i=yemiog~r-x-r-v" target="_blank">Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries Accepting School Library Grant Applications
POSTED: October 12, 2016
DEADLINE: December 12, 2016
Grants of up to $7,000 will be awarded to help school libraries expand, update, and diversify their book collections....
- //foundationcenter.hosted.strongview.com/t/gcjbbCFuQABRoJ9D7a0GoFGZ5aaaa0GoBMACJM8aa?l=-@tEzCv&n=Tqirj2fyYni.yixT2f0_nmT.3jmR.pf4&;c=Kw&6=&i=yemiog~r-x-r-v" target="_blank">CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation Invites Applications for Teacher Technology Grants
POSTED: October 8, 2016
DEADLINE: January 12, 2017
Grants will be awarded to K-12 teachers to help fund classroom projects that advance student success through the innovative use of technology....
- //foundationcenter.hosted.strongview.com/t/gcjbbCFuQABRoJ9D7a0GoFGZ5aaaa0GoBMACJM8aa?l=-@tEzCv&n=Tqirj2fyYni.yixT2f0_nmT.3jmR.pf4&;c=K2&6=&i=yemiog~r-x-r-v" target="_blank">Paralyzed Veterans of America Education Foundation Invites Proposals for Innovative Educational Projects
POSTED: October 9, 2016
DEADLINE: February 1, 2017
Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded for educational projects that enhance the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury or disease....
- //foundationcenter.hosted.strongview.com/t/gcjbbCFuQABRoJ9D7a0GoFGZ5aaaa0GoBMACJM8aa?l=-@tEzCv&n=Tqirj2fyYni.yixT2f0_nmT.3jmR.pf4&;c=Kq&6=&i=yemiog~r-x-r-v" target="_blank">American College Health Foundation Accepting Applications for Annual College Mental/Behavioral Health Award
POSTED: October 10, 2016
DEADLINE: February 3, 2017
A single grant of $3,500 will be awarded for a creative initiative that addresses prevention, early intervention, and treatment for mental and behavioral health disorders among college students....
- //foundationcenter.hosted.strongview.com/t/gcjbbCFuQABRoJ9D7a0GoFGZ5aaaa0GoBMACJM8aa?l=-@tEzCv&n=Tqirj2fyYni.yixT2f0_nmT.3jmR.pf4&;c=Kp&6=&i=yemiog~r-x-r-v" target="_blank">National League of Nursing Invites Applications for Education Projects
POSTED: October 14, 2016
DEADLINE: February 9, 2017
Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded in support of high-quality studies that contribute to the development of nursing education....
- //foundationcenter.hosted.strongview.com/t/gcjbbCFuQABRoJ9D7a0GoFGZ5aaaa0GoBMACJM8aa?l=-@tEzCv&n=Tqirj2fyYni.yixT2f0_nmT.3jmR.pf4&;c=Ko&6=&i=yemiog~r-x-r-v" target="_blank">Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Accepting Mini-Grant Applications
POSTED: October 12, 2016
DEADLINE: March 31, 2017
Grants of up to $500 will be awarded to educators in support of special activities and events for their students outside the standard curriculum....
- //foundationcenter.hosted.strongview.com/t/gcjbbCFuQABRoJ9D7a0GoFGZ5aaaa0GoBMACJM8aa?l=-@tEzCv&n=Tqirj2fyYni.yixT2f0_nmT.3jmR.pf4&;c=Kn&6=&i=yemiog~r-x-r-v" target="_blank">Runnerclick Accepting Submissions for Scholarship Program
POSTED: October 11, 2016
DEADLINE: April 30, 2017
Three scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded for essays that best address how staying active through sports can be a beneficial part of life in many ways, for many different reasons....
- //foundationcenter.hosted.strongview.com/t/gcjbbCFuQABRoJ9D7a0GoFGZ5aaaa0GoBMACJM8aa?l=-@tEzCv&n=Tqirj2fyYni.yixT2f0_nmT.3jmR.pf4&;c=Km&6=&i=yemiog~r-x-r-v">Mountaineers Foundation Accepting Applications for Environmental Education Projects
POSTED: October 9, 2016
DEADLINE: February 1, 2017
Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded in support of short-term projects related to conservation education that are consistent with the organization's vision and mission....
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of up to $16.7 million in competitive grant funding to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by families and households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The funding will be awarded to eligible nonprofits and governmental organizations through the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program, administered by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Applications are due by Dec. 12, 2016.
- USDA Announces Streamlined Guaranteed Loans and Additional Lender Category for Small-Scale Operators
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of a streamlined version of USDA guaranteed loans, which are tailored for smaller scale farms and urban producers. The program, called EZ Guarantee Loans, uses a simplified application process to help beginning, small, underserved and family farmers and ranchers apply for loans of up to $100,000 from USDA-approved lenders to purchase farmland or finance agricultural operations. USDA also unveiled a new category of lenders that will join traditional lenders, such as banks and credit unions, in offering USDA EZ Guarantee Loans. Microlenders, which include Community Development Financial Institutions and Rural Rehabilitation Corporations, will be able to offer their customers up to $50,000 of EZ Guaranteed Loans, helping to reach urban areas and underserved producers. Banks, credit unions and other traditional USDA-approved leaners, can offer customers up to $100,000 to help with agricultural operation costs.
Purpose: Provide opportunities for youth educators to research and provide programming for youth on sustainable agriculture. Eligibility: Professional educators, farmers/ranchers, home schoolers, other youth, nonprofit educators. Funding: $2,000 maximum. Deadline: Proposals due November 10, 2016.
Purpose: Provides funding to start a school garden to help students be more active, be more environmentally-conscious, and build healthy eating habits. Eligibility: Schools that are not past winners. Funding: $500 grant. Deadline: December 1, 2016.
Purpose: Fund projects that improve access to local foods in schools. Priority funding is given to projects that: are submitted by state agencies, involve specific FNS programs (like CACFP or Summer Meals), collaborate with service programs, serve high-poverty communities, involve innovative strategies, or impact multiple schools. Eligibility: Schools, state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers, and non-profit organizations. Funding: $5 million in grants. Deadline: December 8, 2016.
Purpose: Funds projects in rural communities for economic development, business preservation, arts/humanities, public space improvements, and education. Eligibility: Government or nonprofit entities in communities with fewer than 10,000 people. Funding: Planning (<$5000); Implementation (<$25,000). Deadline: November 2, 2016.
Purpose: Project and planning grants to fund projects that improve access to food and/or participation in Federally assisted nutrition programs for low-income individuals. Eligibility: Public food program service providers, tribal organizations, or private nonprofit organizations. Please see RFA. Funding: $8.6 million in total grants; 100% match required. Deadline: November 30, 2016.
Purpose: Recognizes standout communties that are addressing broad health needs in education, employment, family/social support, and community safety. Eligibility: Cities and towns/incorporated places and federally recognized tribes. Funding: $25,000. Deadline: November 3, 2017.
Purpose: Funds systems-based research and extension activities to accelerate science-based solutions and new technology for the specialty crop industry. Eligibility: Land grant institutions, for-profit organizations including small businesses, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher ed, state agricultural experiment stations. Funding: $48.1 million in total funding (100% match required). Deadline: November 15, 2016.
Purpose: Funds project providing training, education, outreach, and mentoring programs to enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers. Priority given to veterans, socially disadvantaged and women farmers or ranchers. Eligibility: Collaborative state, tribal, local, or regionally-based networks or partnership of qualified public and/or private organizations. Funding: $17.7 million total. A 25% match is required. Deadline: December 8, 2016