Innovation Matters Funding Opportunities 03/16/2021
Funding Opportunities for Rural Infrastructure
Farm Labor Housing Direct Loans and Grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers low interest loans and need-based grants to construct off-farm housing for domestic year-round, migrant, seasonal, retired, and/or disabled domestic farm laborers. Pre-applications are required and must be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by April 1, 2021; Nov. 1, 2021; or Nov. 1, 2022
Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Bio-based Products Manufacturing Assistance Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides loan guarantees to assist in the development, construction and retrofitting of new and emerging technologies. These technologies are advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and bio-based products. Application Deadline: April 1, 2021
Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
This funding provides capital advance and project rental subsidies for the development and ongoing operation of supportive rental housing for very low-income persons, aged 62 years or older. Application Deadline: May 26, 2021
Funding Opportunities for Community and Economic Development
Rural Community Development Initiative
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers grants to qualified intermediary organizations to provide technical assistance and training to help nonprofit organizations and communities develop their capacity to undertake housing, community facility or economic development projects in rural areas. Online Application Deadline: March 22, 2021 on Grants.gov | Paper Application Deadline: March 29, 2021
Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers grants to rural communities with limited staff and resources to build the capacity needed to access USDA funding to support essential community facilities. Online Application Deadline: March 22, 2021 on Grants.gov | Paper Application Deadline: March 29, 2021
SAMHSA Rural Emergency Services Training
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is making this program available to help recruit and train emergency medical services personnel in rural areas. Application Deadline: March 30, 2021
Rural Business Development Grant Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers this competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Application Deadline: As determined by the State Office or through March 31, 2021
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants and Guaranteed Loans
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development grant and loan/grant opportunities for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase, install and construct renewable energy systems or complete energy efficiency improvements. Application Deadline for Loan and Grant Combinations: March 31, 2021 | Application Deadline for Loan Guarantees: Ongoing
Food Safety Outreach Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture offers this program to build upon the national infrastructure to develop and implement food safety training, education and technical assistance projects that address the needs of operators of small to mid-sized farms, beginning farmers, socially-disadvantaged farmers, small processors, or small fresh fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers. Application Deadline: April 1, 2021
Rural Healthcare Connect Fund Program Fund
Universal Service Administrative Company
This program provides a 65 percent discount on eligible broadband connectivity expenses for eligible rural health care providers that may apply as an individual health care provider or as a consortium. Application Deadline: April 1, 2021
Evidence-Based Telehealth Network Program
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration offers program funding for telehealth networks to improve access to health care using telehealth technologies in rural and frontier communities. Application Deadline: April 2, 2021
Advanced Manufacturing Project
U.S. Department of Commerce
The Minority Business Development Agency supports innovative projects rendering technical and management assistance to minority business enterprises designed to defray all or part of the costs of pilot or demonstration projects designed to overcome challenges of minority businesses and generate increased financing and contract opportunities to create and retain jobs. Application Deadline: April 8, 2021
AARP Community Challenge
AARP
This opportunity provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Applications are accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more. Application Deadline: April 14, 2021
The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
National Institute of Food and Agriculture program offers funding to support and evaluate projects intended to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by providing incentives and demonstrate and evaluate the improvement of dietary health through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, reduce food insecurity and health care usage. Application Deadline: April 15, 2021
Business and Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Recorded webinars for lenders, businesses and producers. Application Deadline: Sept. 15, 2021, or until funds are expended.
