New US Economic Development Administration Resources Available

The US Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced several new resources available.  Thanks to Hillary Sherman with the US EDA for providing the information about these resources as well as several other relevant resources below:

EDA announces availability of funding to support communities impacted by Coronavirus Pandemic

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) released an Addendum to is Fiscal Year 2020 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Notice of Funding to invite applicants to submit applications for funding made available under the CARES Act. 

Under this announcement, EDA will make CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants under the authority of its Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, which is intended to be flexible and responsive to the economic development needs and priorities of local and regional stakeholders.

 EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance investments will support a wide range of non-construction and construction activities, including Revolving Loan Funds, in regions across the country experiencing severe economic dislocations brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.  Funds are intended to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

 Examples of projects that EDA may fund through its CARES Act Recovery Assistance include economic recovery planning and preparing technical assistance strategies to address economic dislocations caused by the coronavirus pandemic, preparing or updating resiliency plans to respond to future pandemics, implementing entrepreneurial support programs to diversify economies, and constructing public works and facilities that will support economic recovery, including the deployment of broadband for purposes including supporting telehealth and remote learning for job skills.

 Eligible applicants under the EAA program include a(n):

  • District Organization;
  • Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes;
  • State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions;
  • Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or
  • Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State.

For more information, please visit the EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance page.  Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov, and you can click here to locate the application package.  

EDA invites applications for economic development grant opportunities

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) invites applicants to submit applications under its Public Works program and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) programs.  Through these programs, EDA invites applications to request grant assistance for clearly defined construction or non-construction assistance projects that will advance job creation, job retention and private investment or enhance economic development decision-making, respectfully. 

Through EDA’s grant programs construction may support the construction of new public assets or the renovation of existing public assets, which include but are not limited to water/sewer lines, tanks, systems, pumps; incubators; access roads; workforce training facilities; commercialization centers; port improvements; and other similar projects.   EDA’s non-construction projects can support a wide array of activities, including highest and best use analysis, cluster and supply chain mapping studies, and regional technical assistance projects.  Matching share funds are required and must be committed at the time of the project and for the same scope of work.  For Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs the match is generally 50 percent, although communities may qualify for a higher grant rate.  To learn more and to discuss potential projects, please contact Hillary Sherman at [email protected]Access the funding notice and application forms

NC State Extension Announces Initiative to Strengthen Retain, Accommodation, Tourism, and Entertainment Sectors

NC State recently announced that it is launching the “CREATE BRIDGES” initiative.  Through this effort one multi-county region (expecting between 2-5 contiguous counties) in the state will be selected through a focused technical assistance program to strengthen its retail, accommodation, tourism and entertainment sectors.  The selected region will receive over $250,000 in technical assistance, as well as $100,000 in incentives and implementation funding.  The RFP is expected to be released on June 1, 2020 with applications due August 3, 2020.  A webinar will be held on May 20, 2020 at 1pm via Zoom.  Click here to register.  

EPA releases grant funding to address COVID-19 Impacts faced by vulnerable communities

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making $1 million in grant funding available to states, local governments, tribes, and territories for projects to improve the health and welfare of low income, minority, tribal and indigenous communities. EPA will give special consideration to those applications aimed at addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic communities with EJ concerns. The State Environmental Justice Environmental Justice (SEJCA) Cooperative Agreement Program will provide funds to eligible states, local governments, tribes and territories. EPA anticipates issuing 5 grants of approximately $200,000 each for a two-year funding period. Applications are due by Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 11:59PM Eastern Time. To learn more, please click here

NC Local News Lab Fund Grant

Made available through the NC Network of Grantmakers, this opportunity provides resources to support general operating grants of up to $30,000 to 501(c)(3) public charity non-profit entities that serve NC residents and their rapidly evolving information needs.  Applications must be received by noon on June 15.  To learn more, please visit the website.