Innovation Matters: Funding Opportunities, Publications, Events and Learning

USDA Rural Development sent this bulletin at 04/22/2021 11:33 AM EDT

Innovation Matters - April 2021 - Issue 2

Listing of funding opportunities, events and resources in rural America.

USDA Celebrates Earth Day

On Earth Day, USDA Invests $487 Million in Rural Water, Energy, and Biofuel Infrastructure
USDA is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship.

Join the mailing list to receive Innovation Matters from the USDA Rural Development Innovation Center.

Opportunities and resources that support climate-smart investments in rural America are featured throughout this issue.

Funding Opportunities for Rural Infrastructure

Infrastructure & Capacity Building Challenge Grants
National Endowment for the Humanities
This funding is available to strengthen the institutional base of the humanities by enabling infrastructure development and capacity building Capital Projects support the design, purchase, construction, or renovation of facilities which includes telecommunications, and energy management. Digital Infrastructure projects support the maintenance, modernization, and sustainability of existing digital scholarly projects and platforms. Application Deadlines: May 18, 2021 and Sept. 28, 2021

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development is making grants available to increase access to education, training and health care resources that are otherwise limited or unavailable. Application Deadline: June 4, 2021

2021 Port Infrastructure Development Grants
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
DOT Maritime Administration grants support the improvements to facilities within, or outside of and directly related to operations of or an intermodal connection to, coastal seaports, inland river ports and Great Lakes ports. Application Deadline: June 30, 2021

Telecommunications Infrastructure Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for loans and loan guarantees to build or update broadband and telephone infrastructure in rural areas where financing can be used for the construction, improvement, or expansion of telecommunications infrastructure serving rural areas with a population of 5,000 or less. Application Deadline: Ongoing

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development grants for eligible communities to prepare for or recover from an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Application Deadline: Ongoing

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Application Deadline: Ongoing

Electric Infrastructure Loans & Loan Guarantee Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers loans and loan guarantees to finance the construction of electric distribution, transmission, and generation facilities, including system improvements and replacement required to furnish and improve electric service in rural areas, as well as demand side management, energy conservation programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems. Application Deadline: Ongoing

Funding Opportunities for Community and Economic Development

Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA announced that it is making an additional $35 million available this year in the VAPG program to support agricultural producers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Extended Online Application Deadline: April 29, 2021 on Grants.gov | Extended Paper Application Deadline: May 4, 2021

FY21 Bioenergy Technologies Office Scale-up and Conversion Funding Opportunity
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
DOE offers funding to support technologies and processes that produce low-cost, low-carbon biofuels that are made up of renewable resources and can power heavy-duty vehicles that are difficult to electrify with current technologies, including airplanes and ships, to help accelerate America’s path to a net-zero emissions economy. Concept Paper Deadline: April 30, 2021

The Cooperative Education Fund
Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF)
CDF funding supports research, events and scholarships to develop education materials and programs. Application Deadline: May 1, 2021

Environmental Justice Small Grants Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This program offers funding to improve the environment and public health conditions of low-income communities and communities of color through the advancement of racial equity and environmental justice. Application Deadline: May 7, 2021

CMS Community Health Access and Rural Transformation Model
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
HHS’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services offers support for this model to test whether aligned financial incentives, increased operational flexibility, and robust technical support promote rural health care providers’ capacity to implement effective health care delivery system redesign on a broad scale. Application Deadline: May 11, 2021

Training and Technical Assistance for Wastewater Treatment Works for the Prevention, Reduction, and Elimination of Pollution
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This program offers funding for training and technical assistance to rural, small and Tribal publicly owned wastewater treatment works and decentralized wastewater treatment systems for the prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution. Application Deadline: May 17, 2021

ARC Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE)
Appalachian Regional Commission
The INSPIRE initiative provides funding support to address the substance abuse crisis by creating or expanding a recovery ecosystem that will lead to workforce entry or re-entry. Letter of Intent Deadline: May 17, 2021

Regional Conservation Partnership Programs: Alternative Funding Arrangements
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is seeking proposals to fund up to $75 million in new, unique projects and will prioritize projects related to climate smart agriculture (ex. agritourism) and forestry. Application Deadline: May 28, 2021

Mine Health and Safety Grants
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
DOL’s Mine Safety and Health Administration offers funding to prevent fatalities, disease, and injury from mining and secure safe working conditions for miners. Application Deadline: May 28, 2021

Rural Business Development Grants – Transportation Systems
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development is making grants available to improve rural transportation systems. Application Deadline: June 30, 2021

SEARCH - Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development funding for financially distressed rural communities of less than 2,500 people to assist with feasibility studies, design assistance and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects. Application Deadline: Open

Water and Waste Disposal Pre-development Planning Grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development grants help low-income, rural communities with the initial planning and development of applications for Water and Waste Disposal direct loan/grant and loan guarantee programs. Application Deadline: Ongoing

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers opportunities for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase, install and construct renewable energy systems or complete energy efficiency improvements. REAP loan guarantees are streamlined under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative. Application Deadline for Loan Guarantees: Ongoing

Rural Energy Savings Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides loans to entities that agree to make affordable loans to help consumers implement cost-effective, energy efficiency measures to lower energy bills for rural families and businesses and reduce barriers to investment in energy efficiency projects or activities. Application Deadline: Open

Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers competitive funding to utilities that will relend the funds for local economic development efforts: The funding may be used to assist with business start-up and expansion costs; business incubators; feasibility studies; advanced telecommunications and computer networks for medical, educational, and job training services; and community facilities that spur economic development. Application Deadline: Open

Funding Opportunities for Tribal Communities

Renewable Energy Online Learning
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs offers a free online curriculum for Tribal leaders and professionals on developing and financing renewable energy projects on tribal lands. Technical assistance is also available. Application Deadline: Ongoing

Indian Highway Safety Occupant Protection Grant
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Indian Affairs grant to federally recognized tribes for implementing traffic safety programs and projects designed to reduce the number of traffic crashes, deaths, injuries and property damage. Application Deadline: May 3, 2021

Native Launchpad Award
The Western Arts Alliance
Native Launchpad provides Indigenous artists with tools and resources needed to further their careers and introduce them to the world of arts presenting and management. The awardees will receive funding for travel, mentoring/coaching, professional development and promotional benefits. Application Deadline: May 4, 2021

Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants
Institute of Museum and Library Services
These grants are intended to enhance core library services in Native American communities with a primary goal of increasing access to information for cultural preservation, education, workforce development, economic and business development, health information, critical thinking skills, digital literacy skills, financial literacy, and other types of literacy skills. Application Deadline: May 11, 2021

Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
FEMA funding to support the building, sustaining and delivery of core capabilities essential to achieving national preparedness goals. Application Deadline: May 14, 2021

Native American Agriculture Fund Grants
Native American Agriculture Fund
These grants support native American farmers and ranchers, with special emphasis on traditional foods, food sovereignty programs, lending, youth programming and agricultural sciences. Application Deadline: May 25, 2021

Water and Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonias
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development offers funding for water and waste disposal facilities and services on federally-recognized tribal lands, colonias and rural areas that face significant health risks due to a lack of access to adequate, affordable water or waste disposal. Application Deadline: Open

Publications and Resources

Blog: Sustainable Farming with Gotham Greens
Through a partnership with USDA, utilizing the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee, Gotham Greens was able to transform a portion of the site from steel to greens, building a sustainable greenhouse that utilizes machine learning and 100 percent renewable electricity.

Workshop in a Box: Sustainable Management of Rural and Small Systems Workshops
This tool created by USDA Rural Development and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency contains a series of materials and instructions to help both rural and small systems and service providers market and conduct workshops based on the Guidebook. Watch the introduction.

Schools: The Next Step in Solving the Climate Crisis?
The Hechinger Report shared an piece by Laura A. Schifter, a senior fellow with the Aspen Institute and a lecturer at the Harvard, who makes a case to support eco-friendly infrastructure and transportation investments in America’s schools to help accelerate the transition to a clean economy and therefore empower youth to access green jobs and advance a more sustainable economy.

Great American Outdoors Act and U.S. Forest Service
The Great American Outdoors Act gave the USDA Forest Service new opportunities to deliver benefits to the American public through major investments in recreation infrastructure, public lands access, and land and water conservation. It also provides permanent full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and establishes a new National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund.

Tool Finder for Local Government Clean Energy Initiatives
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency resource can help you navigate available tools and resources for measuring emissions, energy, and economic impacts of energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, and waste programs in your government operations and communities.

Event Opportunities

IN CONVERSATION WITH USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development, Justin Maxson
April 28 | Virtual Event
The Rural America Chamber of Commerce and a national member-based, non-profit organization will hold a conversation with USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson on USDA’s priorities and his perspectives regarding critical policy issues affecting rural Americans today.

2021 DOE Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Planning for a Changing Climate
April 28 | Webinar
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy is continuing its monthly tribal energy webinar series in 2021 to share information, tools, resources and potential funding opportunities. This year’s series will focus on how tribal energy projects can improve community resilience, foster economic development and support environmental stewardship.

Federal Utility Partnership Working Group Seminars
May 5-6 | Virtual Meeting
Join DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy as they provide a venue for information exchange and training that fosters effective partnerships between federal agencies and their serving utilities. Participants will learn how to leverage private-sector investment in federal facility infrastructure to improve energy and water efficiency, install renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Tele-town Hall: Understanding EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule and Financing Opportunities
May 12 | Virtual Meeting
Join the National League of Cities and the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative to dig deeper into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's revision to the Lead and Copper Rule published in the Federal Register Jan. 15, 2021. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about rule requirements, share best practices among peers, learn about funding and financing opportunities for lead service line replacement, ask questions of experts and obtain other critical information necessary to set your city on the path toward compliance.

Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) Workshop: Rural Apprenticeship Programs
May 13 | Webinar
Join USDA Rural Development and members of the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) for the next workshop of a monthly series. In this workshop, representatives from USDA Rural Development, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Rural Water Association will participate in a panel discussion to share resources and recommendations on how to develop and manage an apprenticeship program.

BroadbandUSA Webinar Series: NTIA Broadband Grant Programs
Various Dates | Webinar Series
National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) offers dedicated webinars covering their 3 new broadband grant programs: The Broadband Infrastructure Program, The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and The Connecting Minority Communities Program. To learn a brief overview of each new program, view this previously recorded webinar on the NTIA YouTube channel. Transcripts and slides are available on BroadbandUSA website.

The Broadband Infrastructure Program

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program

Quick Links to COVID-19 Recovery Resources

USDA: American Rescue Plan Debt Payments
USDA: Free Meals to Children Extended and Other Food Updates
USDA RD: COVID-19 Recovery Resources to Support Rural America
USDA RD: Business and Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program - Applications due on Sept. 15 or until funds are expended
CDC: Toolkit for Communicating About COVID-19 Vaccines
CDC: Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities Funding - Applications due on May 24
FEMA: COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Individuals and Households Program Policy
HHS: Special Enrollment Period for Health Coverage - Extended to August 15
HRSA: Health Care-Related Loan Repayment and Scholarships
SBA: COVID-19 Guidance and Resources
Treasury: Emergency Capital Investment Program - Applications due on May 7

To access programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, download the COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide.

Visit www.coronavirus.gov for the latest news from the CDC on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Visit www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus for the latest news from Rural Development on how we are helping our partners, customers, and stakeholders impacted by COVID-19.

Newsletters, websites and emails from which we gather this information include:

USDA Rural Development’s full Catalog of Programs
Grants.gov
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Aspen Institute
e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Pew Research Center
Philanthropy News Digest
Rural LISC e-newsletter
National Association of Development Organizations

USDA Rural Development Innovation Center

Email: rd.innovation@usda.gov | Webpage: usda.gov/rdinnovation

www.rd.usda.gov

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