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Watch my video update to find out what is going on with USDA Rural Development this month.
There are a lot of things happening, including the Rural Placemaking Challenge, high-speed internet funding opportunities, and single family home builds.
Here are the links I've referenced in this month's video:
As always, I invite you to stay connected, through our Twitter feed, to ensure you have the most up-to-date info about USDA RD Montana happenings.
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Click on the link above to find out more about the Rural Placemaking Challenge!
USDA is making available up to $4 million in cooperative agreement funds under the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC) for eligible entities to help provide planning support, technical assistance and training to foster placemaking activities in rural communities.
Qualified entities can use the funds to help rural communities create plans to enhance capacity for broadband access; preserve cultural and historic structures; and support the development of transportation, housing, and recreational spaces.
The Rural America Placemaking Toolkit is a resource guide to showcase a variety of placemaking activities, projects, and success stories across rural America and help communities understand what it means to have an identity.
Take a look at the Placemaking Toolkit for additional information or contact RD.RPIC@usda.gov.
The ReConnect Loan and Grant program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.
Click on the link below to watch the ReConnect Round 4 Webinar series, which will walk you through what you need to prepare for Round 4 funding.
Additionally, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. ACP-eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
This Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices. The application period is open! Click on the link below for more info.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) are hosting a free webinar series to build agritourism capacity for native producers.
Through this series, USDA Rural Development and AIANTA highlight resources to help native-owned startups and enterprises further develop and expand agriculture and agritourism opportunities in Tribal communities through the following sessions:
- June 14 at 10 a.m. Mountain Time: Resources for Native Agriculture Production and Conservation (Recording available through link below.)
- July 12 at 10 a.m. Mountain Time: Adding Value to Native Agriculture Products (Recording available through link below.)
- Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. Mountain Time: Developing Tribal Tourism Enterprises Based on Native Values (Use the link below to register.)
The webinar series seeks to empower Tribal communities to develop sustainable, thriving agriculture-related tourism enterprises. The series is designed to help Tribal agriculture and tourism recover economically from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure Tribal producers and Tribes have equitable access to USDA programs.
The series introduces participants to resources to help with startup agricultural operations as well as partners and entities to explore funding programs. Participants will learn about value-added activities to help increase revenue from their agricultural enterprises. Industry experts will also share and explore lessons.
Each webinar is 90 minutes and offer moderated panel discussions and small group sessions with federal partners and Tribal entities.
Mutual Self-Help Housing Program Allows Montanans to Build Roots
USDA Rural Development is working with lenders and community partners to open the door to homeownership for rural Montanans through our single-family housing programs, which include:
For more information, visit the Single Family Housing program webpage or contact Katina Uecker at (406) 210-9728 or Katina.Uecker@usda.gov.
USDA also works to increase access to affordable multifamily rental housing opportunities in rural America. Nationwide, the Department is currently helping nearly 300,000 tenants afford to pay their rent through rental assistance. This assistance ensures low-income and elderly tenants pay no more than 30% of their income in rent.
For more information, visit Multifamily Housing Programs | Rural Development (usda.gov).
Kristen S., a single mom and resident of Red Lodge, Montana, decided to build her home through the Helena Area Habitat for Humanity self-help housing program. As part of a new initiative, Habitat for Humanity partnered with Red Lodge Area Community Foundation and Trust Montana to secure land trust property for this Single Family Housing project, which means these homes will remain affordable for current and future homeowners. CLICK ON THE PHOTO ABOVE to watch her story.
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Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Application Period Open
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USDA is seeking applications for grants from qualified nonprofit organizations to create revolving loan funds and provide sub-grants to help rural homeowners finance individually-owned household water well and wastewater systems.
This program helps qualified nonprofits and tribes create a revolving loan fund to increase access to clean, reliable water and septic systems for households in eligible rural areas.
USDA is making the funds available under the Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant program. Through this program, USDA awards grants to qualified nonprofit organizations or Tribal lending institutions to provide affordable loans or sub-grants to low-income homeowners who need assistance constructing, refurbishing, or servicing household water well or wastewater systems. The loans made to the homeowner include a maximum 20-year term with a one-percent interest rate.
Applications must be submitted electronically using Grants.gov no later than 9:59 p.m. Mountain Time // 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 31, 2022.
Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Funding Still Available
Click on the picture above to see, firsthand, how Community Facility funding is making an impact to rural healthcare.
We still have Emergency Rural Health Care grant funding and we are continuing to accept Track One Emergency Rural Health Care program applications until this funding is expended.
Facilities and projects supported through this grant must be located in Montana's rural areas with populations of 20,000 or fewer. Applications must be submitted to our Montana State Office in Bozeman and information, including eligibility requirements, may be found on page 44332 of the Aug. 12, 2021 Federal Register.
For additional questions, please contact Meggin Delaurier at (406) 585-2520 or meggin.delaurier@usda.gov.
Revolving Funds for Financing Water and Wastewater Projects in Montana -- Application Period Open
USDA is accepting Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 applications for grants to create revolving loan funds to build and improve water and wastewater disposal systems in rural areas.
USDA is making the grant funds available through the Water and Environmental Programs Revolving Funds program. This program helps qualified nonprofit organizations create revolving loan funds that provide financing to water and wastewater projects operated by state and local governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes on federal and state reservations and other federally recognized Indian tribes.
The funds may be used for pre-development costs or to finance short-term small capital improvement projects that are not part of regular operation and maintenance costs. Within approved guidelines, grant recipients set the loan terms for the individual communities they serve.
Applications must be submitted electronically using Grants.gov no later than 9:59 p.m. Mountain Time // 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 31, 2022.
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Local Farmer's Market Delivered to Your Doorstep
We love seeing our Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) awardees doing amazing things! Check out this subscription box, supporting Montana's ranchers and farmers & featuring several VAPG recipients! It’s a local farmers market, delivered to your doorstep.
 Hanson Trucking, a small enterprise located in Columbia Falls, Mont., is a family-owned trucking company which has been in business for over three decades. Hanson Trucking is dedicated to supporting Montana’s rural economy and providing local jobs within Flathead County. So, in 2014, when Hanson Trucking needed a surge of capital to offset operational expenses and keep their 40 employees and 32 trucks rolling, they took out a USDA Rural Development Business & Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee through Freedom Bank. In just 10 years, Hanson Trucking forecasts they will have their $1.7 million B&I loan repaid. CLICK ON THE PHOTO ABOVE to see their story.
Meat & Poultry Intermediary Relending Program
The Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) provides grant funding to intermediary lenders who finance – or plan to finance – the start-up, expansion, or operation of slaughter, or other processing of meat and poultry.
The objective of the MPILP is to strengthen the financing capacity for independent meat processors, and to create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain.
Private nonprofit corporations, public agencies, Tribes, and cooperatives that finance – or plan to finance – the start-up, expansion, or operation of meat and poultry processing are eligible to apply.
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Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD program for public housing agencies, governments, tribal entities and nonprofits that support the development of comprehensive plans to revitalize severely distressed public housing and/or HUD-assisted housing and the surrounding neighborhood. Application Deadline: 7/28/2022
NTIA Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) program to expand middle mile infrastructure and reduce the cost of connecting unserved and underserved areas. Application Deadline: 7/30/2022
OUR TOWN
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
NEA’s creative placemaking grant program offers project-based funding to support activities that integrate arts, culture and design into local efforts that strengthen communities. Application Deadline: 8/22/2022
Community Grant Program
Foundation for Rural Services
This funding supports business and community development, education and telecommunications to sustain and enhance the quality of life in rural America. Application Deadline: 8/31/2022
Multifamily Housing (MFH) Loan Guarantees
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development Loan guarantees for qualified private-sector lenders to provide financing to qualified borrowers with the intent of increasing the supply of affordable rental housing for low to moderate income individuals and families in eligible rural areas and towns. Application Deadline: Open
USDA Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development program to support new investments in infrastructure for food aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution to increase capacity and create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain. Application Deadline: Open
Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD loan program that provides Community Development Block Grant recipients with the ability to leverage their annual grant allocation to access low-cost, flexible financing for economic development, housing, and infrastructure projects. Application Deadline: Ongoing
Affordable Housing Loans for Low-Income Rural Communities
Housing Assistance Council (HAC)
HAC offers short-term loans at below market interest rates to local nonprofits, for-profits and government entities that are working to develop affordable housing for low-income, rural communities. Application Deadline: Open
U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program
U.S. Department of Energy
Program to reduce energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety. Application Deadline: Open
Capital Projects Fund
U.S. Department of Treasury
This fund offers payments to eligible governments to carry out critical capital projects that directly enable work, education, and health monitoring, including remote options, in response to the public health emergency. Application Deadline: Various
Virtual Living Room
The Foundation for Rural Service
This grant combines rural technology, VA resources and local support to improve healthcare access for veterans in rural areas. Application Deadline: Ongoing
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Opportunities for Tribal Communities
Capital Projects Fund for Tribal Governments
U.S. Department of Treasury
Tribal funding opportunity to invest in capital assets that meet communities’ critical needs in the short- and long-term, with a key emphasis on making funds available to recipients that wish to invest in broadband infrastructure. Application Deadline: 8/15/2022
Training and Technical Assistance for Rural, Small and Tribal Municipalities and Wastewater Treatment Systems for Clean Water Act Prevention, Reduction, and Elimination of Pollution
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA funding to provide training and technical assistance to rural, small, and tribal municipalities, publicly owned wastewater treatment works, and decentralized wastewater treatment systems for the prevention, reduction, and elimination of pollution. Application Deadline: 8/22/2022
Thriving Women Program
Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples
Grants to support grassroots projects that empower indigenous women-led work to prevent violence against women and girls and nurture healthy and thriving native peoples and families. Application Deadline: 9/7/2022
Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funds
Federal Highway Administration
Office of Federal Lands Highway funding for tribal governments for the purposes of transportation projects related to safety, safety planning and safety/infrastructure. Application Deadline: 9/15/2022
Free Financial Coaching Available to Tribal Citizens
Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition, Inc.
This confidential financial coaching is available to any American Indian or Alaska Native in the United States, regardless of where they reside. Availability: Ongoing
Broadband and Telecommunication Opportunities
Telecommunications Programs
USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is committed to ensuring that rural areas have access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services. General Field Representatives (GFRs) serve as the local information conduit for the borrowers and headquarters staff. RUS programs include:
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ReConnect Loan and Grant Program: Funds for construction, improvement or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. Recorded Webinar materials (Round 4) now available. Application Window: Opening Soon. Prepare now!
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Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees: Financing for the construction, maintenance, improvement and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas. Application Deadline: Open
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Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: Helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Application Window: Closed/Projected Winter Opening. Prepare early!
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Community Connect Grants: Provides, on a “community-oriented connectivity” basis, broadband service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care and public safety benefits. Application Window: Closed/Projected Spring Opening. Prepare early!
Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) program to expand middle mile broadband infrastructure and reduce the cost of connecting unserved and underserved areas. Application Deadline: 9/30/2022
Digital Equity Act Programs
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) offers programs that promote digital inclusion and advance equity for all to ensure all communities have affordable access and can use the internet to improve their lives. Application Deadlines: Various. Plan now!
Affordable Connectivity Program
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
This FCC program helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices. Application Deadline: Open
MORE FUNDING OPPORTUNTIES, INCLUDING THOSE FOR TRIBAL COMMUNITIES, CAN BE FOUND IN THE USDA RD "INNOVATION MATTERS" NEWSLETTER.
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We have several Resource Guides available which outline USDA RD programs that can help Montana's rural residents, businesses and communities!
- EDA Joint Planning Resource Guide: PDF
- High-speed Internet Resources for Rural America: PDF
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COVID19 Federal Rural Resource Guide: PDF
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Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Guide:PDF
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Guía de recursos conjuntos: PDF
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Joint Childcare Resource Guide: PDF
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Recreational Economy: PDF
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Recursos de resistencia y recuperación en caso de desastres: PDF
- Resources for Rural Entrepreneurs: PDF
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Rural Workforce Guide: PDF
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Tribal Report - 2019: PDF
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