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Happy 1st Birthday to Rural Partners Network!
Message From the Under Secretary for Rural Development
By Xochitl Torres Small, Under Secretary for Rural Development
Last April, we launched the Rural Partners Network (RPN) to provide more technical assistance and support for rural communities in need. I am so excited about the RPN work that has begun through the support of 36 community networks in 9 states, 4 direct partner Tribes, and Puerto Rico. Through RPN, rural people are connecting with resources that will help them create new and lasting prosperity on their own terms. USDA Rural Development employees are leading the RPN efforts across the country. Our RPN employees, who are often from rural places and love their hometowns. They want to make sure that all rural people have the ability to choose their best opportunities. RPN community networks are building partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies that support people in rural areas. When rural communities have equitable access to resources, all rural communities – and everyone in them – can build a better future. I look forward to working with the community networks and helping them to reach their goals for the future.
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Message From the Rural Partners Network Executive Director
By Lee A. Jones, Executive Director for the Rural Partners Network
What a difference a year makes! This time last year, we were anxiously anticipating the launch of Rural Partners Network (RPN) with our first set of Community Networks in Cohort I states. We had no funding, no field staff, and not many outside a core group of federal partners even knew what “RPN” was. Now, as we commemorate our first full year, we can celebrate real progress. We have an additional set of states and communities. We have an amazing state team. We have partnered to provide technical assistance to communities that establishes a foundation for continued growth. And while our funding is not as robust as we had hoped, we can point to real progress across the federal government in addressing the needs of these communities. We are building a sustainable model, and with the numerous partnerships and collaborations within the federal family and with rural stakeholders, I am as confident as ever that the next year will see transformational investments of funding and resources that will respond directly to community-driven vision. Please join me in wishing RPN a happy FIRST birthday!
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Rural Partners Network In Action
Read about the work that Rural Partners Network does behind the scenes and on the ground in our Community Networks.
Special Message from Rural Partners Network:
On March 24, 2023, a devastating tornado passed through Mississippi, affecting the lives of many its residents. Our support goes out to Mississippi and its community members during this difficult restoration period. President Biden officially declared the passing of the tornado a major disaster. Those affected by the storm can view the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources for declared disasters in Mississippi.
Kentucky Highlands Community Network: An RPN Success Story
When President Biden and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack announced the Rural Partners Network (RPN) in April 2022, it was unlikely they could have predicted how quickly that network would become a necessary lifeline to the communities it serves. One of those communities is in southeastern Kentucky, an area where generational poverty and the lack of adequate, affordable housing have long presented challenges. And these challenges were only exacerbated last summer when the area experienced historic flooding that destroyed thousands of homes, critical infrastructure, and small businesses, and took the lives of more than 40 Kentuckians. Read more about how Kentucky used Rural Partners Network to improve the community.
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Rural Partners Network Webinar Highlight: Data Resources for Rural Prosperity
Save the Date: May 9, 2023; 2:00-3:00 PM EST.
Join RuralOrganizing.org Education Fund, USDA Rural Development, and the Department of the Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Service, for a learning session on navigating available data resources to help small towns and rural communities move meaningful projects forward.
Small towns and rural communities deserve a fair share of federal investments to support prosperity and a high quality of life. When your community has a vision for what it needs, the next step is research to find examples of how other communities have found financial support for their projects and what kinds of funding sources are available. In this first of a two-part series on navigating federal data resources we will walk through the open data website, USAspending.gov, and USDA’s new Rural Data Gateway to help rural civic leaders find information and move their communities forward. If you are interested in attending, please register for the Data Resources for Rural Prosperity Webinar.
USDA to Host Rural Partners Network Workshop
On April 4, 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host all three of Mississippi’s Rural Partners Network (RPN) Community Networks in Water Valley, Mississippi. RPN community networks, working with technical assistance providers, have identified high-priority focus areas to target for improving access to funding opportunities for their rural communities. This workshop, in partnership with Communities Unlimited and Rural LISC, will provide an opportunity for collaboration among regional stakeholders, and training opportunities on grant writing and applying for technical assistance.
The 2022 Rural Partners Network Annual Report Is Now Available
Rural Partners Network recently published the 2022 Building Rural Prosperity Annual Report, which provides a detailed look into the first official year of Rural Partners Network, from its beginnings in April 2022 to its most recent wins. This is a great resource for anybody who wants to understand how Rural Partners Network works and what makes it different from previous federal programs. Some key highlights from the report include our investment strategy, as well as the Community Networks and their locally driven priorities and signature projects.
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San Miguel County Receives a Community Development Block Grant for $500,000
In October of 2022, San Miguel County, part of the Northern New Mexico Pathways Economic Development District Community Network, was approved to receive a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for $500,000. This was one of the Community Network’s first successes since joining Rural Partners Network. San Miguel County and the Community Network collaborated with several of RPN’s federal partners, including the Economic Development Administration (EDA), to apply for the CDBG to secure funding for equipment for a wood products company, Barela Timber Management Company, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, in San Miguel County. Congratulations, San Miguel County and Northern New Mexico Pathways Economic Development District!
Rural Partners Network Team in Puerto Rico Participates in Key Community Events
The Rural Partners Network team in Puerto Rico met with community leaders and residents of Guánica, a municipio located in the Southwestern coast. Supervisory Community Liaison, Mónica Rodríguez Rivera, invited residents of the Siberia and Esperanza neighborhoods to discuss the area’s pressing needs. Additionally, the Rural Partners Network team, including State Director Maximiliano Trujillo, attended the Lenders Matchmaking: Path to Prosperity event in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Hosted by the Small Business and Technology Development Center of Puerto Rico (SBTDC), this event focused on small business development and united government agencies, banking institutions, and other supportive organizations.
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USDA Announces New Staff Assigned to Rural Partners Network in New Mexico
Patricia Dominguez, State Director for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development in New Mexico, announced new staff hired to directly assist rural people in accessing resources and funding to improve their communities. This is an exciting opportunity to engage in deep partnerships to help rural New Mexicans get their fair share of federal funding,” said Rural Development State Director Dominguez. Read the full press release.
Coming Soon: Rural Partners Network Fact Sheets
Get to know the 36 RPN Community Networks! Rural Partners Network will soon publish Fact Sheets that provide important information on each participating state, including the Community Network Signature Projects, Community Liaison contact information, and more. The Rural Partners Network team will send updates about the Fact Sheets once they are available on Rural.gov.
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Rural Connections Blog
Rural Connections Blog is a resource on Rural.gov that features informative articles about Rural Partners Network, the Community Networks, and other rural-based entities. Catch up on the latest Rural Connections Blog articles.
Welcome to the Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Community Network
By Jason Dunn, Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority
Like many communities across the country, Ben Hill County is rich in history. The county in south central Georgia is home to one municipality, Fitzgerald. In 1895, Union Army Pension Attorney and newspaper editor Philander H. Fitzgerald founded Fitzgerald as a reconciliation community for Civil War veterans. Ben Hill County is home to several places listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has nine recreational parks. Read more about the Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Community Network.
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Women Veterans Health Reengagement Training (heaRT): Educating Women Veterans on the VA Health Care Services
The blog post was submitted by the VA Office of Women’s Health
One in four women Veterans who use Veterans Health Administration (VA) care live in rural areas. Rural women Veterans have unique health care needs and are more likely to use VA care compared to their urban peers. However, only 8 percent of enrolled rural Veterans are women. The VA Women’s Health Reengagement Training (heaRT) Team is on a mission to change that statistic by offering a training program that discusses how to apply for and use VA health care so that women Veterans can access the health care. Read more about the Women’s Health Reengagement Training program.
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Regional Comprehensive Centers
Submitted by the U.S. Department of Education
The Regional Comprehensive Centers partner with state educational agencies (SEAs) to provide high-impact, customized, and responsive support to increase student achievement. The National Comprehensive Center develops and delivers high-quality universal capacity-building products and services addressing pressing national education needs. The Regional and National Centers are administered by the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education. The Region 15 Comprehensive Center (R15CC) supports Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. Read more about the Regional Comprehensive Centers.
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Building Partnerships to Support Mental Health Needs in Diverse Rural Schools: The National Center for Rural School Mental Health
Written by Wendy M. Reinke, Director of National Center for Rural School Mental Health
Prior to the pandemic, 1 in 5 school-age youth experienced serious mental health issues. School-based prevention and intervention supports are part of this solution, but in rural schools, geographic isolation and limited resources make it difficult to access these services. The U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences-funded National Center for Rural School Mental Health is working to address this challenge. Read more about the National Center for Rural School Mental Health.
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Meet New Members of the RPN Team!
Meet USDA staff hired to work full time with RPN Community Networks to advance local projects.
In March, Rural Partners Network welcomed new Community Liaisons in five states: Alaska, New Mexico, Nevada, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Additionally, Rural Partners Network was able to permanently hire Christine Sorensen, Lead on Engagement, and Michelle Moore, Lead for Operations to the National Team.
Alaska
Emily Marr, Community Liaison – Southeast Alaska
Emily “Emma” Marr comes to RPN with a 10-year military career in Alaska in operational and mission support settings in rural communities and two years as a Civil Engineer for U.S. Forest Service. Emma received her bachelor’s in civil engineering from United States Coast Guard Academy and master’s degree in civil engineering from San Diego State University. Fun fact about Emma: she enjoys skiing, playing hockey, and riding horse in Juneau, Alaska.
New Mexico
Raúl Hurtado, Community Liaison – Northern New Mexico Pathways Economic Development District
Raúl recently completed a 120-day assignment on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District as the Disaster Recovery Coordinator. He engaged in the post-fire recovery work on the largest wildfire in the history of the state of New Mexico. The Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon (HPCC) fire, he was largely responsible for working on disaster recovery needs with under-served communities. He leveraged his experience with his local knowledge of the area to identify priority work, prepare for out-year implementation for addressing capacity, contracting needs, compliance requirements with district, and support staff. He also organized community resource fairs with the support from cooperating agencies to connect members of the public. His ability to adapt to change and knowledge of rural New Mexico he brings leadership and opportunities to the people, partners and communities of Taos, Colfax, Mora, and San Miguel Counties.
Nevada
Elias Askins III, Community Liaison – Moapa Valley
Elias spent over 14 years in higher education administration as both a graduation specialist and NCAA compliance specialist. This role gave him greater insight into overcoming academic and other challenges faced by college students in both general populations as well as student athletes. Since serving as a Loan Specialist in USDA, Rural Development has given him a much better understanding of the daily challenges and obstacles faced by rural families. He looks forward to putting career lessons to use in assisting rural communities to succeed in overcoming their challenges and obstacles and improving the lives of their residents.
Jacqueline Cashmere, Community Liaison – Southern Nevada
Jacqueline has over two years of experience serving as a 2020 Partnership Specialist in one of the most historic U.S. Census, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. She adapted to operational changes for the health and safety of the public and still provided the necessary outreach and information to the public for fulfilling the mission of the Census in Counting Everyone Once, Only Once and in the Right Place. Jacqueline is excited to start a career with the USDA Rural Partners Network as a Community Liaison to facilitate information and critical incentives for businesses and community development in the rural areas in Nevada.
Kentucky
Connie Sturgill, Community Liaison – Kentucky Highlands
Connie is a Kentucky native born and raised in Letcher County, KY. She is a 30-year employee of USDA with Natural Resource and Conservation Agency as a Soil Conservation Technician. She is the proud mom of two daughters, Destiny, 25, who is a corrections officer and Carla, 23, who is in nursing school. She has been married for 29 years to her husband Carlos, and they enjoy life on their small farm in Letcher County, Kentucky. Fun fact: they enjoy the outdoors, spending time riding their Harley (side-by-side) and working on their farm. They have long horn cattle, goats, Emu’s and Ostrich, and variety of species of birds.
North Carolina
George Vital, Supervisory Community Liaison
George will be working and supporting five identified Community Networks. He began his career with USDA Rural Development (formerly known as Farmers Home Administration) in 1984. With over 30 years of experience, he has worked in all of Rural Development’s major programs. He assisted in establishing North Carolina’s Rural Business Cooperative Services Division in 1998. He has served as Area Director, State Civil Rights Manager, Community Program and Single-Family Housing Loan Specialist.
Floria Oates-Williams, Community Liaison – Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Glow House Society
Floria began her USDA career more than five years ago as a Program Technician and North Carolina Beginning Farmer and Rancher Champion with Farm Service Agency. She received her master’s in business administration from Appalachian State University and Bachelor Administration from Winston – Salem State University. Floria is excited to be the Community Liaison for the Bladen, Columbus, Robeson Counties and Glow House Society Community Networks. Fun family fact: she is a proud Army mom and enjoys sports especially playing pickleball and fishing. She is passionate and dedicated to serving and helping others.
Angela Washington, Community Liaison – Bertie, Martin, Tyrrell, Washington
Angela began her career with USDA Rural Development as a student trainee in February 2003. She was afforded the opportunity to work in several Rural Development programs, most recently in the role as a loan specialist in the Community Programs under the Water and Environmental Program. Angela’s primary goal was to provide loan and grant funds for water and wastewater projects that served the most financially needed rural communities. In fiscal year 2022, the Kinston Area Office successfully obligated over $31.8 million to improve the lives of the citizens in rural Eastern, North Carolina.
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What's New in Rural Development
USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Socially Disadvantaged Agricultural Producers and Business Owners in Rural Areas
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the Department is accepting applications for grants to support technical assistance for socially disadvantaged agricultural producers and rural business owners. USDA is making available up to $3 million in Fiscal Year 2023 through the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant Program. The maximum amount an individual applicant may receive is $175,000. To learn more, read the full Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant Stakeholder Announcement.
USDA Makes $31 Million in Grants Available to Help Farmers and Ranchers Add More Value to Their Products to Access New and Better Markets
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is making $31 million in grants available to help farmers and ranchers access new and better markets by adding more value to their products. USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program. The grants help agricultural producers generate new products, create marketing opportunities and increase their incomes through value-added activities.
To learn more, read the full Value-Added Producer Grant Stakeholder Announcement.
USDA Rural Development Seeks Applications to Improve Rural Transportation Systems, Opening the Door to Economic Opportunities for People Living in Rural Communities
Application deadline: April 19, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. local time
Rural Development is accepting applications to enhance the operation of rural transportation systems. The grants are part of the Rural Business Development Grant program. Eligible applicants are qualified, experienced national organizations seeking to provide rural communities with training and technical assistance to improve passenger transportation services and facilities. USDA does not provide funding directly to individuals or businesses under this program.
USDA is offering priority points to projects that advance key priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration to help communities create more and better market opportunities, advance equity and combat climate change. These extra points will increase the likelihood of funding. For more information, read about the Rural Development Priorities and the Stakeholder Announcement. Applications must be submitted to the applicant’s nearest USDA office.
USDA to Create Plan to Expand Recreation Economies and Help People Thrive Across Rural America
Rural Development, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and U.S. Forest Service Partner to Create New Tools and Resources. Through a Memorandum of Understanding, USDA Rural Development, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the U.S. Forest Service will partner to develop an annual plan to expand economic opportunities related to recreation in communities surrounding America’s national forests.
The annual plan will outline the ways the agencies will partner to conduct program outreach, host informational sessions and workshops, and develop toolkits to help people access the resources they need to thrive in recreation economies. To learn more, read the full Stakeholder Announcement.
Section 22001 | USDA Rural Development Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Program: Features $1 billion in funding for partially forgivable loans for utility-scale clean energy projects, including wind, solar, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, and energy storage. ACE is designed to increase clean energy adoption in rural America and make it more affordable for consumers. Eligible entities include electric service providers such as municipal utilities, cooperatives, private-sector developers, and investor-owned or Tribal utilities.
Section 22004 | USDA Rural Development Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program: Up to $9.7 billion in new funding is available for electric cooperatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing or deploying renewable energy, zero-emission systems, and carbon capture technology. Funding also can be used to make generation and transmission energy efficiency improvements. New ERA funding is designed to support long-term resiliency, reliability, and affordability. Applicants can request loans, grants, loan modifications, and other financial assistance.
Now is the time to prepare to apply for these exciting programs. Notice of Funding Opportunities will be published this Spring.
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Visit RURAL.gov to find a more comprehensive list of programs to help your rural community.
Citizens' Institute on Rural Design Releases Local Design Workshop & Design Learning Cohort RFA
Deadline: April 21, 2023
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Housing Assistance Council (HAC), with To Be Done Studio, are excited to announce the Request for Applications (RFA) to the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design (CIRD). Rural and tribal communities are invited to submit applications to receive design support and technical assistance to host an on-site Local Design Workshop or participate in the Design Learning Cohort..
Online Event: American Planning Association 2023 National Planning Conference
Online dates: April 26-28, 2023
NPC23 is your ticket to connection with your professional community. Join your peers in Philadelphia or online and tap into an inspiring network that will help you analyze, imagine, and plan for the future. The conference program is focused on content developed through peer discussion and research into areas most likely to be agents of change in the planning profession. For more information and registration, visit the 2023 National Planning Conference registration page.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Will Award $52.5 Million in Grants to Local Organizations Working to Prevent Veteran Suicide
Applications deadline: 5/19/2023
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced the availability of $52.5 million in grants to community-based organizations that provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for Veterans and their families – including conducting Veteran mental health screenings, providing case management and peer support services, delivering emergency clinical services, reaching out to Veterans at risk of suicide and more. These grants will be awarded through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. For more information and application details, read the full news release.
Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program
Application deadline: 5/31/2023
The U.S. Department of Interior’s (DOI) National Park Service offers grants to states, and through states to local units of government and federally recognized Indian tribes, for projects that will provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public through the acquisition of lands and waters for parks and other outdoor recreation areas, as well as through the development of new, or the renovation of existing, outdoor recreation facilities. To learn more and apply, visit the Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program page.
Grant Opportunities: United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) supports economic development for communities and commodities by funding projects that enhance the marketability and competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products locally, nationally, and internationally. AMS grant programs focus on local and regional food systems, and the specialty crops, dairy, meat, poultry, and sheep industries.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces funding for Energy Efficiency and Home Rebates
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Funding for Community-Centered Clean Energy Programs Across the US and $9 Billion for Home Rebates. This funding is for Local Governments, States, Territories Tribes, and Households Reduce Energy Cost and Meet National Net-Zero Goals. State, local, and Tribal governments can begin apply for funding through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program and issued a Request for Information (RFI) for new Home Energy Rebate Programs. The EECBG Program opened application for $430 million in formula grant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for clean energy projects and programs in local communities, reaching more than 250 million Americans across the country.
Department of Energy Announces the Launch of C2C New $50 Million dollar Program
Department of Energy Launches New $50 Million Program to Help Communities Meet Their Clean Energy Goals. Clean Energy to Communities’ Program (C2C) Will Connect Local Leaders with DOE’s National Laboratories to Help Communities Transition to a Clean Energy Future. C2C will connect local governments, electric utilities, community-based groups, and other with the innovative modeling and testing tools developed at DOE’s world class national laboratories to transform their clean energy goals and ambitions into reality. New place-based, community-driven program to support communities (with TA from our national labs) achieve their energy transition goals. C2C offers three levels of technical assistance: in-depth technical partnerships, peer-learning cohorts, and expert match.
Department of Veterans Affairs Releases Dashboard to Measure the PACT Act's Impact On Veterans and Survivors
Thanks to historic new legislation called the PACT Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is now able to provide generations of toxic-exposed Veterans and their survivors with the health care and benefits they deserve. Since President Biden signed the PACT Act into law on August 10, 2022, more than 300,000 Veterans and survivors have applied for their earned benefits, more than 2 million Veterans have been screened for toxic exposures, and more than 161,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care. All that information and more is now available in a new VA PACT Act Performance Dashboard. For more information, read the full news release.
Programs for Tribes
For a more comprehensive list of programs for tribes, visit Rural Partners Network’s list of Tribal Programs and Resources.
FY 2023 AmeriCorps State and National Native Nations Planning Grants
Application Deadline: 4/5/2023
AmeriCorps planning grants provide support to a grant recipient to develop an AmeriCorps program that will engage AmeriCorps members in implementing evidence-based interventions to solve community problems. View the FY 2023 AmeriCorps State and National Native Nations Planning grant opportunity.
Learning Opportunities
Learn About USDA Community Connect Program Delivering Broadband Networks to Underserved Rural Areas
The Community Connect Program offers financial assistance to eligible applicants that will construct broadband networks which provide community-oriented connectivity in rural areas. If you would like to learn more about this program, register for the following webinar: Tuesday, April 11, 1-2:30 PM ET: Community Connect Grant Program Webinar.
National 4-H Conference
The 2023 4‑H Conference in Arlington, Virginia, is the pinnacle experience in 4‑H Civic Engagement, providing the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead, and impact their communities, nation and world. At the conference (April 14-19), delegates will have the opportunity to participate in round table discussions and present to federal partner agencies along with the opportunity for delegates to engage with their U.S. Senators and Representatives. Register for the National 4-H Conference.
WasteExpo 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana
WasteExpo’s conference program is your professional development opportunity of the year! The education and training that you’ll receive is guaranteed to sharpen your skills to help you do your job better. This year’s conference is from May 1-4, 2023. Learn more about the WasteExpo Conference.
2023 Inaugural National VetResources Community Network Convening
If you are part of the VetResources Community Network, you are invited to join the Department of Veterans Affairs and over 300 community partners to engage in the first of its kind experience creating the Gold Standard of Community Engagement.
Join us this July 25-27 in Nashville for a community partner convening to hear community engagement and outreach promising practices, network with other community partners and VA, access tools and playbooks, learn effective communications strategies, determine outcomes metrics, and use a virtual Idea Lab that allows you to solution and brainstorm the top challenges facing our Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.
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Contact Us
Please visit RURAL.gov to learn more about the Rural Partners Network.
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