MONTANA RURAL EXPLORER

NOVEMBER 2023

Welcome to the MONTANA RURAL EXPLORER, USDA Rural Development in Montana's monthly newsletter with information about our business, community facilities, energy, electric, housing, telecommunication, and water and environmental programs. Thanks for checking us out. Let us know how we can serve you better. Please send feedback to mark.mccann@usda.gov.

From Kathleen RD Funding Opportunities Webinars and Workshops Tribal Information Montana RD News Outreach More Opportunities

FROM KATHLEEN

Entering this season of gratitude, it’s important to recognize and thank all our partners and program participants across the state without whom we would not be able to deliver so many impactful programs and services to our Montana neighbors. It truly does take a village, and I feel so privileged to be part of such a wonderful team here in Big Sky Country!

November is also marked by two significant observances. Native American Heritage Month is a time to pause, reflect on, and honor the history, cultures, and traditions of America’s Indigenous peoples, recognizing their important contributions to our nation. 

Veterans Day on November 11 was a time to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the many women and men who have answered the call to defend our nation through peacetime and in war. Both observances reflect the rich tapestry of our nation’s history and how our citizens and neighbors continue to shape our country and our world.

Highlights in this month’s newsletter include funding opportunities with upcoming deadlines, new educational opportunities for Tribal scholars, and continued relief to help homeowners and communities recover from natural disasters. In all, USDA RD has a whole menu of programs – new and existing – to help businesses grow, communities thrive, and families prosper.

On behalf of our Montana RD team, thank you for the opportunity to serve you!

USDA Rural Development is an investor, ally, and advocate for rural America.

November is Native American Heritage Month USDA Rural Development in Montana celebrates National Native American Heritage Month. We honor and reflect on the history, cultures and traditions of America’s Indigenous peoples, and we recognize all that they contribute to our nation. Read Presidential Proclamation HERE.

Veterans Day, November 11 USDA Rural Development in Montana takes this moment to acknowledge and honor the service and sacrifice of our nation's Veterans and their families.

RD FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) 

Guaranteed loan and grant funding for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency upgrades. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficiency equipment and new system loans to support agricultural production and processing. Application deadlines 12/31/2023, 3/31/2024, 6/30/2024, and 9/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact kathy.archer@usda.gov. 

Intermediary Relending Program

Low-interest loans available to local lenders known as intermediaries, who then re-lend the funds to businesses to improve economic conditions and create new opportunities in rural communities. Application deadlines 12/31/2023, 3/31/2024, and 6/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact lad.barney@usda.gov. 

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program

Funding for non-profits, Tribes, colleges, and universities to create revolving loan fund programs and support training and technical assistance for rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises. Application deadlines 12/31/2023, 3/31/2024, and 6/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact lad.barney@usda.gov. 

Rural Economic Development Loan / Grant Program

Zero-interest loans to local utilities to pass through to local businesses for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. These programs also provide grants to local utility organizations which use the funding to establish revolving loan funds to finance community facilities. Application deadlines 4:30 p.m. (MT) on 12/31/2023, 3/31/2024, or 6/30/2024. For more information or to submit an application contact lad.barney@usda.gov. 

Solid Waste Management Grants

This program reduces or eliminates pollution of water resources by providing funding for organizations that offer technical assistance or training to improve the planning and management of solid waste sites. Application window 10/01/2023 to 12/31/2023.Submit applications via Grants.gov by 9:59 p.m. Mountain Time, 12/31/2023. For more information about the program, call (406) 585-2520. 

Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants

This program helps qualified, private nonprofits provide technical assistance and training to identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste problems, helps applicants prepare applications for water and waste disposal loans/grants, and helps associations improve operation and maintenance of water and waste facilities in eligible rural areas.  Application window 10/01/2023 to 12/31/2023. Submit applications via Grants.gov by 9:59 p.m. Mountain Time, 12/31/2023. For more information about the program, call (406) 585-2520. 

Single Family Housing - Disaster Relief for Montana Homeowners

Grant funding is available through TWO USDA RD programs to help low-income homeowners in presidentially declared disaster areas repair damage caused by flooding and other natural disasters.   

Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Repair Grants are available to help repair homes damaged by flooding in calendar year 2022. Application period is now open. Open. For information or to apply contact katina.uecker@usda.gov.

Single Family Housing Disaster Repair Grant Pilot Program expands eligibility for low-income homeowners in any presidentially declared disaster areas to receive grant funding. Pilot Program ends on 7/18/2025. For more information or to apply contact katina.uecker@usda.gov.

Community Facilities - Disaster Relief Available for Montana Communities

Grant funding is available through TWO USDA RD programs to repair essential community facilities and water infrastructure damaged by flooding in 2022. Eligible areas include Carbon, Flathead, Park, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Treasure and Yellowstone Counties. 

Community Facilities Supplemental Disaster Repair Grants are available to help rural and Tribal communities repair essential facilities damaged by flooding in 2022. Application period is now open. For information or to apply all (406) 585-2520.

Water Infrastructure Disaster Grant Repair Program is available to help rural and Tribal communities repair water infrastructure damaged by flooding in 2022. 

Application period is now open. For information or to apply call (406) 585-2520. 

MORE USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT  FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

USDA Rural Development (RD) has more than 70 financial assistance programs for a variety of rural and Tribal applicants. Learn more about how RD grants, loans and loan guarantees can assist with your business, community facility, electric, energy, housing, telecommunication, or water and wastewater project needs. 

WEBINARS and WORKSHOPS

Stay tuned for future workshops and webinars!

TRIBAL INFORMATION

Tribal Scholars Program - Four-Year Tuition Coverage Available

The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program provides full tuition, fees, books, a housing stipend, and paid workforce training to eligible students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines at a Tribal college or university. New this year, tuition coverage can follow the student from a two-year associate program at a Tribal college or university to a four-year bachelor’s degree program (at a TCU or other land-grant institution). When the student completes scholarship requirements - including a paid internship - USDA may convert the student to a permanent USDA employee without further competition. 27 Scholarships are available. Application deadline is 12/1/2023. For more information email us at 1994@usda.gov or go to the program website at USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program.

Terra Preta do Indio Tribal Faculty Fellowship Program

This program seeks to strengthen Tribal college and university research capacity and introduce Tribal college faculty and staff to USDA programs and services. In June 2024, the Faculty Fellows spend a week in Washington, D.C., to meet with USDA program leads, identify areas for collaboration, and learn about USDA resources. A second week places Faculty Fellows at a USDA research facility aligned with academic research interests. This year’s research collaborations take place with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, Forest Service, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Fellows return to their institution with new knowledge to benefit their community, cooperative research opportunities, and advance their Tribal college land-grant mission of research, education, and extension. Application deadline is 12/01/2023. Learn more at the Tribal College Program website or email the program at 1994@usda.gov.

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP)

This $3 billion grant program supports Tribal governments bringing high-speed Internet to Tribal lands, including telehealth, distance learning, affordability, and digital inclusion initiatives. Applications due 1/23/2024. Learn more about the program or apply by clicking on the link HERE.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants - Tribes and Territories Only Competition

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) general competition provides $5 billion in grants to Tribes and territories to develop and implement ambitious plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. For the Tribes and territories competition, EPA anticipates awarding individual grants ranging between $1 million to $25 million. Application deadline 5/1/2024 and must be submitted directly to the EPA through Grants.gov.

Inflation Reduction Act Tribal Guidebook

This guidebook provides an overview of the clean energy, climate mitigation and resilience, agriculture, and conservation-related funding programs in the Inflation Reduction Act for which Tribes are eligible. Read more about Tribal programs available through the Inflation Reduction Act by clicking on the link HERE. 

MONTANA RD NEWS

Four Chickens and a Dream Hatch Successful Montana Poultry Farm Learn how a Value-Added Producer Grant helped "hatch" a successful woman-owned poultry and pork farm on a 35-acre homestead in the hills of Livingston, Montana. Read full story by clicking link HERE.

OUTREACH

Our team travels throughout Montana to help businesses, communities, and homeowners learn more about funding opportunities available through USDA Rural Development. We hope to see you on the road!

Montana RD - Coming Soon to an Event Near You

Stay tuned for future updates!!

MORE OPPORTUNITIES

System for Award Management (SAM)

A SAM registration is required for to bid on and get paid for federal contracts or to receive federal funds. These include for-profit businesses, non-profits, government contractors, government subcontractors, state governments, and local municipalities. The SAM registration is valid for one year from the date the registration is complete and must be renewed before 60 days of expiration to avoid potential penalties. To register for or renew your SAM account, go to SAM.gov | Home.

Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Grant Program

New USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) grant program for agricultural employers focused on addressing labor shortages in agriculture, reducing irregular migration through expansion of legal pathways, and improving labor protections for farmworkers. Application deadline 11/28/2023. For more information or to apply for funding click on the link HERE. 

Thriving Communities National Capacity Builder Program

US Department of Transportaion grant program to fund technical assistance, planning, and capacity building support to teams of community partners that may lack the staffing or technical expertise to scope, fund, and develop infrastructure projects that advance broader community goals. Application deadline 11/28/2023. Learn more or apply by clicking on the link HERE. 

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants - General Competition

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) general competition provides $5 billion in grants to states and local governments to develop and implement ambitious plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. For the general competition, EPA anticipates awarding individual grants between $2 million and $500 million, with funding tiers allowing comparably sized projects to compete against one another. Applications due by 4/1/2024 and must be submitted directly to the EPA through Grants.gov.

Interagency Working Group (IWG) on Coal and Power Plant Communities

This U.S. Department of Energy working group seeks to promote job-creating investments in communities already impacted by coal mine and power plant closures and will also be proactive, investing now in the communities likely to be impacted by additional, near-term declines in coal production and generation from coal-fired power plants. Learn about the 10 Steps to Community Reinvestment by downloading the reinvestment guide HERE. 

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USDA Rural Development in Montana has offices in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula. Contact us today to learn more about funding opportunities for businesses, communities and homeowners in rural and Tribal areas.