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MONTANA RURAL EXPLORER

FEBRUARY 2024 (Volume 2, Edition 2)

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 Wait, There's More.....

FROM KATHLEEN

Our Rural Development team is hard at work with partners, businesses, communities, and families across the state to find the “right fit” when it comes to programs that help Montana's rural and Tribal communities grow and thrive.  

New this month is another round of our Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. During the past three years, this program has helped more than 50 Montana rural small businesses and agricultural producers build, grow, and increase income. Applications are due in April, so don’t delay!  

In addition to VAPG, we have programs that help increase access to high-speed internet, help rural small businesses expand and become more energy efficient, and help homeowners and communities recover from recent natural disasters. And if you have questions or need assistance navigating application processes, our dedicated program staff and regional partners can help!

On occasion we also feature opportunities for rural and Tribal families, businesses, and communities beyond our own programs at USDA Rural Development that seem timely and relevant.

See the details below in this month’s Montana Rural Explorer and contact us if you have questions.

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.

RD FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

NEW Business - Value Added Producer Grants

Funding that helps farmers and ranchers generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase income through value-added activities. Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. For more information go to page 2912 of the Jan. 17, 2024, FEDERAL REGISTER or contact marlee.johnston@usda.gov.  

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Electronic applications via Grants.gov: by 9:59 p.m. (MT), 4/11/2024.

Paper applications via mail or email: Postmarked by 4:30 p.m. (MT), 4/16/2024.

Paper applications delivered to a Montana RD State office: 4:30 p.m. (MT), 4/16/2024.

Rural Utilities - Community Connect Program Correction Notice

On December 19, 2023, the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) published a correction notice that makes important changes to the FY23 Community Connect Program funding notice. NEW Applications due 2/20/2024. For more information on additional changes, click on the FEDERAL REGISTER LINK HERE or contact MT/ID RUS Telecom General Field Representative at peter.hawkes@usda.gov. 

Business - Rural Business Development Grant Program (RBDG)

Grant funding to promote economic development and job creation projects through funding of eligible entities. Applicants compete in two separate categories, business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, for use in funding business and community projects that serve rural areas. Applications due 2/28/2024. For more information or to apply contact lad.barney@usda.gov. 

Business - 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. Applications due 3/31/2024, 6/30/2024, and 9/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact kathy.archer@usda.gov. 

Business - Intermediary Relending Program (IRP)

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. Applications due 3/31/2024 and 6/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact lad.barney@usda.gov. 

Business - Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)

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. Applications due 3/31/2024 and 6/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact lad.barney@usda.gov. 

Business - Rural Economic Development Loan / Grant Program (REDL/G)

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. Applications due 4:30 p.m. (MT) on 3/31/2024 and 6/30/2024. For more information or to submit an application contact lad.barney@usda.gov. 

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 and on Tribal lands repair damage caused by flooding and other natural disasters. 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. 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. 

WATCH HERE to learn more about how RD programs connect with rural and Tribal businesses, families, and communities. 

WEBINARS and WORKSHOPS

Rural Mental Health Solutions Virtual Roundtable

The Western Community Assessment Network (WeCAN) hosts a FREE virtual roundtable on 2/8/2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Event focuses on mental health best practices and what's working in small towns and rural communities. Two keynote speakers share firsthand stories from communities across MT - WY - ID and discuss solutions and approaches with fellow participants. 

Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program Application WEBINAR

This program provides technical assistance and training grants for small rural businesses to benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more. The Fiscal Year 2024 application window is now open. Applications are due 2/28/2024. This recorded workshop provides helpful information on how to navigate the Rural Business Development Grant application process.

SAVE THE DATE - ReConnect Round 5 Application Workshop

WHO: USDA Rural Development Rural Utilities Service (RUS)

WHAT: Three-Day, In-person Workshop

WHEN: February 27-29, 2024

WHERE: The Row, 407, N. Virginia St., Reno NV

WHY: To provide information and assistance to those interested in applying for ReConnect Program grant funding. This program provides loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations for broadband deployment in rural and Tribal communities that do not have sufficient access to this critical service. 

TRIBAL INFORMATION

HUD - Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive Grant Program

This program provides grants to eligible Indian tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) to carry out a range of affordable housing activities. Grant funds may be used to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing in safe and healthy environments on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas and carry out other affordable housing activities. Grant funds must be used to primarily benefit low-income Indian families. Applications due 3/19/2024. 

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants - Tribes and Territories Only Competition

This 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. Applications due 5/1/2024. Submit applications directly to the EPA through Grants.gov.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Native American Direct Loan (NADL)

Department of Veterans Affairs program makes home loans available to eligible Native American Veterans who wish to purchase, construct, or improve a home on Federal Trust land or to reduce the interest rate. Applications due: Open deadline. 

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

Advancing Homeownership on Montana's Tribal Lands - On a sun-drenched, snowy day in Browning, Montana, community leaders gathered at NACDC Financial Services, Inc., to celebrate NACDC’s receipt of a $1 million USDA grant to expand single family homeownership on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. READ MORE HERE.

USDA Awards More than $2.2 Million in Grants to Support Montana Agricultural Producers

Bozeman, Mont., Jan. 17, 2024 – In 2023, USDA Rural Development in Montana awarded more than $2.2 million in direct funds to 10 rural small businesses and agricultural producers through its Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program, which is designed to help generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase overall producer income to grow local economies in rural and Tribal areas. READ FULL STORY. 

Local Library "More Than Just Books" for Rural Montana Town - A library connects its patrons to resources around them and can sometimes serve as a rural community’s only link to a world beyond. Learn how a USDA RD Community Facilities Grant helped Harlowton keep its library doors open. READ MORE HERE.

USDA Invests Nearly $3.2 Million to Boost Fertilizer Production and Generate Energy Efficiencies in Montana’s Rural Areas

Bozeman, Mont., Jan. 22, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Montana State Director Kathleen Williams announced today investments of nearly $3.2. million in renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects to help Montanans lower energy bills and make domestically produced fertilizer more accessible to farmers in Big Sky Country. READ FULL STORY.

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 to an Event Near You in February

Feb. 2 - Montana Farmer's Union Women's Conference (Miles City)

Feb. 9 - Montana Farmer's Union Women's Conference (Fairmont)

Feb. 15 - Montana Agri-Trade Exposition (Billings)

Feb. 27 - MSU Business / Ag College Recruiter Networking Night (Bozeman)

WAIT, THERE'S MORE.....

FCC Affordable Connectivity Program

This Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program helps ensure households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Enrollment closes on 2/7/2024. 

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects

Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) is the NEA’s largest grant program for organizations, providing expansive funding opportunities to strengthen the nation’s arts and culture across multiple artistic disciplines - opportunities for public engagement with the arts and arts education, integration of the arts with strategies promoting health and well-being, and improvement of overall capacity within the arts sector. Application deadline is 2/15/2024. 

Montana Main Street (MMS) Grant Application Now Open

The Montana Department of Commerce annual application cycle for its Montana Main Street (MMS) grant program is now open for MMS member communities. Grants are available for comprehensive revitalization projects and community planning and to activate spaces and execute concrete ideas. Communities with active MMS grants are not eligible. Application deadline is 2/28/2024. For more information contact micky.zurcher@mt.gov.

Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) - Growth Through Agriculture Business Acceleration and Marketing Program

Now accepting requests for funding applications. Montanans interested in expanding or developing new marketing for agricultural businesses may apply for funds through this state grant program. MDA will accept applications until funds are exhausted and will review applications quarterly, starting in April. 

Those needing application assistance in applying for funding are encouraged to contact a local Food and Agricultural Development Center (FADC). 

FSA Farm Storage Facility Loan Program

The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low-interest financing so producers can build or upgrade facilities to store commodities. FSFL is an excellent financing program for on-farm storage and handling for small and mid-sized farms, and for new farmers. Loan terms vary from 3 to 12 years. The maximum loan amount for storage facilities is $500,000. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance Grant Program

HUD accepts applications from local governments seeking technical assistance to build capacity that addresses economic distress and alleviate persistent poverty. Assistance is available directly to local governments and their nonprofit partners in specific areas (census tracts) that serve communities with populations of less than 50,000 residents. Request deadline is ROLLING. For questions and more information email distressedcities@hud.gov. 

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. 

History of Rural Development

USDA Rural Development has a rich history of transforming rural and Tribal communities. Rural America is hometown America – more than a great place to live, its people make up America’s spirit and character. To learn how RD has shaped this vital part of our national identity. 

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

The IAW was created to ensure federal government agencies come together to help drive funding from both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and deliver those resources to help revitalize America's energy communities. 

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Navigator Service helps communities through the complex grants process and provides real-time assistance with resources for grant assistance, infrastructure and workforce development. 

"Getting Started Guide" helps coal and oil-and-gas communities start the planning process or respond to economic and social changes resulting from energy transition and other economic shifts.  

For more information about Montana RD, follow us on Twitter @Montana_RD or

Visit our WEBSITE by clicking the button below.

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. 

Websites and hyperlinks - For ease of reference, this publication provides links to relevant, useful information hosted outside the USDA domain. Endorsement of non-USDA programs is neither intended nor implied.