Monday, April 25, 2016

FW: CED Matters - Funding, Publications, Learning/Events

From our colleagues at USDA-Rural Development, there are current funding and resource opportunities – numerous items related to rural health and infrastructure issues.

 

From: RA.RD.DCWA2.RDCED [mailto:RDCED@wdc.usda.gov]
Sent: Friday, April 22, 2016 2:55 PM
Subject: CED Matters - Funding, Publications, Learning/Events

 

FUNDING

Strategic Economic and Community Development

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is excited to share a new Rural Development funding opportunity authorized by Section 6025 of the 2014 Farm Bill. This new authority entitled Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) prioritizes projects that support the implementation of multi-jurisdictional plans under the Community Facilities Program, Water and Waste Disposal Program, Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program, and Rural Business Development Grant Program. Under this provision, up to 10 percent of each programs annual appropriations can be set aside and made available to eligible SECD applicants—in FY 2016, SECD has set aside over $300 million.  Many communities already working together to develop multi-jurisdictional plans with the help of strategic partners including non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, university extensions, regional authorities, coalitions of counties/towns and federal special initiative coalitions such as: Stronger Economies Together, Promise Zones, Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnerships, Sustainable Communities, and Local Food, Local Places. The goal of SECD is to promote collaboration in rural communities and across Rural Development agencies and programs. Communities are incentivized to align resources, develop long-term community and economic growth strategies and engage federal, state and local partners. By promoting this regional focus USDA resources can be more effectively utilized and have a larger impact on rural capacity building and wealth creation.

 

EDA to Open $15M Regional Innovation Competition in April

On April 25, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will begin accepting applications for the 2016 round of the Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) program. A total of $15 million in federal funding will be available through the program's i6 Challenge and Seed Fund Support Grant competition. EDA will hold a series of webinars next week leading up to the release of the Federal Funding Opportunity on April 25, 2016. Webinar times are available on EDA's RIS page. SSTI will host a post-launch webinar with EDA on May 5, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. EDT. Register today…

 

DOE Announces Over $100M Available to Improve Clean Energy Manufacturing

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) released a notice of intent to establish a $70 million Modular Chemical Process Intensification Institute for Clean Energy Manufacturing – the fourth National Manufacturing Innovation Institute sponsored by the Department of Energy. EERE also announced the availability of approximately $35 million in funding to institutions of higher education to assist small- and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers increase energy efficiency, productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness as well as help address the shortage of engineering professionals with applied energy-related skills. Read more...

 

Chef Ann Foundation Accepting Applications for School Fresh Produce Program

POSTED: April 18, 2016
DEADLINE: Rolling

Grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded to schools for programs designed to expand students' palates and encourage increased consumption of and exposure to fresh produce....

 

Applications are Due 4/29 for The New Rural: Innovations in Rural Health Award

There is still time to apply for this year's The New Rural: Innovations in Rural Health Award. The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust is accepting applications for the national competition through April 29th. The application process is short and simple. These don't have to be finalized projects - we encourage submissions from around the country that highlight new ideas and emerging innovations.  Individuals, for-profits, nonprofits and government agencies are welcome to apply. Finalists will receive a $7,500 award and one innovative and inspiring idea will win the New Rural Award and a total of $25,000. All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 29, 2016.

 

WEDFA, DoC Offer Renewable Energy Manufacturing Program

The REMP consists of two main elements: WEDFA Bonds and an interest cost subsidy on those bonds from the Dept. of Commerce. To qualify, a project should be a manufacturing and energy production support facility.

 

USDA Seeks Applications for Nearly $12 Million in Broadband Grants for Rural Communities

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is soliciting applications for grants to establish broadband in unserved rural communities through its Community Connect program. Community Connect is administered by USDA's Rural Utilities Service and helps to fund broadband deployment into rural communities where it is not economically viable for private sector providers to provide service. USDA plans to award up to $11.7 million in grants through the Community Connect grant program. The grants fund broadband infrastructure to help foster economic growth by delivering connectivity to the global marketplace. The grants also fund broadband for community centers and public institutions.

 

USDA Seeks Applications to Fund Rural Broadband

USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Administrator Brandon McBride today announced that the Department is accepting applications for loans to bring broadband to underserved rural areas. The funding is from the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program. The minimum loan amount is $100,000. The maximum is $10 million. The deadline to apply is July 7, 2016. For additional information, see Page 20614 of the April 8 Federal Register. In addition to the availability of funding, McBride also announced that USDA is implementing several improvements to the Broadband program. One of these improvements is faster Internet speeds. Loan applicants must design broadband systems with speeds of 10 megabits downstream and 1 megabit upstream. For additional details, see Page 45397 of the July 30, 2015 Federal Register.

 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development | FY 2016 Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages Program

The purpose of the ICDBG program is the development of viable Indian and Alaska Native communities, including the creation of decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities primarily for persons with low- and moderate- incomes. HUD is making available approximately $56,000,000 through this NOFA for Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages. HUD encourages activities in communities with Preferred Sustainability Status (PSS) and/or Promise Zones (PZ). HUD will award two (2) points for qualified activities within a designated zone or area and supporting either or both initiative(s). In no case will HUD award more than two bonus points for these activities. Read the NOFA.

Application Deadline: June 14, 2016 | More information is available on the HUD website.

 

FY 2016 Jobs Plus Initiative Grant Program

The purpose of the Jobs Plus program is to develop locally-based, job-driven approaches that increase earnings and advance employment outcomes through work readiness, employer linkages, job placement, educational advancement, technology skills, and financial literacy for residents of public housing. The place-based Jobs Plus program addresses poverty among public housing residents by incentivizing and enabling employment through earned income disregards for working families and a set of services designed to support work including employer linkages, job placement and counseling, educational advancement, and financial counseling. Ideally, these incentives will saturate the target developments, building a culture of work and making working families the norm. HUD is making available approximately $15,000,000 through this NOFA for Jobs Plus Initiative. HUD encourages activities in communities with Preferred Sustainability Status (PSS) and/or Promise Zones (PZ). HUD will award two (2) points for qualified activities within a designated zone or area and supporting either or both initiative(s). In no case will HUD award more than two bonus points for these activities. Please refer to pages 28-29 of the application for more information. Read the NOFA.

Application Deadline: June 13, 2016.

 

Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma Program

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2016 Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma. The purpose of this program is to assist high-risk youth and families and promote resilience and equity in communities that have recently faced civil unrest through implementation of evidence-based, violence prevention, and community youth engagement programs, as well as linkages to trauma-informed behavioral health services. The goal of the ReCAST Program is for local community entities to work together in ways that lead to improved behavioral health, empowered community residents, and reductions in trauma and sustained community change. The ReCAST Program closely aligns with SAMHSA's Recovery Support and Trauma and Justice Strategic Initiatives. More information on these Initiatives is available on the SAMHSA website.

Application Deadline: June 7, 2016 | Application materials are available on the SAMHSA website.

 

Value Added Producer Grant Program

USDA is soliciting applications to make up to $44 million available to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant Program. Value-Added Producer Grants may be used to develop new products and create additional uses for existing ones. Priority for these grants is given to veterans, members of socially disadvantaged groups, beginning farmers and ranchers, and operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches. Additional priority is given to applicants who seek funding for projects that will create or increase marketing opportunities for these types of operators. More information on how to apply is on page 20607 of the April 8 Federal Register. The deadline to submit paper applications is July 1, 2016. Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due June 24, 2016. Additional information and assistance is available through the USDA Rural Development Office serving your county.

 

JPMC to Invest $125M in Neighborhood Economic Revitalization

Last week, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPMC) announced the launch of PRO Neighborhoods, a $125 million, five-year initiative to promote economic opportunity in disadvantaged neighborhoods around the country. PRO Neighborhoods will invest in local collaborative partnerships and financial solutions, focusing on community lending, housing capital and high-quality data. Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) partnerships and collaborative efforts to provide capital to small businesses in distressed neighborhoods may be eligible for support. Learn more…

 

Community Development Challenges
This program allows applicants to use data and other evidence to define the local problem and encourages creative and entrepreneurial partnerships and solutions in response. At least 51 percent of the funding must be used to leverage another capital source, including, but not limited to, public funding, balance sheet capital dedicated to the grant activities, private debt or other philanthropic investment. Read the Request for Proposals.

Deadline: Proposals are due by May 16, 2016 at midnight PT.

Pragmatic Clinical Studies to Evaluate Patient-Centered Outcomes
Funding for research that compares two or more alternatives for addressing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or management of a disease or symptom; improving healthcare system-level approaches to managing care; or eliminating health or healthcare disparities.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Letter of Intent (Required): May 4, 2016
Application Deadline: Aug 8, 2016
Sponsor: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

National Native American Youth Initiative (NNAYI)
Offers a summer program designed to prepare American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) high school students to pursue a career in the health professions and/or biomedical research.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: May 13, 2016
Sponsor: Association of American Indian Physicians

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program
Funding for eligible applicants to plan, implement or expand a justice and mental health collaboration program in order to demonstrate a collaborative project between criminal justice and mental health partners.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: May 17, 2016
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Justice

Healthcare Connect Fund
Provides funding to healthcare providers for telecommunications and Internet access services, as well as network equipment, at a flat discounted rate of 65 percent. Participants can apply as a member of the consortium or a stand-alone entity.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jun 1, 2016
Sponsor: Universal Service Administrative Company

National Health Service Corps Recruitment and Retention Assistance Site Application
Provides recruitment and retention assistance to healthcare facilities located in a Health Professional Shortage Area.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jun 7, 2016
Sponsor: National Health Service Corps

Tribal Management Grant (TMG) Program
Grants to assist federally-recognized tribes and tribal organizations in assuming all or part of existing Indian Health Service programs, services, functions, and activities. Funding for tribal needs assessments, planning, evaluation, and health infrastructure development.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jun 8, 2016
Sponsor: Indian Health Service

Oral Health 2020 Initiative
Awards funding to organizations to create networks, establish partnerships, and analyze policy with the goal of eliminating oral disease in children and increasing oral health across the lifespan.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor: DentaQuest Foundation

 

Play Everywhere Challenge

Opening on May 3, 2016, the Play Everywhere Challenge is a national competition that will award $1 million in prizes for the best replicable, scalable innovations in city redevelopment and design that help make play easy, available and fun for kids and families. The Challenge, developed in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Target, Playworld, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the National Endowment for the Arts, will reward applicants who provide community-driven solutions that integrate play into everyday life and unexpected places— sidewalks, vacant lots, bus stops, open streets, and beyond.

 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Wetland Program Development Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4 is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants for projects under Wetland Program Development Grants Funding Opportunity Number EPA-REG04-16-02. The closing date for receipt of proposals is April 29, 2016, at 11:59 P.M. EDT. To View the RFP please visit www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=282225

 

Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants Program

HUD is soliciting applications for the FY2016 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants program. The maximum grant award is $30 million. HUD encourages activities in communities with Preferred Sustainability Status (PSS) and/or Promise Zones (PZ). HUD will award two (2) points for qualified activities within a designated zone or area and supporting either or both initiative(s). In no case will HUD award more than two bonus points for these activities.

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants support the implementation of comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans that are expected to achieve the following three core goals:

1.      Housing: Replace distressed public and assisted housing with high-quality mixed-income housing that is well-managed and responsive to the needs of the surrounding neighborhood;

2.      People: Improve educational outcomes and intergenerational mobility for youth with services and supports delivered directly to youth and their families; and

3.      Neighborhood: Create the conditions necessary for public and private reinvestment in distressed neighborhoods to offer the kinds of amenities and assets, including safety, good schools, and commercial activity, that are important to families choices about their community.

Deadline: Applications are due on June 28, 2016.

 

Local Food Promotion Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), requests applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2016 Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) to competitively award grants to eligible applicants to plan or implement projects that assist in the development, improvement, and/or expansion of intermediary local and regional food business supply chain activities (e.g. activities that do not involve direct producer‐to‐consumer sales). Approximately $13 million is available to fund applications under this solicitation. LFPP planning grant award levels range from $25,000 to $100,000. LFPP implementation grant award levels range from $100,000 to $500,000. An applicant is limited to one LFPP award in a funding year. Priority consideration will be given to projects that benefit communities located in areas of concentrated poverty with limited access to supermarkets, and projects that involve Promise Zone Lead Applicant Organizations. LFPP will award at least 10 percent of its total funding to these projects. LFPP does not require that submitted projects be implemented in designated priority areas or involve Promise Zone partnerships. All applications, whether requesting consideration under the priority areas or not, will be given equal consideration in the evaluation process. Promise Zone projects will be evaluated equally during the peer review process as well, but will receive five priority points added to the final score provided by reviewers.

Deadline: Applications are due on May 12, 2016.

 

Farmers Market Promotion Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), AMS, requests applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2016 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) to competitively award grants to eligible applicants for projects that establish, expand, and promote direct producer-to-consumer marketing. Approximately $13 million is available to fund applications under this solicitation. The minimum FY 2016 FMPP award per grant is $50,000 and the maximum is $500,000. An applicant is limited to one FMPP award in a funding year. FMPP funding will be available for use beginning September 30, 2016. Matching funds are not required. Priority consideration will be given to projects that benefit communities located in areas of concentrated poverty with limited access to supermarkets, and projects that involve Promise Zone Lead Applicant Organizations. FMPP will award at least 10 percent of its total funding to these projects.

Deadline: Applications are due on May 12, 2016.

 

Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program | FY 2016 Competitive Grant Announcement

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is seeking applications for the FY16 Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Implementation Grants and Planning/Implementation Grants.In neighborhoods across the country, BCJI projects work to reduce crime and improve community safety as part of a comprehensive strategy to advance neighborhood revitalization goals. Through a broad cross-sector partnership team, including residents, BCJI sites target neighborhoods with hot spots of violent and serious crime and employ data-driven, cross-sector strategies to reduce crime and violence.

Deadline: Applications are due on May 12, 2016.

 

Corporation for National and Community Service | FY 2016 Social Innovation Fund Classic Cooperative Agreements

CNCS is soliciting applications for the FY 2016 Social Innovation Fund grant program. The Social Innovation Fund (SIF), combines public and private resources to grow the impact of innovative, community-based solutions that have compelling evidence of improving the lives of people in low-income communities throughout the United States.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY DEADLINE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a Notice of Intent to by April 15, 2016 via the online form.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications are due May 10, 2016.

More information is available on the CNCS website.

 

Corporation for National and Community Service| AmeriCorps Indian Tribes Grants FY 2016

CNCS is soliciting application for the FY 2016 American Indian Tribes Grants competition.

CNCS seeks to prioritize the investment of national service resources in:

·        Disaster Services – improving community resiliency through disaster preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation

·        Economic Opportunity – increasing economic opportunities for communities, specifically opportunity youth (see Glossary), both as the population served and as AmeriCorps members

·        Education – improving student academic performance, including subject matter related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics (STEM), and/or serving students who attend Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools.

·        Healthy Futures – positively impacting behavioral health outcomes and/or increasing the capacity of tribal communities to offer behavioral health prevention and support services

·        Veterans and Military Families – positively impacting the quality of life of veterans and improving military family strength

CNCS strongly encourages applicants to submit a Notification of Intent to Apply by Wednesday, April 20, 2016 via online form.

Deadline: Applications are due on May 4, 2016

Read the 2016 AmeriCorps Indian Tribes NOFA.

 

PUBLICATIONS

USDA Sponsors Cooperative Development and Local Foods Meeting in Kyle, SD

The local food movement is becoming an established part of the overall marketplace, and beyond healthy benefits for human nutrition, provides increased economic health and strength to participating communities.  A local foods conference was held in Kyle, S.D. on March 16, 2016.  The purpose was designed to help area producers, entrepreneurs, communities and consumers explore the many ways to participate in the movement. Read more about the meeting here.

 

March 2016 Tax Credits & Incentives Update

This post continues a monthly series outlining updates in state tax credits and incentives; included here are legislative, gubernatorial and case law updates.

 

3 Steps to Take to Prepare for GASB 77 Tax Abatement Disclosures

State and local governments will soon begin disclosing financial information about tax abatements in their annual financial reports. Economic development organizations should consider taking these three steps now to help their communities comply with disclosure rules.

 

A Rural Healthcare Roadmap
Apr 12, 2016 -- Describes a recent study that finds financial pressures on rural healthcare facilities impact rural healthcare delivery and, in turn, shape the way architects design these facilities. Highlights key principles of rural healthcare design identified by the study, including optimizing accessibility, operating self-sufficiently, standardizing and adapting clinical spaces, and maximizing staff connectivity.
Source: Healthcare Design

In Rural States Policy Changes To Improve Access To Home Dialysis Are Vital
Apr 12, 2016 -- This blog post highlights the benefits of and barriers to home dialysis for rural residents with chronic kidney disease; many of whom have to travel many miles to dialysis centers.
Source: Health Affairs Blog

 

Rural Medicine: Pediatric Care Costly and Complex
Apr 11, 2016 -- Highlights a recent study that found healthcare disparities between rural and urban children. These disparities include differences in rates of medically complex chronic conditions and hospital readmission. (May require free subscription for full access.)
Source: MedPage Today

A New Divide in American Death
Apr 10, 2016 -- Reports on recent findings describing mortality rates and the disparities within them; most notably the difference between urban-rural women. Illustrates growing rural mortality rates over the past two decades by providing statistics and graphics.
Source: The Washington Post

 

Rural Recruiting, Retention Proves Daunting
Apr 7, 2016 -- This blog post shares the thoughts on a young physician who highlights both the positive aspects of practicing rural and the negatives aspects that impact rural facilities' ability to recruit and retain workforce.
Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

New Stark Law Exception Breathes Life into Primary Care, Especially in Underserved Areas
Apr 6, 2016 -- Describes a regulatory adjustment making hiring practices more flexible for primary care and mental health providers in underserved and rural areas.
Source: JD Supra

 

Child Poverty in Rural America
A policy brief describing the needs, challenges, and experiences of rural children and families living in poverty, and how poverty affects their health. Offers recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop appropriate and integrated health and human service delivery programs, and to create flexible grant opportunities that will reach children and families in need.
Sponsoring organization: National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
Date: 12/2015

 

EVENTS/LEARNING

CDFA and The Kresge Foundation RFP Webinar

This one hour informational webinar will give background to Kresge's partnership with CDFA, and explain the types of projects Kresge wants to fund through Kresge Community Finance.

 

USDA Seeks Reviewers for Grant Programs Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program and Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking reviewers to evaluate grant applications for the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP) and the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP).  Reviewers for both programs will receive a stipend.  Applications to serve as a reviewer are available on the FMLFPP reviewer webpage and the FSMIP reviewer webpage, and are due no later than May 2, 2016. If you are interested in serving as a reviewer, please visit the FMLFPP reviewer webpage or the FSMIP application reviewer webpage.  AMS will contact selected FMLFPP reviewers in mid-May while FSMIP reviewers will be contacted in early June.

 

CDFA // BNY Mellon Webcast Series: Development Finance Solutions for Disaster Resiliency

During this CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast, hear from financing experts as they share capitalization options available for resiliency efforts.

 

Impact Investment in the Municipal Bond Market

Charles Laven and Julijs Liepins provide readers with an introduction to both impact investing and municipal bonds, and explain how impact investments can strengthen the municipal bond market.

 

Energy Investment Partnerships Webinar Series
April 26, May 19 - 1-4pm Eastern

The Energy Investment Partnerships Webinar Series is a tailored four-part webinar series designed specifically for states and stakeholders working to develop or enhance an Energy Investment Partnership (EIP).

 

Prospective Applicant Webinar: FY 2016 EDA Regional Innovation Strategies Program

SSTI is hosting with the Economic Development Administration (EDA) an informational webinar regarding the 2016 Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) program. Under the RIS program, the U.S. Department of Commerce is soliciting applications for $15 million in funding awards. These awards are intended to help develop regional innovation ecosystems that provide support and funding to startups engaged in the commercialization process that ultimately lead to high-growth companies – the drivers of regional economic prosperity and job creation.

Date: Thursday, May 5
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 P.M. ET

 

Senior Management Institute
The Senior Management Institute is an eight-month program designed for senior level managers of arts and culture organizations. The Institute provides a cross-disciplinary, supportive yet challenging environment to improve communication skills and to lead high-performing teams. Applications are open through April 12, 2016. Learn more »

 

Creative Community Fellows
Creative Community Fellows unites a group of twenty-five change-makers throughout the U.S. Over nine-months, Fellows receive tools, training and access to a community of support to activate their ideas and move their projects forward. Fellows jump-start the program by living and learning together for one week in rural Vermont in an incubator-like environment. Fellows take monthly online courses together in topic areas such as community partnerships, finding capital & support, budgeting and more. They share updates on their projects, meet with leaders in the field who serve as mentors and have the rare chance to engage face-to-face with funders to pitch their projects and receive feedback. Applications are now open through April 24, 2016. Learn more »

 

Webinar: The Economics of Local Food Systems: A Toolkit to Guide Community Discussions, Assessments and Choices

The Economics of Local Food Systems: A Toolkit to Guide Community Discussions, Assessments and Choices, developed by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in cooperation with Colorado State University (CSU), uses real-world projects, experiences, and applied research to help community leaders, planners, economic development specialists, public agencies, and private businesses or foundations evaluate the economic benefits of local and regional food systems.

What: Free webinar on how to use The Economics of Local Food Systems: A Toolkit to Guide Community Discussions, Assessments and Choices. The webinar will last approximately 90- minutes.

When: 3 p.m. E.T., Thursday, April 28, 2016

 

Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma Grant Program | Pre-application Technical Assistance

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is announcing a series of informational technical assistance conference calls and webinars for applicants interested in applying for the Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma Grants. Conference calls and webinars will be held on the dates and times listed below. Interested parties may participate by using the respective dial-in numbers, pass codes, and links.

April 20, 2016
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 PM EDT
Dial-In Number: 888-942-9713, Participant Passcode: RECAST
RSVP for this webinar.

May 20, 2016
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 PM EDT
Dial-In Number: 888-439-9713, Participant Passcode: RECAST
RSVP for this webinar.

Conference Calls

May 6, 2016
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET
Dial in number: 888-928-9713
Participant passcode: RECAST

May 25, 2016
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET
Dial in number: 888-928-9713
Participant passcode: RECAST

June 3, 2016
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET
Dial in number: 888-928-9713
Participant passcode: RECAST

 

For more CED-related content please subscribe to the following:

Interagency Working Group on Cooperative Development

Cooperative Reports, Publications, and Statistics

Rural Cooperative Magazine

Placed Based Initiatives & Regional Programs

Community Economic Development

 

To subscribe or unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an email to RDCED@wdc.usda.gov.

 

Newsletters and email from which we gather this information include:

v Foundation Center RFP Service - To subscribe visit: http://foundationcenter.org/newsletters/

vTo subscribe to the RAC Health Listserv - click here to go to the subscription form.

vElectronic newsletter of Center for Rural Entrepreneurship. To subscribe click here.

v Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City newsletter: http://www.kansascityfed.org/alert/'

v Blue Avocado Nonprofit Magazine - They have a newsletter on boards and nonprofit management, down-to-earth and useful.  http://www.blueavocado.org/

v Rural LISC e-newsletter - http://www.lisc.org/rural

v National Association for Development Organizations (NADO) – www.nado.org

v ERS - A notification service is provided by USDA's Economic Research Service for Charts of Note and other research to keep you informed of the latest and most relevant research on the topics that interest you. You can subscribe at http://www.ers.usda.gov/Updates/

v Orton Family Foundation – email sign-up - http://www.orton.org/sign_up

 





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Thursday, April 14, 2016

2 webinar opportunities

Below are two separate webinar opportunities that might benefit you and/or your community. The first is about using social media and is FREE; the second is about rural job creation strategies and costs $20 (but can be shared with local audiences after the live webinar is completed).

 

Webinar Details

Title: “The State of New-Media Marketing in the Green Industry and Implications for Small, Rural Businesses” 

Date: Thursday April 21, 2016

Time: 12:30 PM ET/11:30 AM CT

 

Webinar Description:

Small, agricultural businesses often struggle with the challenges of marketing successfully. Our research indicates that green industry businesses (garden centers, nurseries, landscape, etc.) tend to focus on traditional methods of marketing and lack a comprehensive understanding of how to go about using new online marketing venues effectively. This webinar will share the results of a nationwide survey conducted in Fall 2015 to understand the current state of green-industry marketing, particularly as it relates to new-media marketing efforts. Businesses based in rural areas, particularly those that interact directly with consumers, will benefit from learning how the green industry is making use of these new tools. The presenters will offer implications for other small, rural businesses. 

 

About Our Presenters:

Dr. Cheryl R. Boyer is an associate professor and extension specialist, ornamental nursery crops and garden centers, at Kansas State University.

Dr. Lauri Baker is an associate professor, agricultural communications, at Kansas State University.

Dr. Hikaru Hanawa Peterson is a professor, food marketing and consumer economics, at the University of Minnesota.

 

To access the free webinar (registration is not necessary):

On Thursday April 21st, go to: https://ncrcrd.adobeconnect.com/newtech/ and select “Enter as a Guest” and type your name or organization in the box below. You will then be directed to the NCRCRD Innovations in Agriculture Adobe Connect page. Currently, a flyer for the upcoming webinar is posted on the page.

 

This webinar is part of the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD) continuing series “Innovations in Agriculture and Rural Development.”

Previous webinars are available at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCspn-n-OKLLftQ58S2JFkQg

 

Webinars feature technology and development opportunities from the 12 North Central land-grants and all our webinars are free to anyone interested. Our primary goal is to help disseminate information regarding new innovations in agriculture. Our secondary goal is to help generate potential intermediate/end user feedback regarding technologies and opportunities. This is a great platform for private industry to connect with university researchers and, in some cases, administrators.

 

If you have any questions about the presentation you can email me (mannjoh3@anr.msu.edu) or call my office phone (517) 353-2129.  Finally, I have included a link to my MSU and LinkedIn profiles at the end of this email (please connect with me on LinkedIn!).

 

If you have other colleagues who might be interested in viewing the webinar live please feel free to share this invitation/link (see below) with them. The webinar is free and registration is not necessary to participate.

 

Thank you for your time and interest!

 

John

 

Rural Job Creation Strategies: Collisions, Serendipity, and the Hybrid Vigor of Ideas Webinar

April 20th – 6 PM CST

 

·         Learn ways small towns are connecting their small businesses and would-be entrepreneurs with the support and network they need to be successful and create jobs.

 

·         Learn about business resource nights, networking events, backroom tours, and online courses you can take together. You’ll hear about actual small towns who are using these techniques right now.

 

An interactive webinar to learn where and how you can make connections. Program is recorded so you can register and catch it until May 5th.

 

Register at: http://saveyour.town/rural-jobs-creation-strategies/

 

Cost - $20

 

NDSU Extension Center for Community Vitality is a co-sponsor of this event.

 

Glenn Muske

Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist

NDSU Extension Service – Community and Leadership Development

 

2718 Gateway Ave, #104 / Bismarck, ND  58504

701-328-9718

glenn.muske@ndsu.edu

 

“Supporting  entrepreneurs and their communities through education”

 

                         

www.ag.ndsu.edu/smallbusiness

 

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends – Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality – John Lennon

 

Please think before you print.

 

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

FW: CED Matters - Funding, Publications, Learning/Events

From our colleagues at USDA Rural Development – several opportunities related to disaster resilience, drug abuse and water issues.

 

From: RA.RD.DCWA2.RDCED [mailto:RDCED@wdc.usda.gov]
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2016 12:51 PM
Subject: CED Matters - Funding, Publications, Learning/Events

 

FUNDING

Strategic Economic and Community Development

Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) is a new provision from the 2014 Farm Bill that prioritizes projects which support the implementation of multi-jurisdictional plans whose long-term community and economic growth strategies reflect stakeholder collaboration and the unique strengths of rural communities. SECD sets aside up to 10 percent of program funds in Rural Development’s Community Facilities, Water and Environmental Programs, Business & Industry Guaranteed Loans, and Rural Business Development Grants for these purposes.

 

Rural Communities Encouraged to Apply for USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Take Advantage of Historically Low Interest Rates

USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Brandon McBride announced that interest rates have fallen to historic lows for USDA water and waste disposal loans and encouraged rural towns and cities to apply for funding assistance. Applicants are encouraged to use Rural Development’s new online application tool RD Apply.  The

Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding to construct clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in rural areas with a population of 10,000 or less.

 

Kresge Makes $30M Available for Impact Investing

The Kresge Foundation has launched Kresge Community Finance, a $30 million impact investing offering available to development finance agencies (DFAs) and CDFIs. Funded projects will support work that aligns with Kresge’s six programs – Arts & Culture, Detroit, Education, Environment, Health and Human Services – and their strategic focus areas. To advance the Foundation's vision, CDFA, in coordination with the Initiative for Responsible Investment, will hold an informational webinar to outline in greater detail the type of projects The Kresge Foundation wishes to fund. This RFP represents one of the largest ever impact investing offerings from a foundation and CDFA stakeholders are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

USDA Invests $103 Million in Vital Watershed Projects

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $103 million in post-disaster recovery and the rehabilitation of aging dams in 19 States through Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). Overall, NRCS will invest $93 million in Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program assistance to help state and local governments carry out much needed recovery projects to address damage caused by floods, hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters. Approximately $59 million will be used in recovery projects in some of the hardest hit areas in Texas, Mississippi and Utah. About $34 million will assist projects in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming. A summary of projects by state is available on the EWP website. USDA watershed projects provide an estimated $2.2 billion in benefits annually to local communities nationwide. Since 1948, USDA has helped local governments construct nearly 12,000 dams in 47 states and Puerto Rico to help prevent flooding and erosion damage, provide recreation opportunities, improve water supplies for drinking and irrigation, and create habitat for wildlife.

 

Comprehensive Services for Victims of All Forms of Human Trafficking
Funds for victim service organizations to support comprehensive services for all victims of human trafficking by increasing the capacity of communities to respond to human trafficking victims through the development of interagency partnerships, professional training, and public awareness activities.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: May 2, 2016
Sponsor: Office for Victims of Crime

Specialized Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Funds to enhance the quality and quantity of specialized services, including mental health services, provided by victim service organizations to assist victims of human trafficking.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: May 12, 2016
Sponsor: Office for Victims of Crime

DTA Foundation Grant
Awards funding to projects designed to increase access to oral health care.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: May 25, 2016
Sponsor: Dental Trade Alliance Foundation

Grants to Prevent Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose-Related Deaths
Provides funding to states, U.S. territories, and the Red Lake Band of Chippewa that receive the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant to reduce the number of prescription drug and opioid overdose-related deaths and adverse events among individuals 18 years of age and older.
Geographic coverage: Eligibility is limited to states, U.S. territories, pacific jurisdictions, and tribal entities that receive the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block grants.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2016
Sponsor: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Strategic Prevention Framework for Prescription Drugs (SPF Rx)
Provides funding for state agencies that have completed a Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant to target prescription drug misuse. State agencies will work with pharmaceutical and medical communities on the risk of overprescribing to young adults and raise community awareness about the danger of sharing medication.
Geographic coverage: Eligibility is limited to states, U.S. territories, pacific jurisdictions, and tribal entities that have completed a Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant and have an operational state run Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2016
Sponsor: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Targeted Capacity Expansion: Medication Assisted Treatment - Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction (MAT-PDOA)
Provides funds for state agencies to expand or enhance access to medication assisted treatment services for individuals with opioid use disorder in states with the highest rates of treatment admissions for heroin and opioids per capita.
Geographic coverage: 28 states with the highest rates of treatment admissions for heroin and opioids per capita
Application Deadline: May 31, 2016
Sponsor: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program
Provides funding to community-based, outreach education and extension programs at land-grant colleges and universities that provide individuals and families based in rural areas with information on health, wellness, and prevention, including information regarding the issue of substance abuse in rural communities.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jun 1, 2016
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Tribal Self-Governance Program Negotiation Cooperative Agreement
Cooperative agreements that provide negotiation resources to tribes interested in participating in the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP), which gives tribes the authority to manage and tailor healthcare programs in a manner that best fits the needs of their communities.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jun 3, 2016
Sponsor: Indian Health Service

Tribal Self-Governance Program Planning Cooperative Agreement
The purpose of the program is to award cooperative agreements that provide planning resources to Tribes interested in participating in the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP), which gives tribes the authority to manage and tailor healthcare programs in a manner that best fits the needs of their communities.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jun 3, 2016
Sponsor: Indian Health Service

 

PUBLICATIONS

Request for Comment for the Community Development MarketPlace Project Intake Survey

The Community Development MarketPlace (CDM) is a database of community development project data, currently from those communities who have applied for designations under the federal Promise Zones Initiative, and consented to share some of their application material with the public. The CDM provides information that describes community goals, proposed activities to advance their goals, and organizations involved in implementing and supporting these projects. The CDM presents an opportunity for community practitioners to find peers working on similar issues and to share best practices around revitalization efforts. It can also assist other potential partners in identifying opportunities to engage or invest in these communities. HUD is seeking public comment on a draft Community Development MarketPlace (CDM) Project Intake Survey that may be distributed widely and used by respondents who are not part of any application process. Specifically we are asking the public to review the questions in the survey and answer the questions listed below. Please submit any comments and/or your answers to CDM@hud.gov by May 24, 2016. Also feel free to submit user questions or information on any technical issues via CDM@hud.gov.

 

North America Renewable Energy Brief

CohnReznick takes a look at the market potential for community solar, which states will likely see the most projects, community solar project finance, utilities views on this market, and community energy compatibility with rooftop solar.

 

Tapping into Alternative Ways to Fund Innovative and Multi-Purpose Water Projects

In this report, Water in the West highlights some tools used in the energy sector that could also be used in to help modernize America's water infrastructure.

 

State Small Business Credit Initiative Report: Over $1.3 Billion Issued for Small Businesses

The U.S. Treasury Department’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) released a new Quarterly Report detailing how the program continues to help small businesses access capital. More than $1.3 billion has been deployed nationwide, helping boost local economic development efforts and supporting greater levels of private sector lending to small businesses. States have now drawn 95 percent of the nearly $1.5 billion of available funds.

 

What Makes Economies Resilient? Economic Diversity, Experienced Workforce

What leading indicators allow a national, state, regional, or local economy to rebound from an exogenous shock (e.g., economic downturn or natural disaster)? What risk factors are common among economies that were not resilient to an exogenous shock? Resilient economies are able to absorb an exogenous shock with limited negative impact on economic prosperity and their workforce. The studies have identified leading indicators of economic resiliency including age of workforce, diversification of industries, and other key factors. Researchers also have found several risk factors that place economies at high risk of instability in the face of an exogenous shock including household and public fiscal solvency. Read more...

 

HHS: Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders
Mar 30, 2016 -- Seeks comments on a proposed rule that will increase the highest patient limit for physicians to treat opioid use disorder. Highlights a treatment access disparity for rural areas and describes how this proposed rule would help address it.

 

Fact Sheet: Obama Administration Announces Additional Actions to Address the Prescription Opioid Abuse and Heroin Epidemic
Mar 29, 2016 -- Announces federal administrative and private sector actions to address opioid misuse and abuse across the country, including specific funding to address substance use disorder in rural communities.
Source: The White House

 

Rural women, especially young women, are more likely than rural men to have college degrees

The education of workers is closely linked with economic success. Workers with educations beyond high school degrees are more likely to be employed and earning higher wages than workers with high school degrees or less education. Educational attainment of both men and women in rural areas has grown over time, and rural women are more likely to have some college experience or hold associate or bachelor’s degrees than rural men. For example, the most recent (2014) American Community Survey shows that 63 percent of rural young women (age 25-34) had schooling beyond a high school diploma, compared with less than half (47 percent) of rural young men; nearly a quarter of rural young women held a bachelor’s degree or higher. The gender-education gap beyond a high school diploma for rural young adults has widened, from 11 percentage points in 2000 to 16 percentage points in 2014. This gap is more pronounced in rural areas than in the nation as a whole. This chart is based on the ERS Rural Employment & Education topic page.

 

EVENTS/LEARNING

Integrating Health and Human Services in Rural Communities

The Rural Health Information Hub and the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis will introduce a new Rural Services Integration Toolkit designed to help rural communities improve access to health and human services. Developed by NORC on behalf of the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP), the toolkit identifies model programs and resources that will benefit rural communities seeking to implement services integration programs. A key focus area of the toolkit is to provide best practices for implementing services integration programs that support children and families living in poverty in rural communities. This webinar will feature two examples of successful programs funded by FORHP, including lessons learned.

Date: Thursday, April 14, 2015
Time: 11:00 am Pacific, 12:00 pm Mountain, 1:00 pm Central, 2:00 pm Eastern

 

CDFA // BNY Mellon Webcast Series: Development Finance Solutions for Disaster Resiliency
April 19, 2016 - 1:00 pm Eastern

Over the past decade, extreme weather events have caused major catastrophes to cities large and small. During this webcast, explore financing programs and structures for disaster resiliency, partnerships, and collaborative efforts to identify financing solutions.


Energy Investment Partnerships Webinar Series
April 26, May 19 - 1-4pm Eastern

The Energy Investment Partnerships Webinar Series is a tailored four-part webinar series designed specifically for states and stakeholders working to develop or enhance an Energy Investment Partnership (EIP).

 

Providing Patients with Access to Nutritious Food

Money, distance, and lack of education are just a few barriers between rural Americans and nutritious food. Find out how a Critical Access Hospital, a prescription program, and a research project are creating tangible examples of how to promote nutrition and increase patients’ access to healthy food.

 

HUD Releases Overview of the Assessment of Fair Housing Webcast

This webcast, published March 24, 2016, provides an overview of the Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) including key concepts. View the Overview of the Assessment of Fair Housing Webcast. The webcast is also available to view in sections based on your needs and interests.

 

Rural Creative Placemaking

The Next Generation Digital Learning Commons, offers a platform for storytelling, research, and best practices that fosters an inclusive space for deeper collaboration and learning exchange. Next Generation has also launched a series of surveys to gain greater national understanding of the depth and breadth of rural creative placemaking dynamics. Responses will help shape mission objectives and the content and objectives of the National Rural Creative Placemaking Summit. Please find the National Survey here. The Next Generation Rural Creative Placemaking Summit Save the Date to be held October 12-14, 2016 at the University of Iowa. To learn more, visit: https://ruralgeneration.org/national-summit/

 

For more CED-related content please subscribe to the following:

Interagency Working Group on Cooperative Development

Cooperative Reports, Publications, and Statistics

Rural Cooperative Magazine

Placed Based Initiatives & Regional Programs

Community Economic Development

 

To subscribe or unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an email to RDCED@wdc.usda.gov.

 

Newsletters and email from which we gather this information include:

v Foundation Center RFP Service - To subscribe visit: http://foundationcenter.org/newsletters/

vTo subscribe to the RAC Health Listserv - click here to go to the subscription form.

vElectronic newsletter of Center for Rural Entrepreneurship. To subscribe click here.

v Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City newsletter: http://www.kansascityfed.org/alert/

v Blue Avocado Nonprofit Magazine - They have a newsletter on boards and nonprofit management, down-to-earth and useful.  http://www.blueavocado.org/

v Rural LISC e-newsletter - http://www.lisc.org/rural

v National Association for Development Organizations (NADO) – www.nado.org

v ERS - A notification service is provided by USDA's Economic Research Service for Charts of Note and other research to keep you informed of the latest and most relevant research on the topics that interest you. You can subscribe at http://www.ers.usda.gov/Updates/

v Orton Family Foundation – email sign-up - http://www.orton.org/sign_up

 





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