KY Arts Council's Arts Access Assistance Grant

KENTUCKY ARTS COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet

Kentucky Arts Council accepting applications for
Arts Access Assistance grant

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Arts Council is accepting applications for its Arts Access Assistance Grant for fiscal year 2017.Arts Access Assistance grants support arts programs that serve populations whose opportunities to experience the arts may be limited by age, geographic location, ethnicity, economic status, disability or other factors. Each grant cycle, a different population is chosen to benefit from these arts programs. Grants are available up to $8,000 with a 25 percent cash match.The theme for fiscal year 2017 is “Empowering Artists with Disabilities.”“The Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law 25 years ago, was a groundbreaking piece of legislation for all Americans with disabilities, as well as their families, and it opened up doors that were previously closed in terms of access to public accommodations,” said Lori Meadows, arts council executive director. “In that spirit, we wanted to increase the reach of groups that provide support to people with disabilities through the arts.”Groups interested in applying must partner with an artist or arts organization to develop activities demonstrating a commitment to showcasing art by artists with disabilities, providing professional support for those artists and educating Kentuckians about living with disabilities.The Council on Developmental Disabilities, which received Arts Access Assistance Grant funding for their activities in 2014 and 2015, used the funds for its Art is Memory project.“The Art is Memory project focused on the themes of suffering, liberation and redemption. People with important life stories were able to use art as an incredible vehicle for self-expression and the assertion of identity and worth,” said Donovan Fornwalt, Council on Development Disabilities executive director. “We served children as young as 3 and older adults in their 70s. We had an amazing diversity of people involved including folks with autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, Asperger’s syndrome and multiple physical disabilities.“On Sept. 21, in collaboration with the University of Louisville and a team of six doctoral students, we screened a 20-minute film that documented the stories, the artwork and the process made possible by the arts council funding,” he continued. “The testimonials from artists with disabilities and several parents were powerful endorsements of this project.”This grant supports quality arts programming in environments where arts are not the primary emphasis. Public libraries, cooperative extension offices, nursing homes, social service agencies, health departments, state agencies, correctional facilities, college and university programs and other community-based organizations serving Kentuckians may apply.Grant guidelines and information are available on the arts council’s website at http://artscouncil.ky.gov/Grants/AAA.htm. The deadline to apply is Feb. 16, 2016. Applicants with questions or who need more information may contact Sarah Schmitt, the arts council’s arts access director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 502-564-3757, ext. 492.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, fosters environments for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. The arts council, along with the NEA, is celebrating 50 years of service in 2015, which the arts council is recognizing as the Year of the Arts in Kentucky.

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USDA funding letter October 9, 2015

FUNDING:

Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration                                                                                   

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking applications for a Notice of Funding Availability for a Ladders of Opportunity Initiative Pilot On-the-Job-Training Supportive Services (OJT/SS) Program. The FHWA is seeking projects that create new nationally or regionally significant workforce development programs or that augment or replicate successful existing programs that will benefit highway construction firms or the highway construction industry. Read the Ladders of Opportunity Initiative Pilot NOFA.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program

USDA announced the availability of up to $16.8 million in funding to help participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) increase their purchases of fruits and vegetables. The funding is available to local, state and national organizations to test incentive strategies to help SNAP participants better afford healthy foods. This is the second round of awards to be made under the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) program created by the 2014 Farm Bill. USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will administer the grants. Applications are due December 16, 2015. NIFA will host a webinar for applicants on October 14, 2015 at 2:00 PM, EDT. Access the webinar here.

EPA Announces $13.2M in Brownfield Funds Across the Country                                                                                  

The U.S. EPA announced approximately $13.2 million in supplemental funding to help transform communities by cleaning up contaminated Brownfields properties. Funding will be given to 31 successful RLF grantees helping 44 communities carry out cleanup and redevelopment projects.  

NSF, NIST Commit $5.8M to Establish National Consortium on Advanced Manufacturing

On National Manufacturing Day, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced they will commit $5.8 million over the next three years to establish and sustain a consortium focused on the identification of new, emerging areas of advanced manufacturing. Led by the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, the Alliance for Manufacturing Foresight (MForesight) will provide a channel for rapid input from industrial, academic and other private sectors on future manufacturing technologies. It also will work to help align advanced manufacturing research with national priorities and challenges to ensure efficient use of federal and private funding and increased returns on investments for both parties. MForesight already has established partnerships with more than 30 thought leader/organizations from industry, professional associations and academia to help build an inclusive community focused on advanced manufacturing research and development, education, and training. Read the announcement…

Kentucky Appalachian Regional Development Fund

SOAR Executive Board approves criteria, application process

for Kentucky Appalachian Regional Development fund

Board honors Governor Steve Beshear in his last SOAR meeting as co-chair

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky communities will soon have a chance to apply for grants of up to $250,000 each to support work on job creation, broadband expansion, health and more.

The SOAR Executive Board approved funding criteria and an application process for the Kentucky Appalachian Regional Development (KARD) fund today at its meeting in Prestonsburg, Ky.

“We’re excited to see what our communities are doing to impact important community challenges like job growth and leadership training,” said Jared Arnett, executive director of SOAR.  “Successful local initiatives can be replicated, and KARD grants are a good chance for the region to see what’s working.”

The state established KARD through a $2 million appropriation during the 2015 legislative session. This seed money will support efforts that include job creation and retention, entrepreneurship, tourism, broadband deployment, workforce training, leadership development, health and wellness, infrastructure and/or economic diversity. 

“SOAR is designed to support locally-driven efforts to advance job development, workforce training, health access and other markers that enhance quality of life,” said Governor Steve Beshear.  “These KARD grants will give local programs a jump start toward making important community improvements.”

“The KARD fund gives SOAR the opportunity to support and invest in local projects that will create jobs and increase economic opportunities,” said Congressman Rogers. “This is a way for SOAR to help advance the vision of projects that will benefit the people of eastern Kentucky the most.”

KARD will be administered through the Department for Local Government. Organizations physically present in the region, such as non-profits, entities designated to represent SOAR, and counties or cities, may apply for these funds.

Priority will be given to projects that present the greatest likelihood of regional economic impact. Other criteria include: 

• The unemployment level in each community where the project will be located;
• The likelihood that the project will generate future revenue for the community or Commonwealth;
• The number of new jobs and the wagesto be paid;
• How much will the project benefit the economies and communities of multiple jurisdictions;
• Whether there is a funding match from the community, foundations or private sector;
• The likelihood of sustainable economic success;
• The inclusion of a strategy related to the KentuckyWired project and technology as an economic driver;
• The level of partnerships across geographies and sectors; and
• The economic impact of the downturn of the coal industry in those communities.

Organizations meeting the above criteria can apply online at www.soar-ky.org. The first round of applications are due Dec. 18. The maximum grant amount is $250,000.

Board honors Governor Beshear

The SOAR executive board also took time to honor Governor Steve Beshear in his last meeting as SOAR co-chair.  Gov. Beshear and Congressman Hal Rogers created the SOAR initiative in 2013 and have been dedicated to its progress ever since.  Gov. Beshear is term-limited and will leave the Governor’s office in December.

“Our region could not have asked for a better, more selfless leader than Governor Steve Beshear,” said Arnett.  “Together with Congressman Rogers, he put politics aside and made a very public commitment to our counties and communities.  He knows this work will take years, and he started it anyway.  We are deeply grateful for his vision and his commitment to Appalachia.”

Congressman Hal Rogers introduced a video recapping the Governor’s work on SOAR, then presented him with a customized rocking chair to honor his service.

"The Governor has been a steadfast partner as we launched SOAR - a long term mission to revitalize eastern Kentucky. His dedication to bring statewide broadband and other critical projects to fruition has been remarkable," said Congressman Rogers. "I am grateful for his partnership and friendship. Through SOAR, we were able to put politics aside and focus on the importance of being Kentuckians first."

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Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) is a homegrown movement in Eastern Kentucky that is building on the strengths of the region and shoring up its weaknesses.Through the wisdom, resources and energy of our people, together we will make historic change for the better – in health and wellness, job creation, workforce training, education and other quality-of-life factors.

Andres Funding Letter, October 2, 2015

FUNDING

The Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America is seeking applications for its 2016 Safety Grants Program.
The purpose of the annual program is to encourage and provide financial support for interventions at the local and/or regional level in order to facilitate timely application of evidence-based safety and health strategies to protect agricultural workers.  Visit the ASHCA website for complete program guidelines and application instructions.

Health Impact Project: Catalyzing Healthier Communities in Southern and Appalachian States
Grants to fund training, technical assistance, and peer learning for a health impact assessment that will inform decisions on a proposed policy, program, plan, or project.

Centers for Agricultural Health and Safety (U54)
Funding to operate a Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, which will conduct research and help translate scientific discoveries focused on improving worker safety and health in the areas of agriculture, forestry, and fishing.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Letter of Intent (Optional): Oct 2, 2015
Application Deadline: Dec 17, 2015
Sponsor: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

USAC Rural Health Care Telecommunications Program
Provides discounts to rural health care providers to obtain internet and telecommunications access.

TOOLS

Scholarships, Loans, and Loan Repayment for Rural Health Professions
Provides an overview of scholarship, loan, and loan repayment programs available for healthcare students who intend to practice in rural areas. Visit the guide to
find information and successful models for the development of programs designed to attract health professionals to rural areas. The guide was developed by Becca Cruger, RAC's funding specialist, with guidance from Erin Tindell, Health Resources and Services Administration, and Debra Jahnke, Brenda Flattum, and Paia Vang, Minnesota Office of Rural Health and Primary Care.

Giles County Health Network (G-NET)
A community-based health network to create accessible and equitable healthcare access for low-income and uninsured residents in Rural Appalachia.

Health Care Coalition of Lafayette County’s Heath Information Technology Workgroup
A healthcare network's approach to addressing the technological needs, such as electronic medical records (EMR) and telemedicine, for local healthcare facilities, schools, prisons, and community organization.

Project C.A.R.E.
Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) was created to meet the needs of rural caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease across rural North Carolina.

Santa Cruz County Adolescent Wellness Network
Improves adolescent health and wellness by enhancing health services in schools, developing youth leaders, and supporting adolescent-serving organizations.

LEARNING

Webinar:Heart & Soul for Planners: Discover a New Way to Better Planning
Community Heart & Soul™ had its genesis in one planning commissioner’s frustration with business-as-usual planning. Orton Family Foundation founder Lyman Orton saw flaws in a development review system that left decisions that affected the entire community in the hands of a few. Community Heart & Soul shifts the paradigm by starting with deep community engagement that results in clear priorities based on what matters most to all residents. Learn more about how this barn-raising approach to community development can benefit your town. Alece Montez Greigo, Orton director of programs, is joined by Rick Muriby, planning manager, Golden, Colorado, and Jane Lafleur, executive director, Friends of Midcoast Maine.
Registration Link: http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/heart-soul-for-planners-discover-a-new-way-to-better-planning-registration-16977509187?aff=OrtonEventemail

Webinar: Spotlighting Two Communities that are Successfully Coordinating Healthcare and Housing Resources to End Veteran Homelessness - October 6, 2015
Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness set the goal to end homelessness among military veterans in 2015. Ensuring that veterans get and stay successfully housed requires strong bridges to mainstream resources and benefits, especially healthcare services such as targeted case management, substance abuse and mental health treatment. This peer-to-peer webinar will support CoC and ESG grantees and other stakeholders with accomplishing the Opening Doors goal by exploring two examples of communities that have made great progress in ending veteran homelessness.Originally planned for Tuesday, September 29th, this webinar has been rescheduled to October 6th from 3:30 to 5:00 PM EDT. Please register hereto attend. 

Webinar: Introduction to Cooperative Development
Join Margaret Bau, Cooperative Development Specialist, as she hosts a webinar that teaches the basics about what exactly a Co-op is, and the collective benefits Co-ops generate for diverse communities all around the world. October 7^th from 3:00 to 4:00pm, EDT. No preregistration neccissary. Link: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/x0c1beqian8i&eom
Participants are encouraged to use computer’s audio and the “Chat” feature, however, a regular conference line has been set as a backup: (866) 525-2577, ID#: 46262925

Newsletters and email from which we gather this information include:

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

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

v  Electronic newsletter of the RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, Rural Entrepreneurship News. To subscribe, http://team.energizingentrepreneurs.org/news2/public_html/lists/?p=subscribe  

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