Innovation Matters Funding Opportunities 09/18/2020
Funding Opportunities
Rural Infrastructure
USDA Expands Access to Broadband Infrastructure for Rural Businesses and Residents Under Select Rural Development Programs
Effective immediately, entities may be eligible to use up to 10 percent of a loan, grant or loan guarantee to build, improve or acquire rural broadband facilities and equipment in areas not served by a minimum acceptable level of broadband service.
Business and Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program
USDA is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA B&I CARES Act Program provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Webinar for Lenders and Webinar for Businesses and Producers. Application Deadline: September 15, 2021, or until funds are expended.
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
USDA Rural Development is making funding available to build, expand and improve essential community facilities which includes qualified equipment. Guidebook. Application Deadline: Ongoing
FY 2020 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
The Economic Development Administration is providing resources to economically distressed communities and regions to help finance construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects. Application Deadline: Open
USDOT Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success
The U.S. Department of Transportation has a number of ongoing opportunities for funding and assistance to address disparities in rural transportation infrastructure. Application Deadline: Various
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers funding for programs to accelerate investment in critical water infrastructure through long-term, low cost, supplemental credit assistance under customized terms to creditworthy water and wastewater projects of national and regional significance. Letter of Interest: October 15, 2020
Quick Links to COVID-19 Resources Related to Rural Infrastructure:
- Economic Development Administration CARES Act Recovery Assistance
- COVID-19 Rural Telehealth Factsheet
- SBA Certified Development Company Loan Program
Economic Development
Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program
USDA is accepting applications for grants for projects that promote economic development and job creation in rural areas. Application Deadlines: First Quarter, Sept. 30, 2020; Second Quarter, Dec. 31, 2020; Third Quarter, March 31, 2021; and Fourth Quarter, June 30, 2021.
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements
USDA Rural Development is making funds available to support agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Application Deadline: September 30, 2020
Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems
The Appalachian Regional Commission is making grants available in ARC’s 13 state region that create or expand upon a recovery ecosystem that will lead to workforce re-entry for individuals in recovery from substance abuse disorder. Letter of Intent: October 16, 2020
Small Business Innovation Research Program
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture is making funds available to transform scientific discovery into products and services with commercial potential that benefit and support small businesses to create innovative technologies. Application Deadline: October 22, 2020
The Reimagining Pathways to Employment in the U.S. Challenge
The Morgridge Family Foundation, New Profit, CSU Global, and Gary Community Investments are making grants available to support the most promising solutions that accelerate pathways for future employment. Application Deadline: November 9, 2020
