USDA Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program CFDA 10.780

Community Programs, a division of the Housing and Community Facilities Programs, is part of the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development mission area. Community Programs administers programs designed to develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include schools, libraries, museums, childcare, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

Through its Community Programs, the Department of Agriculture is striving to ensure that such facilities are readily available to all rural communities. Community Programs utilizes three flexible financial tools to achieve this goal: the Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program, the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, and the Community Facilities Grant Program.

Community Programs can make and guarantee loans to develop essential community facilities in rural areas and towns of up to 20,000 in population. Loans and guarantees are available to public entities such as municipalities, counties, and special-purpose districts, as well as to non-profit corporations and tribal governments.

Applicants must have the legal authority to borrow and repay loans, to pledge security for loans, and to construct, operate, and maintain the facilities. They must also be financially sound and able to organize and manage the facility effectively.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide

Amount of funding: Amount varies.

Applications are handled by USDA Rural Development field offices. For a listing of field offices, see http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html

For more information contact:
Program web site http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/cf/cp.htm

National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, (NUCFAC) will be filling four positions that will be expiring at the end of December 2009 and one interim position expiring the end of 2010. Interested applicants may download a copy of the application from the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry website: www.fs.fed.us/ucf/. Nomination applications are to be received by: January 29, 2010.


As a National Federal Advisory Council, the membership must be balanced geographically and demographically across the country. Those geographical areas that are needed to meet this requirement are the western and southern parts of the country. For those interested, please review the position criteria to see if you are eligible. Applicants may nominate themselves.
Please note that the due date has been extended to January 29, 2010.
Questions may be sent to Nancy Stremple, Susan Mockenhaupt or Jill Johnson.

USDA 2010 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant CFDA 10.675

The Secretary of Agriculture has a congressionally designated advisory Council that assists the U.S. Forest Service in establishing the grant categories and recommending the final proposals for the Forest Service to consider. This is the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (Council). The Council serves to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the status of the nation’s urban and community forests and related natural resources. The Council seeks to establish sustainable urban and community forests, by encouraging communities of all sizes to manage and protect their natural resources, which can, if well managed, improve the public’s health, well being, and economic vitality, and create resilient ecosystems for present and future generations. Applications are due by December 15, 2009.


Urban and Community Forestry Program Requirements through the U.S. Forest Service’s competitive Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program, the Council only supports urban and community forestry projects that have national or widespread application and impact. All proposals must apply to Urban and Community Forestry program authorities as designated by Congress in the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (Section 9) [Section 9 Urban and Community Forestry only (PDF, pp. 19-24)] and the annual criteria set forth by the Council.

A listing of the previously funded projects can be viewed at www.fs.fed.us/ucf/nucfac. Definition of Urban and Community Forestry: The art, science, and technology of managing trees, forests, and natural systems in and around cities, suburbs, and towns for the health and well-being of all people.

Document Type: Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FS-UCF-01-2010
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Posted Date: Sep 21, 2009
Creation Date: Sep 21, 2009
Original Closing Date for Applications: Dec 15, 2009
Current Closing Date for Applications: Dec 15, 2009
Archive Date: Jan 14, 2010
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Category of Funding Activity: Natural Resources
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards: 10
Estimated Total Program Funding: $900,000
Award Ceiling: $0
Award Floor: $0
CFDA Number(s): 10.675 -- Urban and Community Forestry Program
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

USDA Rural Housing Preservation Grants CFDA 10.433

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) announces that it is soliciting applications under its Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program. The HPG program is a grant program which provides qualified public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, which may include but not be limited to Faith-Based and Community Organizations, and other eligible entities grant funds to assist very low- and low-income homeowners in repairing and rehabilitating their homes in rural areas. Applications are due by July 10, 2009.

In addition, the HPG program assists rental property owners and cooperative housing complexes in repairing and rehabilitating their units if they agree to make such units available to low- and very low-income persons. This action is taken to comply with Agency regulations found in 7 CFR part 1944, subpart N, which require the Agency to announce the opening and closing dates for receipt of preapplications for HPG funds from eligible applicants. The intended effect of this Notice is to provide eligible organizations notice of these dates.

Document Type: Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-RD-HCFP-HPG-2009
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Posted Date: May 15, 2009
Creation Date: May 15, 2009
Original Closing Date for Applications: Jul 10, 2009
Current Closing Date for Applications: Jul 10, 2009
Archive Date: Aug 09, 2009
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Category of Funding Activity: Housing
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards: 160
Estimated Total Program Funding: $10,088,166
Award Ceiling: $100,000
Award Floor: $0
CFDA Number(s): 10.433 -- Rural Housing Preservation Grants
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

NOFA for Housing Preservation Grant Program

USDA Community Connect Broadband Program Grant CFDA 10.863

The Community-Oriented Connectivity Broadband Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance to furnish broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where such service does not currently exist. Grant funds may be utilized to deploy broadband transmission service to critical community facilities, rural residents, and rural businesses and to construct, acquire, or expand, equip, and operate a community center that provides free access to broadband services to community residents for at least two years. Grants will be awarded, on a competitive basis, to entities serving communities of up to 20,000 inhabitants to ensure rural consumers enjoy the same quality and range of telecommunications service as are available in urban and suburban communities. Applications are due by June 19, 2009.

Document Type: Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number: RDRUS-09-01-CC
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Posted Date: Apr 20, 2009
Creation Date: Apr 20, 2009
Original Closing Date for Applications: Jun 19, 2009
Current Closing Date for Applications: Jun 19, 2009
Archive Date: Jun 20, 2009
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Category of Funding Activity: Community Development
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards:
Estimated Total Program Funding: $13,406,000
Award Ceiling: $1,000,000
Award Floor: $50,000
CFDA Number(s): 10.863 -- Community Connect Grant Program
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

Eligible Applicants
State governments County governments City or township governments Special district governments Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses Small businesses

http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/commconnect.htm

GRANT AWARDS BY YEAR - Grant Summaries

U.S. Forest Service: Urban and Community Forestry National Grant Program - 2009 Special Focus Grant: Outreach CFDA 10.675

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (Council) serves to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the status of the nation’s urban and community forests. The Council seeks to establish sustainable urban and community forests, by encouraging communities of all sizes to manage and protect their natural resources. Well managed urban forests provide critical environmental services that can improve the public’s health, and well being; economic viability and restore functioning environmental systems for people today and future generations. Through the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry competitive Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program, the Council only supports urban and community forestry projects that have national or multi-state, significance in their impact or application. Applications are due by June 5, 2009.


A listing of the previously funded projects can be viewed at http://www.treelink.org/nucfac/ OR www.fs.fed.us/ucf/nucfac Definition of Urban and Community Forestry: The art, science, and technology of managing trees, forests, and natural systems in and around cities, suburbs, and towns for the health and well-being of all people. Outreach Grant Category: This special focus grant will focus on funding up to $100,000 for projects that provide scholarships to non traditional / underserved participants.

Goal: Support and encourage the expansion of partnerships with non-traditional partners by providing broad, sustained educational opportunities with urban and community forestry issues.

Priority: Increase and strengthen urban forestry collaboration and partnerships by engaging non-traditional partners, individuals and organizations that have an important stake in urban forestry, but may not be involved in day-to-day community forest management. This is to be a sustained educational experience that will broaden their investment and participation in urban and community forestry beyond the scholarship sponsored event.

Description: NUCFAC recognizes the importance of engaging a broader, larger and more diverse group of constituencies in urban and community forestry programs and education. For the purposes of this Request for Proposals (RFP), the Council is interpreting non-traditional partners as minority and underserved populations, representatives of professional perspectives whose work impacts urban and community forestry, but may not be consistently represented in urban and community forestry educational opportunities and policy discussions.

Eligible Applicant Examples Include But Are Not Limited To: Educators, green industry professionals outside of arboriculture and forestry, public health professionals, public works professionals, local government representatives and other professions that have an impact on urban and community forestry. Conference hosts organizations may apply for scholarships for non-traditional partners to attend urban forestry conferences or other appropriate training opportunities. Organizations are also encouraged to apply for funding to engage non-traditional partners in educational opportunities presented by other organizations.

Additional Information on Eligibility:
Eligible Applicants: Any non-Federal organization, operating within the United States or its territories, may apply for the Challenge Cost-Share grant. Collaboration with Federal agencies is encouraged; however, a Federal agency may not receive funding through this grant program. (Conflict of interest issues will be addressed appropriately.) Individuals are not eligible. Note: Projects that have only a local impact and applicability will not be considered for funding. Urban and community forestry projects with a local scope of work should contact their State Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator for assistance in identifying funding alternatives at the local level. The list of State Coordinators may be found at the following website: http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/Related_Links/UCF_State_coordinators.htm.

Document Type: Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FS-UCF-01-2009
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Posted Date: Mar 25, 2009
Creation Date: Mar 25, 2009
Original Closing Date for Applications: Jun 05, 2009
Current Closing Date for Applications: Jun 05, 2009
Archive Date: Jul 05, 2009
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Category of Funding Activity: Education
Environment
Natural Resources
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards: 5
Estimated Total Program Funding: $100,000
Award Ceiling: $100,000
Award Floor: $1
CFDA Number(s): 10.675 -- Urban and Community Forestry Program
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

National Urban and Community Forestry Website

USDA American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Rural Business Enterprise Grants CFDA 10.783

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Bill) provides $20 million for the Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program (RBEG), subject to the availability of funds. The purpose of the RBEG program is to finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses, provide financial assistance for rural distance learning networks, and fund adult education programs--particularly those projects providing job advancement or potential employment opportunities. To access the full Recovery Fund announcement, use the USDA website: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/arra/recovery-program.htm Applications submitted for ARRA funding may be submitted to the USDA Rural Development State Office until funds are depleted or until a date to be published in Fiscal Year 2010, whichever occurs earlier.

To request application materials under this authority, please contact your local Rural Development Office for assistance. Grant award decisions are initially made at the State level. Projects not able to obtain funding through Rural Development State Offices may be submitted for national competition. RD Office Locater

Eligible Applicants
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility:
CFDA #10.783 - RBE grants may be made to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations serving rural areas. Public bodies include States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated town and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts, and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations and other Federally recognized Indian Tribal groups in rural areas.

Document Type: Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number: 02-2009
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Posted Date: Mar 11, 2009
Creation Date: Mar 11, 2009
Original Closing Date for Applications: Mar 19, 2009
Current Closing Date for Applications: Mar 19, 2009
Archive Date: Apr 18, 2009
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Category of Funding Activity: Recovery Act
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards: 300
Estimated Total Program Funding: $20,000,000
Award Ceiling:
Award Floor:
CFDA Number(s):
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/arra/recovery-program.htm

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/RBEG%20Notice.doc

USDA 2009 Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG) CFDA 10.773 (mod 3)

The Rural Development State Offices administer the RBOG program on behalf of USDA Rural Development at the State level. The primary objective of the program is to improve the economic conditions of rural areas. Assistance provided to rural areas under this program may include technical assistance for business development and economic development planning. To ensure that a broad range of communities have the opportunity to benefit from the program, no grant will exceed $50,000, unless it is a multi-State project where funds may not exceed $150,000. There is no match requirement. As indicated in the summary, these limits do not apply to specified funding for Native American, Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities, and Rural Economic Area Partnerships. Applications are due by April 30, 2009 - this deadline was extended from Mar 30.


Who is eligible?
Rural public bodies, rural nonprofit corporations, rural Indian tribes, and cooperatives with primarily rural members that conduct activities for the mutual benefit of the membership are eligible provided they have sufficient financial strength and expertise to carry out the activity to be funded.

What types of projects are eligible?
The RBOG program is primarily a training and technical assistance program. Funds may be provided for development of export markets; feasibility studies; development of long term trade strategies; community economic development planning; business training and business based technical assistance for rural entrepreneurs and business managers; establishment of rural business incubators; and assistance with technology based economic development. The types of projects that may be funded might include identification/ analysis of business opportunities that will utilize local material and human resources; provision of leadership development training to existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers; business support centers; centers for training, technology and export trade; and, economic development planning.

How to Apply
To apply for funding for the RBOG program, please contact your Rural Development State Office.

Document Type: Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number: RDBCP-2009-RBOG
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Posted Date: Mar 18, 2009
Creation Date: Mar 18, 2009
Original Closing Date for Applications: Mar 31, 2009
Current Closing Date for Applications: Apr 30, 2009 The deadline for the receipt of applications in the Rural Development State Office is March 31, 2009. The RBOG appropriation for fiscal year 2009 provides specific funding for Native American, Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities and Rural Economic Area Partnership, and these applications must also be received in the Rural Development State Office by March 31, 2009. The Agency reserves the right to extend this application deadline. Any applications received after this date will not be considered for FY 2009 funding.
Archive Date: Apr 30, 2009
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Category of Funding Activity: Agriculture
Business and Commerce
Community Development
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards: 49
Estimated Total Program Funding: $2,483,000
Award Ceiling: $150,000
Award Floor: $50,000
CFDA Number(s): 10.773 -- Rural Business Opportunity Grants
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbog.htm

U.S. Forest Service: Urban and Community Forestry National Grant Program - 2009 Special Focus Grant: Storm Event Protocol CFDA 10.675

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (Council) serves to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the status of the nation’s urban and community forests. The Council seeks to establish sustainable urban and community forests, by encouraging communities of all sizes to manage and protect their natural resources. Well managed urban forests provide critical environmental services that can improve the public’s health, and well being; economic viability and restore functioning environmental systems for people today and future generations. Through the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry competitive Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program, the Council only supports urban and community forestry projects that have national or multi-state, significance in their impact or application.
Applications are due by June 5, 2009.


Definition of Urban and Community Forestry: The art, science, and technology of managing trees, forests, and natural systems in and around cities, suburbs, and towns for the health and well-being of all people. Storm Event Protocol Category: This special focus grant of up to $50,000 is for the development of a new storm event protocol that blends urban forest programs with emergency management operations. The purpose is to reduce the impact of storms on urban forests, lessen personal injuries and property damage, and decrease emergency management costs. The Storm Event Protocol is to be generic enough to address any natural storm event and national in scope to assist any community across the country.

Document Type: Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number: 2009-USDA-FS-UCF-02-NUCFAC
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Posted Date: Mar 26, 2009
Creation Date: Mar 26, 2009
Original Closing Date for Applications: Jun 05, 2009
Current Closing Date for Applications: Jun 05, 2009
Archive Date: Jul 05, 2009
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Category of Funding Activity: Community Development
Disaster Prevention and Relief
Environment
Natural Resources
Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards: 1
Estimated Total Program Funding: $50,000
Award Ceiling: $50,000
Award Floor: $0
CFDA Number(s): 10.675 -- Urban and Community Forestry Program
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

Weblink to National Urban Forestry website (Posting expected by 3/30/09)

USDA 2009 Urban Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program Request for Proposals CFDA 10.675

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (Council) serves to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the status of the nation’s urban and community forests. The Council seeks to establish sustainable urban and community forests, by encouraging communities of all sizes to manage and protect their natural resources. Well managed urban forests provide critical environmental services that can improve the public’s health, and well being; economic viability and restore functioning environmental systems for people today and future generations. This year the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council revised its grant categories and process to the Forest Service’s National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program. The funds will be divided into two categories of: Innovation and Best Practices Innovation Grants: The Council anticipates awarding one or more grants out of the $500,000 available. Applications are due by February 17, 2009.


Priority areas for these grants include: energy conservation, climate change and public health. The Innovation Grants will require a pr-proposal. Best Practices Grants: will award a maximum of $50,000 per application from $500,000 available. This category addresses improvements to existing urban forestry related best practices or developing a needed best practices related to urban forestry activities. The priorities for these smaller grants are listed on page 5. Only a Full Proposal will be required for these grants. Through the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry competitive Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program, the Council only supports urban and community forestry projects that have national or multi-state, significance in their impact or application. The U.S. Forest Service derives the authority for the National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program from the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (Section 9). Funds are to support urban and community forestry projects that have a national or widespread impact and application. All awards are based on the availability of funding, which may be subject to change.

Document Type: Modification to Previous Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FS-2009
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Posted Date: Nov 21, 2008
Creation Date: Nov 21, 2008
Original Closing Date for Applications: Feb 17, 2009
Current Closing Date for Applications: Feb 17, 2009
Archive Date: Mar 19, 2009
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Category of Funding Activity: Natural Resources
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards: 12
Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,000,000
Award Ceiling: $0
Award Floor: $0
CFDA Number(s): 10.675 -- Urban and Community Forestry Program
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

USDA - Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry

Urban Forestry Website - NUCFAC

Cost Share Grant Program Annoucement

Application Instructions

Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) for Fiscal Year 2008

This Notice announces the availability of $6,255,900 of competitive grant funds for the RCDI program through the Rural Housing Service (RHS), an agency within the USDA Rural Development mission area herein referred to as the Agency. The intermediary will be required to provide matching funds in an amount at least equal to the RCDI grant. The respective minimum and maximum grant amount per intermediary is $50,000.00 and $300,000.00. These grants will be made to qualified intermediary organizations that will provide financial and technical assistance to recipients to develop their capacity and ability to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic development. The intermediary must provide a program of financial and technical assistance to a private nonprofit, community-based housing and development organization, a low-income rural community or a federally recognized tribe.

Current Closing Date for Applications: May 05, 2008 The application date and time are firm. The Agency will not consider any application received after the deadline. Applicants intending to mail applications must provide sufficient time to permit delivery on or before the closing deadline date and time. Acceptance by the United States Postal Service or private mailer does not constitute delivery. Facsimile (FAX) and postage due applications will not be accepted.
Archive Date: Jun 04, 2008
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Category of Funding Activity: Community Development
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards:
Estimated Total Program Funding: $6,255,900
Award Ceiling: $300,000
Award Floor: $50,000
CFDA Number: 10.446 -- Rural Community Development Initiative
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=40607