Small businesses in Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell Counties: Please join the Savannah River Site, the Barnwell County Chamber of Commerce, SCA and the SC Promise Zone for a “Small Business Opportunities at SRS Informational Session”. The event will take place on November 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Southern Carolina Business Center in Barnwell. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about various contractor procurement practices and opportunities at SRS.

Center for a Better South to offer two grant-writing courses in November

One-day workshops in Promise Zone funded by new federal grant.

 

OCT. 24, 2017 | The Center for a Better South will offer two separate one-day grant-writing courses in November to help organizations improve skills for seeking federal funding available through the S.C. Lowcountry Promise Zone.

The workshops on Nov. 13 in Yemassee and on Nov. 14 in Denmark are funded in large part to a new $20,000 grant awarded from USDA Rural Development this fall to the Center. Last year, the Center won more than $50,000 in federal funding for Promise Zone projects.

“Thanks to this new grant, we’re going to provide more people with the skills they need to apply – and I hope win – federal and other funding to improve communities throughout the Promise Zone,” Better South President Andy Brack said. “Our new grant-writing sessions are designed to help people build capacity so we can accomplish Promise Zone goals.”

Since the beginning of the year, the Center has provided training to more than 150 people in seven sessions across the Promise Zone, which includes all or part of Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties.

NOTE: Space in these classes is extremely limited. If a class is full, we encourage you to sign up to be put on a waiting list because spaces may come available. If you don’t get in the class that you want, we will give you a first chance to sign up for our next series of grant-writing classes.

Nov. 14 training to be in Yemassee: Registration is open

Noted grant-writing professional Patrick Patterson of North Carolina will lead an all-day class at Lowcountry Council of Governments’ board room near Yemassee on Nov. 14, 2017.  He will focus on how to write compelling grant applications and find funding opportunities.

 *Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017. Please arrive on time.

 *Location: Board room, Lowcountry Council of Governments, 634 Campground Road, Yemassee, S.C. 29945
 *Registration is now open at BetterSouth.org/register

 

Nov. 15 training to be in Denmark: Registration is open

Patterson will offer a second all-day training session at a location to be announced at Voorhees College in Denmark on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. It will be the same class offered on April 20.

*Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. The class will start promptly at 9 a.m.

 *Location: Voorhees College, Denmark, S.C. Room to be announced at a later date.

 *Registration is now open at BetterSouth.org/register

 

 

Interested in attending?
There is no cost to attend either course. But to attend, you must register. Each class is limited to 20 participants. To register for one of the classes, please go to the link below and follow the instructions for registering.

http://www.BetterSouth.org/register

 

Important information:

 *Attendance is limited. Reservations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If a class fills up, you will be put on a waiting list in case a spot opens. If a spot does not open, we will contact you when a new class is offered.

 *Lunch will be provided. Participants will receive a catered, boxed lunch at midday.

 *No show policy. If you register and can’t come, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make a space available to someone else. If you reserve a place and don’t attend, you will be billed $25 to reimburse the Center for lunch. Signing up for the class is a commitment by you to attend for free or pay the lunch fee if you don’t.

 *Transportation. You will have to provide your own transportation to a class. However, we encourage people in Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties to attend the Yemassee session, while the Denmark class will be closer for people who live in Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties.

 *Questions. Please send questions by email to: brack@bettersouth.org.

Trainings offered by the Center are provided through a Rural Business Development Grant awarded in 2017 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Center for a Better South was a leading driver of the area’s combined effort to apply for and be successful in winning the federal designation for the region to be a Promise Zone. You can get updates on the Promise Zone at its website: http://www.SCPromiseZone.org.

CED Matters Funding Opportunities Available

THE JEAN GRISWOLD FOUNDATION is offering grants to nonprofit organizations to enhance the quality of life for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities who choose to age in place. The Foundation offers support to organizations located within a 25-mile radius of Griswold Home Care offices in 34 states. The Foundation’s funding priorities focus on programs that provide services such as home delivered meals, transportation, friendly visitors, home chores and repairs, hospice, and respite and caregiver support. The Foundation also supports local community and grassroots organizations that provide other programs and services with the intent of helping those of limited financial means to age in place. Most grants are in the $500 to $2,000 range. Deadline: 10/31/2017.

YOUTH SERVICE AMERICA (YSA) is partnering with Hasbro’s signature philanthropic initiative, BE FEARLESS BE KIND, to encourage young people to stand up for others, include everyone, and take action when they see a problem. BE FEARLESS BE KIND Grants give young people an opportunity to put their empathy, passion, and creativity into action as they help make the world a better place. Grants of $500, $1,000, or $2,000 will be provided to nonprofit organizations and K-12 schools throughout the United States to support youth-led community projects that take place through December 15, 2017. These projects should address meaningful local and global issues through Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP). Deadline: applications will be accepted and grants awarded on a rolling basis until 10/31/2017.

Conservation Alliance Invites Nominations for Conservation Projects
Grants are awarded in support of projects designed to secure permanent and quantifiable protection of a specific wild land or waterway with clear habitat and recreational benefits. Application Deadline: November 1, 2017 (Nominations).

Service Area Competition Funding for Health Center Program (Areas Served with a Project Period Start Date of May 1, 2018) Funding to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to an underserved area or population. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Nov 6, 2017 Sponsors: Bureau of Primary Health Care, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

ANNIE’S GRANTS FOR GARDENS offers grants to develop edible garden projects that help connect kids to nutritious food. Geographic coverage: Nationwide. Deadline: 11/11/2017.

WHOLE KIDS FOUNDATION is offering grants to support new or existing edible gardens at K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations. Geographic coverage: nationwide. Deadline: 11/15/2017.

NIH Health Disparities Research Loan Repayment Program Offers loan repayment assistance for health professionals who commit to research projects related to health disparities. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Nov 15, 2017 Sponsors: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY is offering three grant opportunities in the area of Brownfields sites: 1) funding to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct planning (including cleanup planning) and community involvement related to brownfield sites; 2) funds to carry out cleanup activities at a specific Brownfields site, resulting in better community environmental health; and 3) grants to eligible agencies to capitalize a revolving loan fund that will provide loans and subgrants to eligible entities to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites contaminated with hazardous substances and/or petroleum. Deadline for all of these grants: 11/16/2017. Click here for an application and funding guidelines for 1); click here for 2); and here for 3).

Brownfields Assessment Grants Funding to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct planning (including cleanup planning) and community involvement related to brownfield sites. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Nov 16, 2017 Sponsor: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Brownfields Cleanup Grants Provides funds to carry out cleanup activities at a specific Brownfields site, resulting in better community environmental health. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Nov 16, 2017 Sponsor: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Grants to eligible agencies to capitalize a revolving loan fund that will provide loans and sub grants to eligible entities to carry out cleanup activities at Brownfield sites contaminated with hazardous substances and/or petroleum. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Nov 16, 2017 Sponsor: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

BUREAU OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES is offering funding to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to an underserved area or population. Deadline 11/20/2017.

Service Area Competition Funding for Health Center Program (Areas Served with a Project Period Start Date of June 1, 2018) Funding to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to an underserved area or population. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Nov 20, 2017 Sponsors: Bureau of Primary Health Care, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HUD is offering Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants designed to address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public housing or other HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation. Eligible grantees include Public Housing Authorities, local governments, tribal entities, nonprofits, and for profit developers that apply jointly with a public entity. Deadline: 11/22/2017.

THE FIRST NATIONS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, through its Native Agriculture and Food Systems College Scholarship Program, is offering five $1,000 scholarships to encourage Native American college students to enter careers in agriculture and agriculture-related fields, with the ultimate goal of increasing food production, improving health and nutrition, and eliminating food insecurity in rural and reservation-based communities. Applicants must: be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student majoring in agriculture or an agricultural-related field, be able to provide documentation of tribal affiliation, have at least a 2.75 GPA, and demonstrate a commitment to helping communities reclaim local food system control. Deadline: 11/28/2017.

THE LOWE’S TOOLBOX FOR EDUCATION PROGRAM provides grants for school improvement projects. The priority for the 2017 grant cycle is providing for the basic needs of students. Individual public K-12 schools or non-profit parent groups associated with public K-12 schools are eligible to apply. Parent groups that are applying independently must have an EIN and 501c (3) status from the IRS. Awards range from $2,000 to $5,000. Deadline: 11/29/2017. The application process will close once 1,500 applications are received, so plan to apply soon for this grant.

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): Sep 29, 2017 Application Deadline: Nov 30, 2017 Sponsor: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Rural Housing Preservation and Revitalization Demonstration Loans and Grants Funding tools, including grants, no interest loans, soft-second loans, and debt deferral, to restructure loans for existing rural rental housing and off-farm labor housing projects to help improve and preserve the availability of safe affordable multi-family rental housing for low income residents in rural areas. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Dec 1, 2017 Sponsors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Rural Development

Safer School Garden Grant Provides funding to start a school garden with the goals of encouraging children to be active outside and to engage students in learning about nutrition and the environment. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Dec 1, 2017 Sponsor: Safer Brand

Smart Rural Community Collaboration Challenge Provides funding to support the development and implementation of innovative broadband-enabled solutions to support rural commerce, healthcare, public safety, economic development, education, energy, or other community-oriented initiatives. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Dec 1, 2017 Sponsor: NTCA: The Rural Broadband Association

USDA’s Rural Housing Service is accepting pre-applications for the Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization program. Properties serving census tracts in persistent poverty counties or other areas with special housing needs will get extra points. Pre-applications requesting multiple MPR funding tools are due 12/1/2017.

USDA AND THE USDA NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE are offering grants to plan or implement food projects designed to meet the needs of low-income individuals and increase community self-reliance concerning food and nutrition. Geographic coverage: Nationwide. Deadline: 12/4/2017.

Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funds Awards funding to tribal governments for the purposes of transportation projects related to safety, safety planning, and safety/ infrastructure. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Dec 11, 2017 Sponsors: Federal Highway Administration, Federal Lands Highway Program

Pilot Studies to Test the Initiation of a Mental Health Family Navigator to Promote Early Access, Engagement and Coordination of Needed Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents (R34)
The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to encourage research applications to develop and pilot test the effectiveness and implementation of family navigator models designed to promote early access, engagement and coordination of mental health treatment and services for children and adolescents who are experiencing early symptoms of mental health problems. For the purposes of this FOA, NIMH defines a family navigator model as a health care professional or paraprofessional whose role is to deploy a set of strategies designed to rapidly engage youth and families in needed treatment and services, work closely with the family and other involved treatment and service providers to optimize care and monitor the trajectory of mental health symptoms and outcomes over time. Application Deadline: January 07, 2018.

Udall Scholarship Offers scholarships to Native Americans and Alaska Native students pursuing careers related to tribal public policy, self-governance, native health, or the environment. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Application Deadline: Mar 8, 2018 Sponsor: Morris K Udall and Steward L Udall Foundation

SBA 7a Loans Provides loans to small businesses (including small healthcare practices) for working capital; equipment purchase; real estate purchase; building construction or renovation; business acquisition; and debt refinancing. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.  Sponsor: Small Business Administration

Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Accepting Applications for Emergency Grants
One-time grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to artists in the disciplines of painting, sculpture, or printmaking to provide assistance with a specific emergency, including fire, flood, or an unexpected medical issue. Application Deadline: Open

Funding Opportunities Available from Ford Family Foundation
The Ford Family Foundation is accepting applications to two funding opportunities for small or rural communities with populations under 35,000. The Good Neighbor Grant offers funding to address unexpected needs or simple projects. Grants are available between $1,000 and $10,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Additionally, the Community Building Spaces Grant offers funding for the development of public spaces. Various uses of funding include land acquisition, purchasing buildings, construction and renovations, among other activities. Grants are available between $50,000 & $250,000 and accepted on a rolling basis. For more information on the Good Neighbor Grant, click here. More information on the Community Building Spaces Grant is available here. Application Deadline: Due Rolling Basis.

THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY is providing funding to Mississippi counties and municipalities to assist with the location, expansion, or retention of job-creating businesses, including healthcare and other public facilities, through its Community Development Block Grant Program. Projects must result in the creation or retention of jobs for low-to-moderate income individuals. Counties or municipalities applying on behalf of an industry are eligible to apply. Deadline: rolling.

THE HEARST FOUNDATIONS are providing grants to support well-established nonprofit organizations that address issues within four major areas of interest: education, health, culture, and social service. The Foundations do not generally provide funding for organizations with an operating budget under $1 million.

USDA is currently accepting applications for Rural Business Development Grants. This competitive grant is designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas which will employ 50 or fewer new employees and have less than $1 million in gross revenue. Rural public entities including, but not limited to, towns, communities, state agencies, nonprofits corporations, federally-recognized tribes, institutions of higher education, and more are eligible to apply. There is no maximum grant amount; however, smaller requests are given higher priority. Generally, grants range from $10,000 to $500,000. Deadline: rolling.

Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program Funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Applications accepted on an ongoing basis Sponsors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Rural Development

Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees A loan guarantee program that helps private lenders provide affordable financing to qualified borrowers to improve access to clean, reliable water and waste disposal systems for households and businesses in rural areas. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Applications accepted on an ongoing basis Sponsors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Rural Development

BNSF Railway Foundation Offers grants to organizations that operate near a BNSF railway line. Among others, priority areas include health and human service organizations, programs that address chemical dependency treatment and prevention, spouse and child abuse, women’s and children’s aid, transitional shelters, hospitals, medical programs, and youth development programs. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Applications accepted on an ongoing basis Sponsor: BNSF Railway Foundation

National School Lunch Afterschool Snack Program Funding for schools and residential child care institutions to provide afterschool snacks to low-income children who participate in the National School Lunch program. Geographic coverage: Nationwide Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

Aviation Grant Opportunities Available:

 

FAA Aviation Research and Development Grants from DOT– The FAA is soliciting proposals for research grants and cooperative agreements to pursue the long-term growth and short-term technical needs of civil aviation. In order to streamline the application process, it is recommended that all prospective grantees submit a white paper (letter of intent) for agency technical review before complete proposal submission. Please be sure to identify the specific area of interest (Solicitation FAA-12-01 – Chapter I. FAA Research Grants Program, Technical Areas of Research #1-#9). The white paper shall be no longer than three (3) pages and shall detail overall research objectives. To apply, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=134953.

Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant from DOT– The Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP), a grant program designed to help small communities address air service and airfare issues, is managed by the Associate Director, Small Community Air Service Development, under the Office of Aviation Analysis. The Essential Air Service (EAS) and SCASDP programs are separate and unique. SCASDP’s eligibility criteria are broader and provide a grant applicant the opportunity to self-identify its air service deficiencies and propose an appropriate solution. EAS is a direct subsidy to air carriers and serves a limited universe of eligible applicants. Please refer to the EAS website for additional information. SCASDP can involve, among others, revenue guarantees, financial assistance for marketing programs, start-up costs and studies. For more information, go to https://www.transportation.gov/policy/aviation-policy/small-community-rural-air-service/SCASDP.