Thursday, February 29th, 11AM-1PM
In this session of the “Grant of the Month Club,” we talked about why planning and flexible grants are such a good fit for many rural communities across the country. Planning grants are typically sought to give groups the capacity to develop new projects. The outcome of a planning grant is a structured plan of action, product, program design, or solution.
In the first hour of this event, we discussed planning grants, which funding opportunities support this work, and how to develop a competitive application.
In the second hour, we allowed time for networking and conversation from groups in the region who are applying, or considering applying for this type of grant.
RuralOrganizing.org Education Fund presented their ongoing work to expand access to federal funding for rural communities. They are working to build a rural America that is empowered, thriving, and equitable. Through grassroots organizing and federal advocacy support, they’re helping make sure rural leaders have the tools they need.
This event is part of the ReImagine Appalachia Grant of the Month Club Series, an ongoing series which aims to share information on a funding streams and resources that we believe are of particular interest to rural communities, communities facing energy transition or deindustrialization, historically disinvested communities, and/or Appalachian communities.
Resources
- 2024 Rural-Relevant Economic Opportunity Planning Grants– If you have questions for Annie, reach out to Policy@ruralorganizing.org
- We also have a blog where we recommend funding trackers to search for funding opportunities.
Potential sources for technical assistance:
- Interagency Working Group highlights opportunities for energy communities
- The Just Transition Fund supports grant writing and technical assistance.
- The Appalachian Regional Commission has a variety of opportunities and requires a lower match than many federal grants. ARC is currently seeking proposals for the READY Nonprofits training program. (Map to see if you are in an ARC district)
- Your Local Development District can help with stats and other info on your community.
- The Anthropocene Alliance offers support for environmental groups.
- Many local universities have programs.
- In West Virginia, the grant resource center offers grant writers and assistance for free.
- Penn State has the PennTAP program that offers technical assistance.
- Elevate Local Infrastructure Hub for Midwestern States. OH and KY fall under this I think
- Local Infrastructure.org offers a grant application bootcamp.
- A new technical assistance hub for Southwest PA.
- The EPA TC-TACs were discussed as a potential new resource, you can read about them here. Map to find out which EPA District you’re in.
- For anyone interested in community scale intersectional planning, check out Just Communities (formerly EcoDistricts)
And one more resource:
Map from Blue Green Alliance to learn if you’re in an energy community or qualify for other special consideration.