I’m working on something completely different today but ran into the following. I think it has promise for rural broadband projects…
The Department of Commerce is offering grants to support the implementation of regional economic development strategies designed to create jobs, leverage private capital, and strengthen America’s ability to compete in the global marketplace. Deadline: 3/14/2014. Click here for application guidelines. http://tinyurl.com/publ55b
A little more info on the opportunity…
Funding Opportunity Description: Under this FFO, EDA solicits applications from applicants in rural and urban areas to provide investments that support construction, non- construction, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects under EDA’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs. Grants and cooperative agreements made under these programs are designed to leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities. EDA provides strategic investments on a competitive- merit-basis to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private investment in economically distressed areas of the United States.
And eligibility…
Eligible applicants: EDA is not authorized to provide grants or cooperative agreements to individuals or to for-profit entities. Requests from such entities will not be considered for funding. Eligible applicants for EDA financial assistance under the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs include a(n): (i) District Organization of a designated Economic Development District; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; (iii) State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or (v) public or private non- profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. See section 3 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3.
And most promising on priories…
National Strategic Priorities Projects that encourage job growth and business expansion related to the following: advanced and innovative manufacturing; information technology (for example, broadband or smart grid) infrastructure; communities severely impacted by automotive industry restructuring; increasing manufacturing, including advanced manufacturing, manufacturing supply chains and foreign direct investment in manufacturing facilities; restoring or improving urban waters; natural disaster mitigation and resiliency; access to capital for small, medium- sized, and ethnically diverse enterprises; innovations in science and health care; or projects that advance science and research parks or other technology transfer or commercialization centers.
