Wednesday, May 8, 2013

HHS Announces Community Economic Development Funding Opportunities

Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the availability of funding for two Community Economic Development Projects. Both opportunities will fund community-driven initiatives that spur economic growth by creating new products, services, and other commercial activities that result in the creation of new positions for low-income individuals and increased economic vitality in low-income communities.

Eligible applicants for both grant opportunities include Community Development Corporations (CDCs). Recognizing that CDCs often have knowledge and expertise around specific issues in their community, they are poised to use these funding opportunities to efficiently and effectively create new community economic development projects.

Community Economic Development Projects
This grant opportunity will fund CDCs that are working to create employment and business opportunities that benefit low-income communities. More specifically, funds can be used to help cover the costs associated with business start-up or expansion efforts, provided that resulting job opportunities can be filled by low-income individuals. In addition to improving the self-sufficiency of individuals and their families, grants are intended to also create businesses and employment opportunities that strengthen the broader community and attract additional public and private investment.

HHS anticipates using an estimated $16.3 million to make 21 grants ranging from $100,000 to $800,00, with an average award of approximately $750,000. Projects funded through this opportunity can include both construction and non-construction projects. Applications must be submitted by July 2, 2013.

For more information about this funding opportunity, including allowable activities and eligibility requirements, please click here.


Community Economic Development Healthy Food Financing Initiative Projects
The Healthy Food Financing Initiative is a coordinated effort between the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Health & Human Services and Treasury that aims to increase the supply of and demand for healthy foods in communities that lack access to affordable and nutritious food choices. As one program within this effort, the Community Economic Development Healthy Food Financing Project will fund CDC initiatives that both create jobs and improve access to healthy food in communities that have been identified as "food deserts." Specifically, funds may be used to cover costs associated with business start-up or expansion efforts, such as financing the construction of grocery stores, providing direct assistance to farmers or supporting urban and rural farmers markets.

HHS anticipates using an estimated $9.4 million to make 13 grants ranging from $100,000 to $800,000, with and average award of approximately $720,000. Applications must be submitted by July 2, 2013.

For more information about this funding opportunity, including how HHS defines "food deserts," please click here.



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