The Gulf Coast Economic Development District is compiling a clearinghouse of funding opportunities for local governments, small businesses and non-profit organizations. The focus is on opportunities to improve quality of life and increase economic development. Updates to the clearinghouse will be ongoing.
Hospitals, Medical Facilities and Clinics
View our collection of recommended Hospital Construction Finance Resources (XLS, 44K) for communities working to develop, refurbish or upgrade healthcare assets including buildings, equipment, and restoration needed as a result of disaster.
Farmers Markets and Agriculture
USDA Farmers Market Resources Guide (PDF, 1M) offers information on federal, private, and foundation funding available for the development of Farmer’s Markets.
The Texas Department of Agriculture has developed the Texas Wine Regional Partnership Grant to enhance the growth, visibility and awareness of the Texas wine industry.
The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) was created to help improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Approximately $5 million is allocated for FMPP for Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010 and $10 million for Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012. Entities eligible to apply include agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, producer associations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities and Tribal governments.
Federal State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP)
FSMIP provides matching funds to State Departments of Agriculture, State agricultural experiment stations, and other appropriate State agencies to assist in exploring new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products, and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the U.S. marketing system.
Agricultural Prosperity for Small and Medium-sized Farms
The purpose of this program is to foster interdisciplinary studies to improve our understanding of the interactions between the economic and environmental components important to the long-term viability, competitiveness and efficiency of small and medium-sized farms (including social, biological and other components, if necessary). More information: Dr. S. Sureshwaran, Phone (202) 720-7536, ssureshwaran@csrees.usda.gov
Wholesale Markets and Facility Design provides guidance and technical support to customers considering the construction or remodeling of wholesale markets, farmers markets, and public markets.
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) at the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (NIFA) is charged with funding research, education, and extension grants and integrated research, extension, and education grants that address key problems of National, regional, and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of agriculture, including farm efficiency and profitability, ranching, renewable energy, forestry (both urban and agroforestry), aquaculture, rural communities and entrepreneurship, human nutrition, food safety, biotechnology, and conventional breeding.
The Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) fights food insecurity through developing community food projects that help promote the self-sufficiency of low-income communities. These grants are intended to help eligible private nonprofit entities that need a one-time infusion of federal assistance to establish and carry out multipurpose community food projects. Projects are funded from $10,000-$300,000 and from 1 to 3 years. They are one-time grants that require a dollar-for-dollar match in resources.
The Food and Fibers Research Grant Program activities are restricted to surveys, research, or investigations of cotton, cottonseed oil or other related oilseed products, wool mohair, or other related textile products. The purpose of the Program is to: Coordinate research networking opportunities among the universities and natural fibers and oilseed producers, processors, manufacturers, and consumers; Provide technical outreach to private industry, universities, consumers, and government agencies; and Leverage private sector, federal, and university support with general revenue funds.
Historic Building Preservation
View our collection of recommended Preservation Resources (XLS, 57K) for organizations interested in funding available for conservation, preservation or restoration of historic buildings, landscapes or interiors.
Small Community Facilities
The USDA’s Community Programs utilizes three flexible financial tools to achieve this goal:
The USDA’s Community Programs utilizes three flexible financial tools to achieve this goal:Community Facilities Direct Loan Program
Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program
Community Facilities Grant Program
Rural Economic Development The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Division summarized its available Rural Development Programs (PDF, 73K). Download this PDF for information on funding available to businesses, governments and utilities for community and economic development.
Small Business Innovation Research: Rural Development
Funded research focuses on the development of new technologies, and on the innovative application of new or existing technologies, to address important problems and opportunities affecting people and institutions in rural America. Overall the rural development topic area is less centered on agriculture and more on areas of increasing importance to rural communities, such as environmental enhancement, disaster resilience, service delivery, and entrepreneurial and workforce skills.
Capacity Building & PlanningThe EDA's Economic Adjustment Assistance Program (PDF, 92 K) provides a wide range of technical, planning and infrastructure assistance in regions experiencing adverse economic changes that may occur suddenly or over time. The Economic Adjustment Assistance Program is available to all eligible recipients under PWEDA, including institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations and consortia and State and local governments. (Note: Per EDA, you may only apply for existing or future planning salaries or contract services if the project is a non-construction project.)
The USDA’s Rural Business Opportunity Grants promote sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs through provision of training and technical assistance for business development, entrepreneurs, and economic development officials and to assist with economic development planning. (Note: Per the USDA, planning is not a predominant use of these funds; however, it is not expressly prohibited.)
Community Enhancement
H-GAC's Community Enhancement Grants provide opportunities to restore historic downtowns, install street trees and period lighting, beautify community gateways, and improve the public space in your community.
Small Business Loans
H-GAC's affiliate Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program, H-GALDC, enables small businesses to create and retain jobs by providing long-term financing to small businesses for real estate acquisition, construction and equipment purchases.
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