Minnesota Rural Partners

April 2014

April 16, 2014

April 2014- Volume XII, Number 4  

Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard

• –ACROSS THE FIELD
• –FUNDING
• –TRAININGS/MEETINGS
• –OPPORTUNITIES
• –MISCELLANEOUS

Across the Field: Remembering Mary Page and Continuing Her Work

 – Please join us on May 21st at the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus – to honor her life, work, and legacy

 By Kathy Draeger, Statewide Director, 

University of Minnesota’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, and a rural Big Stone County resident.  

 

Mary J. Page (1934-2013) was a voice for rural Minnesota. As a commissioner for Renville County, mayor of Olivia, MN, a Regent for the U of M, and in many dozens of other leadership roles in the community and state, she carried the concerns of Greater Minnesota with her always.

One person makes a difference.  For me, no one typifies that better than Mary Page (1934-2013), whose legacy of rural activism left an indelible mark on Minnesota and beyond.  Those of you in small towns and rural places know that sometimes it’s “all hands on deck!”

Mary Page stepped up again and again to answer that call.  And not just for the easy jobs.  She served as the first woman mayor of Olivia, Minnesota, and as a Renville County Commissioner at a time when tensions and emotions ran high due to changes in agriculture on the rural landscape.

Mary remarked that she often found herself on the battle lines of the issues of the time.  From where I stand, that’s because she had both an openness and a special kind of courage to take on those challenges.

I first met Mary Page within hours of becoming the statewide director of the U’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships in 2005.  A former U of M Regent, she was then chair of our statewide board and a founding board member of the West Central Regional Partnerships. Mary left her mark on the U of M Regional Partnerships, and her insistence that citizens drive collaboration with the U still resonates in our values and our work.

What are the lessons for the rest of us?  How can we build upon Mary’s lessons and legacies?

• First, know that one person matters and that person can be you.
• Moreover, hold to your values, take the courage to stand up to those in power, be protective and thoughtful about the ideal, ideas, and projects, and programs that you love.
• Continue to learn new things.
• Enjoy and invest in your place.  (Mary’s legacy of family fun and the floats they built for Olivia’s Corn Capital Days are legendary.)

To honor and continue Mary’s legacy, the Page family and the University of Minnesota have created a Fund in her honor, the Mary Page Community-University Partnerships Fund.  The Fund will support students and faculty working on citizen-driven projects throughout Greater Minnesota, with special consideration to work in Southwest Minnesota where Mary was a beloved and influential community member.

The Page family, the U of M Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships and U of M Extension invite you to a kick-off for the fund on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Cargill Building, 1500 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108 on the St. Paul campus.  Parking is available in the Gortner Avenue Ramp, two blocks south.

Please RSVP to Wan Tansatit: wtansati@umn.edu or 612-624-7971

If you are unable to attend, please consider a donation to the Mary Page Community-University Partnership Fund.

Thank you and we hope to see you on May 21.

Our guest columnist this month is Kathy Draeger,statewide director of the U’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships and rural Big Stone County resident.  Please “Like” the Partnerships on Facebook and follow on Twitter 

_______________________________________

FUNDING                 

— The Made in Minnesota Solar Thermal Rebate Program is reopened, the Minnesota Department of Commerce announced. The solar thermal program accepted applications this year from January 1-February 28, but the program was not fully subscribed. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until 2014 funds are fully reserved.  The rebate program, which is part of the 10-year, $150 million Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program that began this year, is for customers of electric investor-owned utilities (Xcel Energy, Alliant Energy, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail Power). Rebates are available to commercial and residential property owners who install solar thermal systems using collectors certified as Made in Minnesota. The rebate is equal to 25 percent of the system installed cost up to a maximum of $2,500 for residential, $5,000 for multifamily, and $25,000 for commercial systems. More information on the Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program is available online. http://tinyurl.com/m2g9vjh

–The Department of Labor is offering funding to nonprofit and public agencies for vocational construction skills training and, for certain applicants, construction and alternative vocational skills training, for at-risk youth and/or young adults, aged 16 – 24. Deadline: 4/22/2014. Click here for an application package. http://tinyurl.com/o3tg9sf

— The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites owners of heavy-duty diesel engines to apply for grants to reduce diesel emissions. This is an opportunity to upgrade fleets by installing idle reduction and pollution control devices, or by replacing engines, vehicles, or equipment.  Vehicles and equipment generally must be older than 2006 and trucks must be class 6 (19,500 lbs.) or larger to qualify and must be fully operational and not backup equipment.  Applications are due by 2 p.m. on April 23, 2014.  In recent years, the MPCA has awarded grants to replace heavy-duty engines on construction cranes and a rock crusher, and for replacing delivery trucks and retrofitting a diesel particulate filter on a long-haul truck.  Applications can be requested by emailing contracts.pca@state.mn.us, with subject line “CR7309 DERA”. The clean diesel web page is at: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/wfhy4c4.

–NEWMAN’S OWN Awards Program recognizes volunteer and nonprofit organizations supporting U.S. military families. Eligible applicants must be comprised primarily of volunteers or be nonprofit organizations, and be working with the families of Active Duty, National Guard, or Reserve units and/or veterans. Deadline: 4/23/2014. Click herefor application guidelines and to apply online.  http://tinyurl.com/mpyycpu

–The MARY KAY Foundation is offering grants to nonprofits that aid female victims of domestic violence. Deadline: 4/30/2014. Click here for application guidelines and to apply. http://tinyurl.com/887gx83

–The federal Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) is accepting applications to the Rural Access to Emergency Devices (RAED) Grant Program. Grants will be awarded to community partnerships to purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs), provide defibrillator and basic life support training, and place the AEDs in rural communities with local organizations. Applications due April 30. http://tinyurl.com/nu5mlqt

—Midwest Cleantech Open is opportunity for clean tech entrepreneurs.  Do you know an entrepreneur seeking to transform their clean technology into a commercial success? The Midwest Cleantech Open is now accepting Phase 1 applications for its national business accelerator program.  The final deadline is May 1. Emerging businesses with less than $6 million in funding can apply and will have a chance to access over 100 funding and commercialization partners regionally and nationally. Awards valued at $20,000 regionally and $200,000 nationally will be given at fall events that coincide with the completion of the program.

All Midwest companies will be featured as a main attraction at Cleantech Open’s Midwest Innovation Summit on October 14-15 in Minneapolis. Companies are provided with one-on-one meetings with investors and commercialization partners at that event and are able to showcase their clean technology. All applicants, regardless of whether they are accepted, receive feedback on their application and a discounted ticket to the Summit. Learn more and apply now.

–The Clinical Dental Education Innovations Grant Program is accepting applications from sponsoring institutions and clinical dental training sites for projects that increase dental access for underserved populations and promote innovative clinical training of dental professionals. Applications are due May 2. http://tinyurl.com/dfhf6h

–Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design is inviting nonprofits to submit proposals for the Rural Communities Facing Design Challenges initiative. Deadline: 5/6/2014. This initiative brings together local leaders, nonprofits, and design specialists to address how rural communities can strengthen their economies, enhance their rural character, and design efficient housing and transportation systems. To review application guidelines, click here.  http://tinyurl.com/ob8ex2y

—Angel Investor Tax Credit Extended, Funds Added. Minnesota’s popular Angel Investor Tax Credit has been extended for two more years and adds funds, but it also restricts eligible investors. Increasing the yearly allotment from $12 million to $15 million, the new law also adds an additional $3 million to this year’s program. Certifications for investors and companies are due May 11 for the additional $3 million in 2014. READ MORE

— The Administration for Children and Families is offering grants to nonprofit and public agencies to conduct outreach services designed to build relationships between grantee staff and runaway, homeless, and street youth. Deadline: 5/12/2014. Click here to learn more and to apply.  http://tinyurl.com/q992pxl

—Request for Proposals for a Smart Growth Information Clearinghouse.  EPA’s Office of Sustainable Communities is seeking proposals for a Smart Growth Information Clearinghouse. Under this solicitation, EPA intends to fund further development and ongoing maintenance of a web-based national information clearinghouse focused on smart growth. Eligible applicants are States and local governments, Indian Tribes, public and private colleges and universities, and hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutions, among others. For-profit organizations and individuals are not eligible to apply. Proposals must be received by EPA or through www.grants.gov by 4:00 p.m. Central time on Monday, May 12, 2014. EPA expects to make an award announcement by fall 2014.  For more information, see http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/grants/index.htm#rfgpa

— Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural AreasApplication deadline: May 27, 2014 (deadline extended)Awards grants to organizations that assist veterans in rural areas with transportation to VA medical centers and other VA and non-VA facilities for medical care. Sponsor: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs http://tinyurl.com/q7v6q3p

–The HOME DEPOT Community Impact Grants Program provides support to nonprofit organizations and public service agencies in the U.S. that are using volunteers to improve the physical health of their communities. Priority is given to projects for veterans that include housing repairs, modifications, and weatherization work. Grants of up to $5,000 are made in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, or services. Deadline: requests will be accepted from February 1 through August 15, 2014. Visit the Home Depot website here to submit an online application. http://tinyurl.com/6vrjyzo

–Blandin Foundation trustees voted to extend broadband work and allocate $1.5 million more for broadband grants. More information here.  http://tinyurl.com/otl6mh5

— Centennial Legacy Grant Program.  The Toro Company’s Centennial Legacy Grant Program is currently accepting applications from non-profits that are located within 30 miles of a Toro community (in Minnesota: Shakopee, Windom, and the Twin Cities). Grants will support non-profit organizations in their efforts to beautify and preserve outdoor environments and enhance green spaces at home, work and play. The objective of the program is to provide funding for projects in these focus areas that will serve the community for many years to come.

Grants will be made to qualified organizations in the communities where Toro employees live and work. The project funded should:

*Enrich outdoor landscapes for environmental benefits & enjoyment through outdoor physical activities by improving and beautifying parks, playgrounds, landscapes and community gardens

*Encourage efficient use of water in outdoor and agricultural applications by ensuring productive and sustainable practices and protecting our natural resources

*Involve children and adults in education programs on managing your water resources.

For more information or to apply go to: http://tinyurl.com/oqv3r49

— The G. UNGER VETLESEN Foundation is offering general support grants to nonprofit organizations for general support for religious, charitable, scientific, literary and education causes. Deadline: letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time. Click here to visit the website for application guidelines.  http://tinyurl.com/pupeczx

—EPA Announces Availability of $400,000 for Green Infrastructure Technical Assistance.  The U.S. EPA’s Office of Wastewater Management has announced the availability of $400,000 in technical assistance for communities interested in implementing green infrastructure to protect water quality and build more sustainable communities.  Communities across the country are interested in implementing green infrastructure to protect water quality, provide ecosystem services, increase resiliency to climate change, create economic opportunities, and support a high quality of life. Many communities, however, lack the tools, resources, or information to achieve these goals. As part of EPA’s commitment to engaging with local communities, the Agency is offering direct assistance to communities interested in implementing green infrastructure. This technical assistance will serve both to advance the adoption of green infrastructure programs in selected communities and to develop knowledge and tools that can be transferred to other communities and to a national audience. http://tinyurl.com/khav7kb

The value of the EPA assistance available in 2014 is approximately $400,000, and EPA anticipates providing assistance to 5 to 7 communities. Interested communities are encouraged to respond to the Request for Letters of Interest at http://tinyurl.com/m4joxqd.

— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it has set a goal of investing $50 million to increase access to mental health care in rural areas over the next three years. The funding will be used for the construction, expansion or equipping of rural mental health facilities and will be provided through the USDA’s Community Facilities direct loan program. http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-CF_Loans.html

TRAINING/MEETINGS

— The Minnesota Mentoring Conference is the region’s only annual conference focused exclusively on supporting quality mentoring. In celebration of its 20th Anniversary, the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota (MPM) is hitting the road and offering Minnesota Mentoring Conferences in St. Peter(April 22), Cloquet (September 22) and Maple Grove(October 20). In an effort to better serve a vast network of mentoring programs, MPM made several great changes to its conference based on feedback, including:

• *    Three conference dates and locations;
• *    Reduced conference fee;
• *    Contracting highly-rated workshop presenters;
• *    Format changes to dive deeper into key issues
• *    Lunchtime open for networking.

With a mission to lead the state in building and sustaining quality mentoring for every child, MPM’s conference is not to be missed by all youth mentoring program practitioners, AmeriCorps members who work to support youth through mentoring and tutoring, policymakers and funders. Register now. http://www.mpmn.org/Events/AnnualConference.aspx

–Red Hot Hack April 26 – Make it a Weekend Getaway!  Hosted by Red Wing Ignite:

• *    Create applications that make use of Gig connectivity (YES – a Gig in Red Wing!!)
• *    Come ready to jump in no matter what stage you’re at fresh idea or nearly finished project
• *    Can’t code? That’s OK all skills are needed
• *    Expand your relationships and networks.

We’re working with team, organizations and individuals from Red Wing, the Twin Cities and beyond! Learn more: http://www.redwingignite.org/

— First ever Southern Minnesota Economic Summit  This event, being held April 29-30 in Mankato, is Southern Minnesota’s local summit for business and economic stakeholders. Keynote addresses will include expert economists as well as panels of business leaders with a wide range of experiences from diverse industry sectors. Breakout sessions will appeal to the seasoned business owner as well as the emerging entrepreneur.

—Southern Minnesota Nonprofit Summit will be held Thursday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Rochester.This day-long event is designed to bring together staff, board members, and volunteers from around the region to learn, network, and strategize. The Summit is especially designed for small to mid-size organizations and those located in or serving Southeast and Southern Minnesota.

—The State of Water Conference 2014 – May 1 & 2.  The 2014 State of Water Conference is an opportunity for citizens committed to improving and protecting water resources to network, connect with resource professionals from around the state, gain technical insights, and find opportunities to engage in water resource protection.

The conference will be held at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd May 1 and 2. This year’s conference will feature speakers such as Darby Nelson, author of the book For Love of Lakes, and Dr. Peter Sorenson, the head researcher at the new Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center at the University of Minnesota.  For more information or to register, visit http://tinyurl.com/q2eptyr.

–The University of St. Thomas’ Symposium on Social Entrepreneurship will be held on Friday, May 2, 2014 at the University of St Thomas Minneapolis Campus.  It will offer a thoughtfully paced day with local and national activists who will dissect, discuss and engage with participants about important ideas on:

• *    Impact investing – what is it?
• *    How are new partnerships forged using new capital?
• *    Who are social impact angel investors in Minnesota and what are they looking for?
• *    How can leaders develop and sustain an innovation culture in nonprofits or social good for-profits?

Register now for the Symposium.

–The Minnesota Inventors Congress will be held May 2 & 3, 2014 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Mark your calendars and register online, to showcase your product or promote your business that supports inventors. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call the office at 507.627.2344.

— Taking on 2025 , May 6, in Duluth. This community forum for nonprofit and community organizations features Sean Kershaw, president of the Citizens League, to discuss two converging trends: the tidal wave of aging baby boomers and drops in the labor force growth.

–2014 Minnesota Affordable Housing Conference will be held Thursday, May 8^th from 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the University of St. Thomas. Engage in a discussion about the development and financing of multi-family projects.  Join the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and the Shenehon Center for Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business for a conference bringing together a wide-ranging group of professionals: housing authorities, officials and advocates, economic development officials, property managers, real estate attorneys, elected officials and others involved in financing and development (both for- and nonprofit). This conference is your opportunity to exchange ideas, network and learn from one another’s successes.  Cost: $125 before April 17, $150 after April 17. Learn more at UST Affordable Housing Conference

— bushCONNECT is a regional leadership networking event to be held on Monday, May 12, at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.  The event is for folks from Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. It’s about the people in the room and the connections you will make when we bring together different networks of leaders. It’s about thinking bigger and thinking differently about what’s possible in your community. The event is currently sold out, but you can put your name on a wait list. Tickets are $75 and include breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages. For more information go to: bushCONNECT.org

—The Center for Small Towns is excited to present the 2014 Symposium on Small Towns! This year on June 4-5.  CST will present Understanding Rural Migration: Myths, Trends, and Opportunities Exposed. Hosted at the beautiful University of Minnesota, Morris campus, the symposium will address the changing truths of small towns and debunk the current myths surrounding migration to and from small towns. Spanning two days there will be a series of breakout sessions, discussions, and keynotes.  Click for more information.

— The 10th anniversary Minnesota e-Health Summit, Looking Back to Celebrate, Looking Forward to Innovate, will be held June 11-12 in Bloomington. http://tinyurl.com/p4delkb

–The 2014 Minnesota Rural Health Conference: Weaving the Threads of Rural Health, will be held June 23-24 in Duluth. http://minnesotaruralhealthconference.org/

—Market Your Destination to Corporate Meeting Planners in Minneapolis, Aug. 2-5Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the leading global association for corporate meeting and event professionals.http://tinyurl.com/orhpc6d

-The 2014 Many Faces of Community Health Conference: Community Centered Care and the People We Serve, will be held October 23-24 in Minnetonka. http://www.manyfacesconference.org/

—The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering aquatic invasive species (AIS) training to owners of lake service provider businesses so they can legally work in lakes and rivers throughout the state. Businesses such as resorts and outfitters that rent, lease or decontaminate boats and other water-related equipment are now required to attend AIS training and acquire a permit. These businesses are considered lake service providers, which means that every three years they must attend a training session, apply for a permit, and pay a $50 application fee to comply with Minnesota law.

Seventeen AIS training sessions are planned around the state. Registering for the winter and early spring sessions will give businesses time to attend training and get a permit before ice-out. Registration deadlines are one week prior to each training. To register for training, find out if the business needs a permit, or for more information, visit the DNR website. A list of all 2014 training sessions is also available. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lsp/index.html

OPPORTUNITIES

— National Travel & Tourism Week Toolkit Now Available  The U.S. Travel Association provides a number of free, useful resources to help tourism businesses and destinations plan and stage effective activities in support of National Travel and Tourism Week, taking place May 3-11. http://tinyurl.com/olekb2x

—Minnesota GreenCorps now accepting member and host site applications.  Minnesota GreenCorps, an environmentally focused AmeriCorps program coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), places members with organizations around the state to spend 11 months of service addressing critical environmental issues while gaining experience and learning valuable job skills.  Goals of the Minnesota GreenCorps program include reducing solid waste and increasing recycling in Minnesota communities; reducing greenhouse gases and other air pollutants; reducing water runoff and improving water quality; and training new environmental professionals.

Minnesota GreenCorps is a unique opportunity for individuals to gain experience in the environmental field, whether they are just out of college or contemplating a career change. The program allows organizations to make strides in the areas of energy conservation, green transportation, waste prevention, local foods, stormwater, urban forestry and living green.

The MPCA is currently recruiting host sites and members for the upcoming year, to begin in September 2014. Member applications are due June 6, 2014. Organizations that would like to host a GreenCorps member have until May 5 to turn in applications. For more information on Minnesota GreenCorps, please contact mngreencorps.pca@state.mn.us or visit http://www.pca.state.mn.us/mngreencorps.

–The Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design™ (CIRD) has issued a request for proposals to rural communities facing design challenges – such as Main Street revitalization, how to manage and direct growth, design community-supportive transportation systems, preserve natural and historic landscapes and buildings, protect working agricultural lands, and provide adequate and affordable housing – who are interested in hosting a local workshop in 2014-2015.Successful applicants will receive a $7,000 stipend and in-kind professional design expertise and technical assistance valued at $35,000. The Request for Proposals is posted on the CIRD website.The deadline for submitting a proposal is Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at 9:00 pm EDT. 

CIRD works to help rural communities with populations of 50,000 or fewer enhance their quality of life and economic vitality through facilitated design workshops. CIRD brings local leaders, non-profits, and community organizations together with experts in planning, design, preservation and placemaking – all in an effort to help communities address pressing design challenges and to put design tools into the hands of the people who can create local change. CIRD does this by offering an opportunity for four rural communities to host local design workshops, and by offering free public webinars, conference calls, and a resource-rich website to practitioners and community leaders across the country.

Find the RFP and application guidelines at:http://rural-design.org/apply.  Selected communities will be announced in June 2014, and workshops will be held during the fall of 2014 and first quarter of 2015. CIRD will offer pre-application assistance conference call to answer questions and guide interested applicants in assembling their proposals. The call will take place on Thursday, April 24 and begin at 3:00 pm EDT and last approximately one hour. Participation is free but registration is required.Register now.

–The Minnesota Cup – the largest statewide new venture competition in the United States is OPEN!  Minnesota residents have until May 9 to submit entries on the Minnesota Cup website to compete for $300,000 in prize money. http://tinyurl.com/py5wo5

—Youth Voices of Change: The Climate Change Youth Video Contest.  The Will Steger Foundation and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are sponsoring Youth Voices of Change to raise awareness about climate change and the amazing youth engaged in solutions throughout Minnesota. Young people in Grades 4-12 are invited during the 2013-2014 school year to share their solutions and/or help raise awareness about climate change issues in the form of a video.  Ten finalist videos will be chosen and the competition winners will be announced the evening of August 22, 2014 on the Sustainability Stage at the Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair. Videos must fall into one of two categories: Action or Awareness:

Action videos show a real or proposed project that you are working on and are eligible for a seed grant to help accomplish it. These videos should educate your peers, families, or the public about the project and its impact.

Awareness videos should be educational and intentionally leave the viewer with helpful information, and/or a compelling story. These videos should educate your peers, families, or the public about climate change impacts and solutions.

Entries must be received or postmarked by May 16th, 2014.  For more information on the contest go to: http://tinyurl.com/pm64ysm

—The Bush Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2014 Bush Prize for Community Innovation from now until June 5, 2014. The Bush Prize honors and supports organizations with a track record of making great ideas happen. Winners receive a flexible grant equal to 25% of their last fiscal year budget, up to $500,000. This is creative capital that can be used however the winners choose. The Bush Prize is open to nonprofits and government entities of all sizes in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography.   Take time now to learn more about the Bush Prize.   Questions?  Contact Mandy Ellerton,  Bush Prize Manager at: CommunityInnovation@BushFoundation.org or 651-379-2266.

—Savings Innovation Cluster CFED, in partnership with the MetLife Foundation, is soliciting applications from organizations serving low- and moderate-income households to join a yearlong learning cluster and receive extensive technical assistance to design and implement innovative savings products or strategies for their clients.

—Bring Back the Monarchs: Free Milkweeds for Schools and Non-Profits.  Monarchs and pollinators need our help due to habitat loss. If your school or non-profit organization is interested in this conservation measure, Monarch Watch, a nonprofit educational outreach program based at the University of Kansas, can help you create a habitat for monarchs and pollinators.  If your organization qualifies, Monarch Watch will provide a free flat of 32 milkweed plugs as well as guidance on how to create a new habitat or enhance an existing garden. For more information or to apply, visit http://monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/milkweed/free-milkweeds

— MnDOT Seeking Input for Statewide Bicycle System Plan  MnDOT is hosting a series of workshops around the state to discuss the development of a Statewide Bicycle System Plan. http://cfed.org/assets/pdfs/MetLife_RFP_-_Final.pdf

—Leadership Growth & Development Scholarships  The Northwest Minnesota Foundation recognizes nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and small businesses are experiencing dramatic changes in their current environments. In an effort to best meet the changing needs of the area’s NPOs and small businesses, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation is offering Leadership Growth and Development Scholarships. http://tinyurl.com/qfmsukf

MISCELLANEOUS

—Agricultural Act of 2014: Highlights and Implications  The Agricultural Act of 2014 became law on February 7, covering farming and ranching, conservation, nutrition, rural development, research, energy, and other topics. ERS web pages provide highlights and summaries of new programs and provisions in the law, as well as some economic implications.

— The U.S. Department of Agriculture released guidance recently on implementation of the new definition of “rural” as revised by the most recent Farm Bill. The Farm Bill, which passed in early February, included language that will allow for the continued grandfathering in of growing rural communities until the 2020 Census and will raise the population limit for these communities to 35,000. A recent blog post by the National Council of State Housing Agencies provides more details on the guidance, including key phases of implementation. Read the post http://tinyurl.com/o56h8yv

—Atlas of Rural and Small-Town America View the diversity of challenges and opportunities across America’s counties within different types of rural regions and communities. Get statistics on people, jobs, agriculture, and county indicators. Data have been updated to reflect the latest poverty and American Community Survey statistics.

— Population & Migration  Nonmetro areas in some parts of the country have experienced population loss for decades. However, 2010-13 marks the first period with an estimated population loss for nonmetro America as a whole. Opportunities for population growth and economic expansion vary widely from one nonmetro county to the next, and new regional patterns of growth and decline have emerged in recent years.

—Family Farming in the United States (Amber Waves feature)  Family farms represent 97.6 percent of all U.S. farms, and are responsible for 85 percent of U.S. farm production.

— Poverty and Deep Poverty Increasing in Rural America Discusses data from the Supplement of the Current Population Survey and the American Community Survey which presents the rise in poverty from multiple perspectives, including the total number of people living in poverty and deep poverty (those with incomes less than half of the poverty threshold), as well as the geographic distribution of poverty in urban and rural areas.http://tinyurl.com/orr76wy

— Supporting Women in STEM: Our Bridge to a Strong Minnesota — A new white paper on gender disparities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) got Compass staffer Ruth Hamberg thinking about the benefits of STEM skills she has experienced and the importance of supporting all students in STEM subjects.

—More Tourism Conference Presentations and Handouts Available for Download Explore Minnesota Tourism has posted additional presentations and handouts from the Tourism Conference held last month in Duluth.http://tinyurl.com/q58qwyq

—Order Your Free Explore Minnesota Tourism ‘Cereal Box’The very popular “cereal boxes” promoting the economic impact of tourism in Minnesota are available to communities/organizations and businesses to share with elected public officials and media. http://tinyurl.com/oed49sw

–The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) invites you to read its updated Insights report on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program.  http://tinyurl.com/qyux78k This updated Insights report:

• discusses the methods used by banks and federal savings associations to structure transactions and use the tax credits effectively.
• highlights recent regulatory changes.
• includes an expanded discussion on underwriting LIHTC investments.
• provides new examples of how LIHTCs can be structured, and
• discusses the public welfare investment authority under which LIHTC investments may be made.

— Rural Mental Health and Substance Abuse ToolkitDesigned to help rural communities develop and implement programs that meet their behavioral health needs based on proven approaches and strategies. The toolkit was developed in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center and the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis. http://tinyurl.com/pe4co58

— Reducing Rural Suicide Outlines how psychologists are finding innovative ways to reach out to people in isolated communities with specific mention of Native American and Veteran communities. http://tinyurl.com/prdyuk8

—Rural Implications of the Affordable Care Act Outreach, Education, and Enrollment  Policy brief outlines the opportunities for rural communities to benefit from the Affordable Care Act and discusses the importance of efforts aimed at furthering outreach, education and enrollment in rural areas. http://tinyurl.com/nwtzk7r

— HealthLandscape An interactive web-based mapping tool that allows health professionals, policy makers and researchers to combine, analyze and display information in ways that promote better understanding of health and healthcare issues. Free registration required to use the tool. Requires registration (free). http://www.healthlandscape.org/

–The County Health Rankings and Roadmaps project released its fifth report ranking the health of every county in the U.S. The project ranks counties by overall health using a standard formula to measure the health status of county residents and how long they live. As noted in an MDH press release, the report shows a wide range of health status among Minnesota counties. http://www.countyhealthrankings.org

—Northland Foundation launches three-year Rural Aging Initiative  The initiative is designed to enhance and strengthen the avenues for older adults in northeastern Minnesota to live full, meaningful lives with independence and dignity in their homes and communities.

—DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Report AvailableThe Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee’s first annual report is now available. http://tinyurl.com/ojkpb4l

–The Orton Family Foundation gives “Five tips for making decisions based on shared community values.”  To read more about this concept go to: http://tinyurl.com/obqkmd8

 

To contribute articles, notices, and random comments, please send such items to Jane Leonard.

  

The MRP Rural Round-Up is published once per month around the second Tuesday of each month (or when we can get to it!). Items for posting in the newsletter should arrive in our box by the second Monday of the month to be included in that month’s edition.

Share this:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email
• Print

Like Loading...

 

• Minnesota Rural Partners

  

  For more than 10 years, MRP has lifted up rural people and places. We are now lifting up the ways in which rural and urban people and places help each other for the betterment of all.

• Follow Blog via Email

  Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  Email Address:

  Follow

• Search for:

• RURB REPORT

  Rural Urban Interdependencies Forum: Understanding Linkages That Drive Job Creation by Kate Kate Searls, a researcher with Minnesota Rural Partners, Inc

• Categories

  • Event
  • FreemanForum
  • Funding
  • Newsletter – Rural Round Up
  • Publications
  • Rurb.MN
  • Uncategorized

• Archives

  • August 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • October 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • March 1

• Contact Us

  651-303-5263
  minntwin@comcast.net

• October 2013– Volume XI, Number 9

  Compiled and edited by Deb Miller-Slipek, Ann Treacy, & Jane Leonard

  -- Across the Field

  -- Quick Study

  -- Funding

  -- Training/Meetings

  -- Opportunities

  -- Miscellaneous

  -- Federal Sites (special section of Federal news/websites during government shutdown – these sites may or may not work!)

  Across the Field: “Federal Shutdown re-shapes October Rural Roundup content”

  Dear Reader: We were happy last month to be planning for a column here by a guest columnist on a terrific information tool. We find this week, however, that we must postpone inclusion because the topic of the story – a web-based map supported by the Economic Research Service of the USDA – is not supported currently because of the Federal Government Shutdown (or should we say “showdown?”).

  Whatever you call it, it’s a pain, not only to this monthly newsletter creation, but more so to the millions of people – all of us really – who depend on a fully functioning government to work in-sync with other sectors to support a fully-functioning, high quality community and economic life. We wish our congressional “leaders” would govern (rather than play injurious partisan games) heeding the oath of office they all took:

  “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”

  And the first, defining line of the U.S. Constitution, our supreme law of the land, does specify what responsibilities and common goals our nation’s leaders (and we) have committed to:

  “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

  Right now the domestic enemy is themselves (Pogo was right!). The rest of us – We the People - hope for the formation of a more perfect “Union” very soon to help us all uphold the rest of our Constitutional responsibilities.

  – The Editors

  FUNDING           

  --HUD is offering grants to owners of eligible subsidized housing developments to hire staff to coordinate supportive services for elderly residents and/or residents with disabilities. Deadline: 10/14/2013. Click here for more information and to apply.

  --LOWE’S Toolbox for Education ® Grants support projects in the following categories: technology upgrades, tools for STEM programs, facility renovations and safety improvements. Grant requests can range from $2,000 to $100,000. Deadline: 10/15/2013. Click here to visit the website and read more about this program.

  -- The Laura Jane Musser Fund is taking applications now through October 16 for its Intercultural Harmony granting area. It promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between groups and citizens of different cultural backgrounds through collaborative, cross-cultural exchange projects.  For more information go to: http://www.musserfund.org/index.asp?page_seq=25

  It also opens the Rural Initiative grant application today, supporting participatory efforts among citizens in rural communities. Grants of up to $25,000 are given to encourage collaborative efforts that will help to strengthen rural towns and regions in a number of civic areas including, but not limited to, economic development, business preservation, arts and humanities, public space improvements, and education. Online applications will be accepted starting October 8 through November 6, 2013. Please see the Fund’s website at http://www.musserfund.org for more information.

  --CERTs accepting Seed Grant applications for clean energy projects.  The Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) is seeking proposals for Seed Grants to support community-based energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Funding will provide technical assistance services for projects in seven Minnesota CERTs regions: Central, Metro, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and West Central. The primary objectives of the Seed Grant projects are to (1) encourage the implementation of community-based clean energy projects in Minnesota and (2) provide a forum for community education about energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and their economic, ecological, and community benefits. Project proposals are due by Oct. 18. View more information and the full RFP.

  --2014 Call for Preproposals NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program.  The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education Grant Program is a competitive grant program for researchers and educators involved in projects that explore and promote environmentally sound, profitable, and socially responsible food and/or fiber systems.  The 2014 NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program Call for Preproposals is now available online.  NCR-SARE’s Research and Education (R&E) program supports sustainable agriculture innovators with competitive research and education grants. Individual grants range from $10,000 to $200,000. NCR-SARE expects to fund about seven to ten projects in the twelve-state North Central Region.

  This year, NCR-SARE will be accepting online submissions for the Research and Education Grant Program using their online submission system. More information about the online submission system can be found in the call for pre-proposals. The deadline for Research and Education Program pre-proposals is October 24, 2013.  For more information, visit: http://tinyurl.com/o8ypv3s

  --Application materials are available for the Family Medicine Residency Grant program, a new grant program created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2013 to assist Family Medicine Residency programs outside the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. Step 1 applications are due October 25. If invited, Step 2 applications will be due November 25. http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/orhpc/funding/index.html#residency

  --The Community Assistantship Program at the University of Minnesota's Center for Urban and Regional Affairs is pleased to announce a spring 2014 grant program. The grant will allow rural communities to hire a student to work on a project defined by those communities. The deadline for project proposals is October 30, 2013. Approved projects will run from January 9 to May 25, 2014. http://www.cura.umn.edu/CAP

  --Whole Kids Foundation is accepting applications for its School Garden Grant Program. Grants of $2,000 are available for garden projects at public and private K-12 schools in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Deadline to apply: 10/31/2013. http://tinyurl.com/os36xfc

  --The Office Depot Foundation is offering grant support to nonprofit organizations, government agencies, libraries, and schools that bring systemic change to the communities they serve. The Foundation provides grants averaging $1,000 in three distinct categories. The focus of the “Giving Children Tools for Success” category is on activities that give young people tools to succeed in school and in life through education and inspiration. The “Building Capacity to Serve Communities” category targets programs that help nonprofit organizations to serve the needs of their communities efficiently. The purpose of the “Disaster Preparedness, Relief, Recovery, and Rebuilding” category is to support efforts that help people and communities prepare for disasters and rebuild and recover when disasters occur. Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2013. http://www.officedepotfoundation.org/funding.asp

  --Application materials for the Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Grant Program are now available. The Flex program provides grant support to promote regionalization of health care services, improve access to quality health care services, and provide for the development and enhancement of rural health networks, including emergency medical service networks. Applications are due November 15. http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/orhpc/funding/index.html#flex

  -- An organization that supports American Indian nations and people working to recover and control heir homelands. ILTF is accepting Letters of Inquiry to support various aspects of Native land recovery, with a focus on reacquiring alienated federal lands. Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded to support Native land recovery efforts, with a focus on reacquiring alienated federal lands. Deadline is 12/2/13 to submit a Letter of Inquiry. https://www.iltf.org/grants/special-initiatives/land-recovery-efforts

  ----The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is accepting applications for Community Action Grants of up to $10,000. Grants are available to individuals, AAUW branches and AAUW state organizations as well as local community-based nonprofit organizations for innovative programs or non-degree research projects that promote education and equity for women. Deadline: 1/15/2014. http://tinyurl.com/lk876vb

  -- DOE offers funding for clean energy projects on tribal lands.  The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is offering up to $7 million to deploy clean energy systems in tribal communities. Through the “Community-Scale Clean Energy Projects in Indian Country” funding opportunity, up to $4.5 million is available for projects installing clean energy systems that reduce fossil fuel use by at least 15 percent in either new or existing tribal buildings. The “Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistance” funding opportunity offers up to $2.5 million for projects installing renewable energy and energy efficiency that reduce fossil fuel use in existing tribal buildings by at least 30 percent. http://energy.gov/indianenergy/resources/funding-opportunities

  -- The CHS Foundation invests in the future of rural America, agriculture and cooperative business through education and leadership development and supports national projects related to its mission as well as programs within the CHS trade territory for regional multi-state, or statewide projects. The Foundation's funding focuses on the following program areas: Cooperative Education, Rural Youth Leadership Development, Farm and Agricultural Safety, Returning Value to Rural Communities, and University Partnerships. All applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, with the exception of Cooperative Education applications, which are due in the fall of each year. http://www.chsfoundation.org/about.html

  QUICK STUDY

  --A new 2-minute tutorial helps you quickly access local data.  Looking for information about your county or city?  Compass researcher Jane Tigan demonstrates easy ways to access information for your area, including total population by age and ethnicity, median household income, crime rates, employment rates, and much more. http://www.mncompass.org/about/compass-toolbox.php

  --Poverty in Minnesota: 5 key facts and trends.  New poverty numbers were just released by the Census Bureau. Compass project manager Craig Helmstetter points out 5 trends to watch. http://www.mncompass.org/trends/ask-a-researcher/#.UkBZK4akpHQ

  TRAINING/MEETINGS

  -- Free Webinar: Community Technology and Entrepreneurship Networking: October 10 from 3-4pm.
  A number of Minnesota communities are working to bring technologists and users of technology together to increase interaction and knowledge sharing. This webinar will highlight these examples and give tips on how to start these events in your own community. In addition, metro area technologists often participate in interactive, innovative events called hackfests. We will hear from an experienced hackfest organizer on how to bring the combined knowledge and experience of your local tech community to create local applications that benefit the community.

  Register now: https://blandinfoundation.clickwebinar.com/Community_Tech_Networking_Events/register

  --Upcoming Energy Savings Goals (ESG) Study Stakeholder Meetings.  Legislation passed in 2013 requires the Department of Commerce http://mn.gov/commerce/energy/topics/resources/energy-legislation-initiatives/ to conduct public meetings with stakeholders that results in a legislative report with recommendations on the statewide and Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) http://mn.gov/commerce/energy/topics/conservation/ energy savings goals. Information on this legislation can be found in Minnesota Legislature House File 729 (HF729) 4th Engrossment, Article 12 Section 8. Stakeholder meetings and technical workgroups will be held in October and November at the Wilder Foundation and at the Department of Commerce.

  This stakeholder meeting will be moderated with presentations from industry experts and a panel discussion with representatives from different stakeholder groups. Details regarding the stakeholder meeting process and agenda will be provided prior to each of the meetings.

  ESG Study Stakeholder Meeting #1

  • October 17, 2013 | 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
  • Amherst Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Parkway North, St. Paul, MN http://www.wilder.org/AboutUs/Locations/Pages/default.aspx
  • Register at eventbrite.com https://www.eventbrite.com/event/8286654607

  ESG Study Stakeholder Meeting #2

  • November 4, 2013 | 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  • Amherst Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Parkway North, St. Paul, MN http://www.wilder.org/AboutUs/Locations/Pages/default.aspx
  • Register at eventbrite.com https://www.eventbrite.com/event/8288504139

  Invitations will be sent to participants for the technical workgroups held from October 23 - 28, 2013.  All materials (proposals, meeting minutes, reports, etc.) will be posted on the Department of Commerce’s web site. http://mn.gov/commerce/energy/topics/resources/energy-legislation-initiatives/

  --Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable will be held on October 24, 2013

  at the College of Saint Benedict. http://www.auri.org/2013/09/october-minnesota-renewable-energy-roundtable/

  --Join the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) on October 24-25 for North Star Nonprofits: Charting Our True Direction.  Minnesota's largest gathering of nonprofit professionals in 2013, this two-day gathering will bring together nonprofit leaders and our allies to focus on ways we can embrace inclusion as a powerful strategy for building a stronger Minnesota together.  http://northstarnonprofits.org/index.html

  --Rural Health Community Forums – Little Falls and Breckenridge. 
Join Minnesota Department of Health ORHPC in gathering information and making recommendations about rural health care in Minnesota. Interested citizens, hospital administrators and staff, emergency medical services personnel, health care providers, and community organizers and leaders are encouraged to attend one of two upcoming regional forums http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/orhpc/forums/index.html: in Little Falls on October 28 at St. Gabriel's Hospital and in Breckenridge on October 29 at St. Francis Healthcare Campus. Your input will help shape state and national health care policies and activities. To attend, please register online. https://survey.vovici.com/se.ashx?s=56206EE355ECF878 For more information, contact Judy Bergh at 651-201-3843 or judith.bergh@state.mn.us.

  --Youth Summits - Minnesota Campus Compact (MNCC) is co-sponsoring--and several MNCC member campuses are hosting--Youth Summits by congressional district together with the Minnesota Youth Council. These summits will bring youth and adults together to consider the issues of top concern to Minnesota youth gleaned from a survey of more than 1,000 young people last spring: crime, safety, and gangs; bullying; and drug and alcohol use; as well as GradMinnesota goals to increase youth engagement, improve graduation rates, and support post-secondary success. Locations and dates confirmed so far are Carleton College on Nov. 6, Minnesota State University Mankato on Nov. 18, and St. Cloud State University on Dec. 3.  All summits will begin at 3pm. http://mnyouth.net/work/gradminnesota/activities/

  --Preparing Minnesota for Climate Change: A Conference on Climate Adaptation.  Minnesota’s first “Conference on Climate Adaptation”, designed for Local Officials, Planners, Engineers and Natural Resource practitioners, is scheduled to take place on November 7th at the Science Museum of Minnesota.  Participants will learn about other communities' early successes in developing adaptation strategies in areas such as transportation infrastructure, natural resources, human health, and agriculture. The morning and noon speakers will set the stage, and the afternoon will features breakout sessions describing successful case studies.

  Thursday, November 7, 2013 9:00 am - 5:30 pm, followed by reception at the Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul.  Fee: $60 - includes lunch, breaks, and parking. Afternoon reception features appetizers and a cash bar.  Registration is limited, so individuals are encouraged to register early.  For more information or to register, visit  http://tinyurl.com/pscnk93

  -- Cooperatives = Community Development Conference will be held in Minneapolis on November 8^th.  NCDF is co-hosting a conference http://tinyurl.com/nrqgs6q on the role of cooperative businesses and housing in community and economic development.  Organized by CoMInnesota, along with NCDF partners, Cooperative Development Services and Northcountry Cooperative Foundation, the day-long event at the Thrivent headquarters in downtown Minneapolis will bring together community and economic developers and cooperative developers from throughout Minnesota.

  --On November 12-13, 2013, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, more than 500 global leaders in robotics research, design, business development, investment, law, and policy will share their insights into the worldwide explosion of robotics and autonomous systems at the Third Annual Robotics Alley Conference and Expo.  For more information go to: http://roboticsalley.org/overview.html

  --Save the Date for “Minnesota Tourism: A Bright Future”.  Mark your calendar now to attend the 2014 Explore Minnesota Tourism conference February 4-5, 2014 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center on Canal Park in Duluth. http://tinyurl.com/qxowrlm

  OPPORTUNITIES

  --The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is seeking nominees for two Board of Directors seats. One nominee selected will represent a research and promotion council and the other will represent Minnesota agribusiness. http://tinyurl.com/ozwlkmf

  --Local Government Innovation Awards (LGIA)   
Are you a school, city, or county that has been innovating to improve services or reduce the cost of local government? Share your innovation for a chance to win $10,000 and a professional video highlighting your effort! Submissions are now being accepted until October 24.  https://sites.google.com/a/umn.edu/devlgia/

  --The NBCC Foundation is currently accepting applications for scholarships to students working toward a graduate counseling degree who commit to practicing in rural areas after graduation. Applicants must be enrolled in a CACREP-accredited master's degree counseling program. Eligible programs and more information is available on the NBCC Foundation website. Applications due November 1. http://www.nbccf.org/rural/

  --Seeking Dynamic Workshops for Nonprofit Technology Conference.  Now’s your chance to share your expertise in areas of nonprofit technology or communications. MCN and MAP for Nonprofits are seeking proposals for 75-minute breakout workshops for the upcoming Nonprofit Technology and Communications Conference to be held on April 10, 2014 in Minneapolis. The deadline for submitting your proposal is 5 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2013.  http://tinyurl.com/q4ds494

  --The National Civic League's All-America City Award recognizes 10 communities annually for outstanding civic impact and action planning. The theme for 2014 is "healthy communities." Monthly conference calls will take place from September of this year through February 2014. A letter of intent to apply is due November 15, and the final application deadline is March 18, 2014.  http://www.allamericacityaward.com/

  -- IDEA Competition is Open for Applications.  In the last five years of the competition, nearly $300,000 has been awarded to Northwest Minnesota entrepreneurs.  The purpose of the competition is to assist the most promising local entrepreneurs in the commercialization of innovative products, processes and deliveries by connecting them to the best resources available, along with access to the capital it takes to launch a successful venture.  The competition will have three $10,000 cash prizes up for grabs this year.  The deadline is Nov 30^th.  Go to: http://www.ideacompetition.org/enter.html

  --SciTechsperience launches with 100 matching grants
The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) is now accepting student and company applications for the SciTechsperience Internship 2013-2014 program year. SciTechsperience connects college students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines to internships in small Minnesota companies.  http://tinyurl.com/p5kwh7e

  MISCELLANEOUS

  --HEALTH REFORM – MNSURE. 
Enrollment is opened in MNsure, Minnesota's new health insurance marketplace. Health care organizations will play an important role in outreach and enrollment in the new system. MDH has developed two resources for providers: MNsure Provider Network FAQs and a list of current provider networks that will be offered on MNsure. MNSure also has a set of FAQs for Consumer Assisters available on its website, and the Minnesota Hospital Association has two Fact Sheets for providers: MNsure 101: Top 10 things to tell your patients and MNsure 101: What Minnesota's hospitals and health systems need to know about the new health insurance exchange. The National Rural Health Association has also summarized ACA tools for rural providers. http://www.mnsure.org/  - http://tinyurl.com/p7lofl7

  --The Rural Health Systems Analysis and Technical Assistance (RHSATA) project, a collaboration between the Office of Rural Health Policy, the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis (RUPRI Center), and Stratis Health, launched a new website: Rural Health Value. The site offers tools, resources and information to assist rural communities and providers transition to a high-performance rural health system, as well as analysis of rural implications of policy changes. http://cph.uiowa.edu/ruralhealthvalue/

  --Rural Data Portal 
Provides over 350 data indicators identifying the social, economic, and housing characteristics of communities in the United States using Housing Assistance Council (HAC) tabulations of public use data sets that include the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, the American Community Survey (ACS) and Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Data. http://www.ruraldataportal.org/

  -- The Sustainable Communities Hot Report is a new web-based tool that gives community leaders and residents a quick and easy way to determine how well their communities are performing on a variety of sustainability indicators, including transportation, housing, economic development, income, and equity. Produced by the U.S. Census Bureau and the HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities, the tool can help communities measure their own performance and compare themselves to communities of a similar type. http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/

  --The Minnesota Department of Health recently added two new modules to its Climate Change Training Modules series, developed as an educational tool for public health officials as well as for the general public. The fully-scripted series, which is designed for use as a train-the-trainer resource, addresses the potential impacts of a changing climate on public health.  The two latest training modules include:

  * Mental Health, Climate Change, and Public Health.  This training module provides an overview of the observed climate changes in Minnesota, the public health issues related to climate change and mental health, and public health strategies for reducing the negative mental health impacts of climate change.

  * Agriculture & Food Security.  This module provides an overview of the observed climate changes in Minnesota, the potential impacts of climate change on agriculture and food security, and public health strategies to increase food security and food education.

  To download these or other training modules in the series, or for more information, visit: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/climatechange/communication.html#modules

  --“Community Food Enterprise: Local Success in a Global Marketplace” is a book funded by The Kellogg Foundation and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. From the Executive Summary: “The local food movement is now spreading globally, yet is not well understood. To many, local food is exclusively about proximity, with discriminating consumers demanding higher-quality food grown, caught, processed, cooked, and sold by people they know and trust. But an equally important part of local food is local ownership of food businesses. This report is about the full range of locally owned businesses involved in food, whether they are small or big, whether they are primary producers or manufacturers or retailers, whether their focus is local or global markets. We call these businesses community food enterprises (CFEs).” http://communityfoodenterprise.org/book-pdfs/CFE%20Book_view.pdf.

  --The Rural Homeless Youth Listening Sessions Project, a partnership of the Office of Economic Opportunity, Minnesota Department of Human Services (OEO-DHS), rural homeless youth service providers and the Otto Bremer Foundation, released a Summary Report based on listening sessions conducted in 10 rural and tribal communities in greater Minnesota. The report includes recommendations to invest in prevention, outreach and education; enhance service delivery; strengthen partnerships; and improve grantmaking programs. http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/orhpc/pubs/hmlessyth.pdf

  --“Changing Lands Changing Hands” is a 30-minute video that was produced by NET Television in Nebraska and Harvest Public Media that looks at the fastest growing group of farmers in the United States, those who are 65 years old and older. Thousands of farms, as much as half of the farmland in the United States, will be changing hands over the next generation. "Changing Lands, Changing Hands" examines how that could reshape the industry that drives the economy in middle America. Click here to watch the video. A second video “How Can We Save Rural America?” offers a 30-minute discussion program following up on issues raised in "Changing Lands, Changing Hands." It focuses on solutions to helping small towns in rural America survive and thrive. http://video.netnebraska.org/video/2365061385/

  --An article in the Daily Yonder titled “Broadband Availability: Geography Matters” discusses how rural areas lag urban ones in their access to broadband. A first-of-its-kind map and a state-by-state chart compute the geographical difference in “availability”. Read the article http://tinyurl.com/n4pvtdb

  --“All-In Nation: An America That Works for All” is a book from PolicyLink and the Center for American Progress that offers policy recommendations for building a prosperous economy by ensuring that all are able to participate and achieve their full potential – particularly communities of color that are quickly becoming the nation’s majority. http://tinyurl.com/p8ajnr8

  --The CDFI Fund has launched "Access to Capital and Credit in Native Communities" Study and Focus Group Registration. Native Communities in the United States face unique economic challenges that affect the availability of capital and credit for individuals and businesses. The Study will identify these challenges, and is part of the long-term goal of the CDFI Fund’s Native Initiatives to overcome barriers to financial services in Native Communities. http://www.cdfifund.gov/what_we_do/Native_Communities_Study.asp

  --“Raising Student Voices: Student Action for University Community Investment” is a report from The Democracy Collaborative and the Responsible Endowments Coalition that seeks to connect struggling communities to local institutional wealth through engaging student activism. The report profiles three administration-led initiatives and three student-led initiatives, as well as five potential future partnerships, where institutional investments are directed into local communities in a way that empowers low-income residents, develops small businesses and generates sustainable economic development. http://tinyurl.com/qxq7sna

  --The National Association of State Units on Aging has launched a website “Clearinghouse for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)” that allows users to access information, tools, data and other resources for building programs to assist older adults and people with disabilities. http://www.hcbs.org/

  --The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Mental Health Resources for Rural Communities website offers links to brochures, fact sheets, articles, research and organizations addressing mental health issues across rural America. http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/topic/rural/

  --“The Low Income Housing Tax Credit: Overcoming Barriers to Affordable Housing in Rural America”, published by Rapoza Associates, reports that the credit has an important impact in rural communities. http://tinyurl.com/k2e2qqe

  --“Hunger and Housing in Rural America: Intersecting Challenges and Solutions” is the feature of a special summer edition of the Housing Assistance Council’s Rural Voices newsletter focusing on the intersecting challenges of housing and food security in rural America. http://tinyurl.com/o4ulffb

  --A Nonprofit Quarterly article, “Why Rural Philanthropy Must Mean More than Money” explains that in rural communities and small towns, philanthropy can take stands, create coalitions, and break down racial barriers that other institutions avoid. James Joseph, former president of the Council on Foundations, finds that foundations have five forms of capital: social, reputational, moral, intellectual and financial. http://tinyurl.com/mxmsgpv

  --The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) published the latest edition of its Community Development Investments newsletter entitled “Extending Credit in Indian Country: How Banks Use Federal Programs to Promote Economic Development”. This issue reviews current economic conditions in Indian Country, presents examples of how national banks and federal savings associations can use federal programs to lend and invest in this market, and provides a primer on Community Reinvestment Act implications for OCC-regulated institutions that seek to do business in Indian Country.  http://tinyurl.com/o37glju

  --2012 Wind Report: Minnesota among leaders in wind power production.  Minnesota remains one of the leading wind power producing states, according to the 2012 Wind Technologies Market Report and the 2012 Market Report on Wind Technologies in Distributed Applications. Minnesota ranks seventh in the nation for cumulative wind power capacity with 2,987 megawatts (MW) through 2012. Texas ranks No. 1 with 12,214 MW. Minnesota ranks fourth in percentage of in-state wind generation, with 14.3 percent of its electricity generated from wind. Minnesota is also leader in the installation of distributed wind energy systems. http://tinyurl.com/qdxafg8

  --DEED has made available the Legal Guide to the Use of Social Media in the Workplace. The book is aimed at providing practical guidance on the legal issues a business should consider when using social media. The book helps businesses navigate an array of laws and regulations, and offers best practices and ways to mitigate risk.  Guidance is provided on:
1. Safeguarding confidential and proprietary information.
2. Protection through terms of use and privacy policy.
3. Compliance with securities and disclosure laws.
4. Social media as a marketing tool.
5. Influence of social media on the employment relationship.
6. Ownership of social media accounts.

  This book has been developed as part of DEED’s ongoing efforts to help aspiring entrepreneurs, small, and other businesses understand emerging workplace issues. The book was developed in partnership with the Minneapolis-based law firm of Gray Plant Mooty to produce the book.  It is available in print or CD-ROM from DEED’s Small Business Assistance Office at 651-259-7476 or 800-310-8323 or deed.mnsbao@state.mn.us. Or requests can be mailed to the Small Business Assistance Office at First National Bank Building, 332 Minnesota St., Suite E200, St. Paul, MN 55101-1351.  http://tinyurl.com/oj458bh Businesses are encouraged to check the website periodically for updates because regulations and laws continuously change.

  --Online Voter Registration Available.  Minnesota voters can now register online to vote. In addition, military and overseas voters can apply online to receive absentee ballots. Information about both of these tools can be found at www.mnvotes.org.

  FEDERAL SITES (May or may not be available depending on Federal Shutdown status)

  --Effective October 1, 2013,USDA Rural Development will be implementing the 2010 Census Data for Rural Development Housing Programs. The result of this action will be a change in the eligible areas in the State of Minnesota where the Rural Housing Service Programs can be used. You can access the proposed area eligiblilty maps at: http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do   Simply click on the link, look to the left side of the page, and click on the appropriate section that you want to review.

  --USDA has issued a NOFA for the Rural Community Development Initiative for qualified intermediary nonprofits to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities or community and economic development in rural areas. Deadline to apply: 11/12/2013. Click here for an application package.

  --USDA Rural Development’s Direct Home Repair Loan and Grant programs are designed to help eligible, low-income seniors who own inadequate but repairable housing.  Qualified projects can include repairing or replacing a roof, winterizing, purchasing or repairing a heating system, structural repair, water and sewage connect fees, and similar uses.  Applicants must own and occupy the home, and their income may not exceed guidelines established by county and household size.  Applicants must also have an acceptable credit history, show repayment ability, be unable to afford a conventional loan and live in a community with a population of 20,000 or fewer.  The maximum loan is $20,000, repayable over 20 years with a one percent interest rate. Grants of up to $7,500 are also available to homeowners over the age of 62 and must be used to remove health or safety hazards.  Contact your local Rural Development office or visit Rural Development's website at www.rurdev.gov/MN to learn more about our Direct Home Repair Loan & Grant programs.

  Information comes from a variety of sources including the American Community Survey, Census 1990, 2000 and 2010, the Department of Labor's Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages and State Occupational Projections, and the Census Bureau's Local Employment Dynamics (LED). Data are maintained and updated by the collecting agency.  To access the tool, visit http://thedataweb.rm.census.gov/TheDataWeb_HotReport2/EPA2/EPA_HomePage2.hrml.

  --U.S. Bioenergy Statistics are a source of information on biofuels intended to present a picture of the renewable energy industry and its relationship to agriculture. Where appropriate, data are presented in both a calendar year and the relevant marketing year timeframe to increase utility to feedstock-oriented users. The statistics highlight the factors that influence the demand for agricultural feedstocks for biofuels production; for instance, numerous tables emphasize the relationship between energy and commodity markets.

  --Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials  ERS has compiled over 75 charts and maps covering key statistics on farming, food spending and prices, food security, rural communities, the interaction of agriculture and the environment, and more.

  --Projecting regional population growth of nearly 900,000 people over the next 30 years, the Metropolitan Council has taken its first cut at forecasting where that future growth is likely to occur among metro area cities and towns. Council officials say the region’s economy will remain robust, but real estate demand and development patterns will differ from previous decades. Regional forecast details.

  --Eating Better at School: Can New Policies Improve Children’s Food Choices? (Amber Waves feature)  ERS research found that offering school lunches with a healthier mix of vegetables was associated with higher consumption of healthier vegetables, but also higher food costs. "Nudging" students can increase acceptance of healthier foods.

  --Cropland Consolidation and the Future of Family Farms (Amber Waves feature)

  Over the past 3 decades, U.S. crop production has been shifting to larger farms for most crops and in most States. But family farms still dominate U.S. crop production, accounting for 87 percent of the value of U.S. crop production in 2011.

  --Household Food Security in the United States in 2012  An estimated 14.5 percent of U.S. households were food insecure some time in 2012, essentially unchanged from 2011. The share included 5.7 percent with very low food security