Minnesota Rural Partners

September 10, 2019

MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup Sep 2019: Info on grants, opportunities, events

Posted by Ann Treacy under Newsletter - Rural Round Up
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September 2019 – Volume XVII — Number 10
Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard
Also find online at: https://wp.me/pkVGJ-8Y

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
TRAINING/MEETINGS
OPPORTUNITIES
MISCELLANEOUS
JOB OPPORTUNITY

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

—Foundation for Rural Service Community Grant Program Grants to support a variety of local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural communities across America. Focus areas include business development, community development, education, and telecommunications. Application Deadline: Sept. 13, 2019.

— The Laura Jane Musser Fund is also offering funding through the Intercultural Harmony Initiative in support of projects that promote mutual understanding and cooperation among groups of community members of different cultural backgrounds. Project planning grants up to $5,000 or implementation grants up to $25,000 will be considered. New programs or projects in their first three years are eligible. Deadline: Applications will be accepted online through the Fund’s website from 9/16 to 10/16/2019. Click here to review funding guidelines.

— WALMART is offering grants for community-based projects that use a new approach for increasing access to healthier foods in regions and/or for populations that experience disproportionate rates of food insecurity. Deadline: Letter of Intent 9/17/2019, Applications 10/31/2019. Click here to review application guidelines.

—Kent Richard Hofmann Foundation Grants support community-based organizations providing direct services, education, or research in the areas of HIV and AIDS, with priority given to smaller communities and rural areas. Letter of Intent (Required): July 26, 2019. Application Deadline: Sept. 21, 2019.

— The US Soccer Foundation is offering grants through the Safe Places to Play program for field-building initiatives in the following categories: Lighting, Irrigation, and Sport Court. Eligible applicants include community organizations, schools, municipalities, and other groups that offer soccer opportunities to youth. Deadline for letters of interest is 9/27/2019; invited applications are due by 10/4/2019. Visit the Foundation’s website by clicking here to learn more about the application process.

— Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program. Applications are now open for Propel Nonprofits’ Infrastructure Grant Program! This program is aimed at supporting the missions of small, culturally led organizations by strengthening their infrastructure. The 2019-2021 cohort of grant recipients will be culturally led Minnesota nonprofit organizations and will be paired with technical assistance on financial administration courtesy of Propel Nonprofits. You can find out more about the program in a blog written by Kate Barr, and you can check out the RFP over on the Propel Nonprofits website. The application is due by 5 pm on September 30, 2019.

— HUD is offering grants through The Continuum of Care Program for programs to quickly re-house homeless individuals, families, youth, and persons fleeing domestic violence while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness; promote access to mainstream programs by the homeless; and optimize self-sufficiency among those experiencing homelessness. Deadline: 9/30/2019. Click here to review application guidelines.

— USDA Rural Development is offering REDL and REDG loans and grants to assist in the economic development of rural areas, including funds for healthcare facilities and equipment, telecommunications networks, and job creation projects. Deadline: 9/30/2019. Click here to review program guidelines and to apply.

–The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program (Farm Bill Broadband Program) furnishes loans and loan guarantees to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide service at the broadband lending speed in eligible rural areas. The deadline is September 30.

— Karma for Cara Foundation is accepting applications for Youth Service Project Grants. Micro-grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to youth age 18 and under for service projects in their communities. Deadline: 10/1/2019. Click here to visit the Foundation’s website and to apply.

— Whole Kids Foundation School Garden Grant Program Grants to support new or existing edible gardens at K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations. Application Deadline: Oct 15, 2019.

— Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Pioneering Ideas Brief Proposals Grants for innovative projects that are working to build a culture of health, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need and all families have the opportunity to make healthier choices. Application Deadline: October 15, 2019.

—Minnesota Federal Lands Access Program Call for Projects The Minnesota Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) Programming Decisions Committee (PDC) will be accepting project applications for the FY20-22 call for projects. Due October 15th.

— Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas Grants for new organizations to assist veterans in highly rural areas through innovative transportation services to travel to VA medical centers and to otherwise assist in providing transportation services in connection with the provision of VA medical care to these veterans. Application Deadline: Oct 31, 2019.

— The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is offering grants to support organizations led by low-income individuals as they work to break the cycle of poverty and improve their communities. CCHD’s grant programs include the following: Community Development Grants support nonprofit organizations that are led by people living in poverty and work to address the root causes of poverty. Economic Development Grants support economic development initiatives that include the voice of the poor and marginalized in developing new businesses that offer good jobs or develop assets that will be owned by local communities. Grants range between $25,000 and $75,000. Deadline: Pre-applications for both programs are due by 11/1/2019; the online application deadline is 12/15/2019. Visit the CCHD website for more information by clicking here.

–The Mental Health Safety Net Grant assists mental health centers and clinics that treat the uninsured. Funds will be awarded each year proportionally among all eligible programs, based on the total number of uninsured patients under the age of 21 served. The Legislature has appropriated up to $393,750 in Fiscal Year 2020. Funding will be allocated by formula, among eligible applicants. Step 1 Application due to MDH: Step 2 Budget due to MDH: 12 p.m., November 1, 2019. For more information please contact: Randi Callahan, 651–201–3860.

—America’s Farmers Grow Communities Project Farmers enroll for a chance to direct $2,500 to local nonprofit organizations that are important to them and their communities. Application Deadline: Nov 1, 2019.

—Annie’s Grants for Gardens Grants to develop edible garden projects that help connect kids to nutritious food. Application Deadline: Nov 1, 2019.

— HUD is offering grants to fund Service Coordinators to assist residents of public and Indian housing in making progress towards economic self-sufficiency, including the provision of job training, employment, adult education, housing, and health resources. Deadline: 11/25/2019. Click here to review application guidelines.

—Rural Health Network Development Planning Program Grants to promote the planning and development of rural healthcare networks in order to achieve efficiencies; expand access to, coordinate, and improve the quality of essential healthcare services; and strengthen the rural healthcare system as a whole. Application Deadline: Nov 29, 2019.

–The Home Depot Foundation’s Community Impact Grants Program provides support to nonprofit organizations and public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve their communities. The program focuses on support for organizations that serve veterans in local communities, as well as organizations that serve diverse and underserved communities. 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 on a rolling basis through 12/31/2019. Visit the Foundation’s website here to submit an online application.

—BNSF Railway Foundation Grants to organizations that operate near a BNSF railway line. Priority areas include health and human service organizations, programs that address chemical dependency treatment and prevention, spouse and child abuse, women’s and children’s aid, transitional shelters, hospitals, medical programs, youth development programs, and federally recognized tribes. Geographic coverage: Nationwide in areas near BNSF rail lines. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

—Direct Relief Partnership Network A partnership program for healthcare facilities that extends medication access to patients who are unable to afford prescriptions, reduces procurement costs of medications and supplies, and leverages resources to foster healthier communities. Partner facilities order online from Direct Relief’s pharmaceutical inventory. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

—Discount for Rural Health Coding and Billing Specialist Online Course Offers a 50% discount on an online self-study course for rural healthcare professionals to attain certification as a Rural Coding and Billing Specialist. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

—Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation Grants dedicated to improving the health of the public by advancing the education and training of health professionals. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

—Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium Training Emergency preparedness training and resources for rural first responders, offered both in-person and online, and provided at no cost. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

—Susan G. Komen Affiliate Community Health Grants Funding for breast cancer education, screening, and treatment projects that benefit underserved populations. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

—Stand Down Grants provide funding for events that offer homeless veteran populations a variety of social services designed to help them to reintegrate into their communities, such as housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

—Strengthening the Tribal Response to Violence Against Native Women Training, technical assistance, and resources designed to help individual tribal governments and tribal communities strengthen the response to effectively address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

TRAINING/ MEETINGS

— Register for MACVB Annual Conference The Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (MACVB) Annual Conference will be held Oct. 1-2 in Faribault. The annual conference, hosted by the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, connects like-minded tourism professionals and provides an opportunity to gather for learning, networking and leadership. Whether you are a seasoned executive, a novice, or a small or large DMO/CVB, you will come away with new skills, ideas and tips that you can use in your daily work.

— The National Development Council will offer a Mixed-Use Real Estate Finance course October 2-4, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Participants will learn how to finance mixed-use development as a way to catalyze “Main Street,” energizing it with shopping, dining, culture and entertainment. This course explores debt, equity and public/private financing tools available for Main Street redevelopment. Click here to learn more about the course and to register. Regular student registration fee is $825. The early registration discount code is PD112MN19.

—Registration Open for 2019 Rural Arts & Culture Summit Registration is open for the 2019 Rural Arts & Culture Summit held Oct. 3-5 at the Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids.

–October 8-10 – MN Fall Broadband Conference. This three-day conference at the beautiful Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, MN offers learning and engagement on many aspects of the challenges and benefits of broadband access and use, from “Pursuing Broadband 101,” to digital inclusion tools and strategies for diverse audiences. https://wp.me/p3if7-52i

–2019 National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource. ACEEE will host its tenth National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource (EER) on October 15-17th in Minneapolis. Held every other year since 2001, the conference highlights the latest developments in the design and delivery of customer energy efficiency programs, and the regulatory mechanisms that help make them possible. Look for a robust discussion of the many issues facing utilities as they acquire and integrate this resource into their planning and operation. Registration information and further details here.

— Register for the Minnesota Scenic Byway Workshop. The 2019 Scenic Byway Workshop will be held Oct. 15-16 at Eddy’s Resort in Onamia and hosted by the Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway. This year’s agenda includes topics that will provide information and direction for the continued sustainability of the Scenic Byways Program. To register, fill out the Scenic Byway Workshop Registration Form and submit it by Oct. 4. To receive the discounted room block rate, please make your lodging reservations by Sept. 30 by calling Eddy’s Resort at 320-532-3657 and use the code SCE1015. Questions? Contact Holly Slagle, state scenic byway coordinator, at 651-366-3623 or holly.slagle@state.mn.us.

— Join MN Compass for a series of FREE workshops in Northeast Minnesota where you can learn how to use the Minnesota Compass Build Your Own data tool to access data by city, county, region, school district, Economic Development Region, Minnesota House or Senate District, US Congressional District, zip code, census tract, and more. Space is limited, so register soon!

International Falls Thursday, Oct. 17, 12-1 p.m. Register.

Chisholm Wednesday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Register.

Grand Marais Thursday, Oct. 24, 12-1 p.m. Register.

Ely Wednesday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Register.

–2019 Gateway to Solar Conference. The Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) will host its 6th annual Gateway Conference on Oct. 21st and 22nd. The event is Minnesota’s largest industry-led solar trade group conference focusing on growing the solar industry in the state. Held in downtown Minneapolis, the Gateway conference bills itself as providing “robust and in-depth educational opportunities while providing networking and exhibits in a relaxed, approachable forum.” Read more.

— 2019 MCN Annual Conference! The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits annual meeting will be on October 24 and 25 in Rochester

— Register for Minnesota Resorts and Campground Association Fall Conference The Minnesota Resorts and Campground Association (MRCA) Fall Conference will be held Oct. 29-31 at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa.

–Hold the Dates:

The Rural Assembly invites you to save the dates for The Rural Women’s Summit in Greenville, South Carolina, October 27-29, 2019. For more information go to:http://ruralassembly.org/blog/2019/3/28/save-the-date-the-rural-womens-summit-october-27-29-2019-greenville-scnbsp
MNwest Entrepreneur Summit “Shaping our Entrepreneur Ecosystem Together” will be October 29th at the University of Minnesota Crookston!
The annual Many Faces of Community Health Conference will be held October 31-November 1 in Brooklyn Center.

OPPORTUNITIES

— Public Comment Period and Webinar: 2020-23 Strategic Plan and 2020-21 Affordable Housing Plan

We are pleased to release drafts of our 2020-23 Strategic Plan and 2020-21 Affordable Housing Plan for public comment.

The 2020-23 Strategic Plan provides our strategic direction for the next four years.
The 2020-21 Affordable Housing Plan is our business plan to implement the first two years of the Strategic Plan and includes key initiatives and estimates of resources that we expect to distribute.

Your feedback is critical for developing effective plans. Submit your comments tomn.housing@state.mn.us by 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 19.

— Intelligent Community Forum Applications. The Blandin Foundation held regional meetings to encourage communities to apply to become Intelligent Communities. https://wp.me/p3if7-5cm ICF publishes research based on the data provided by communities like yours around the world. The goal is to provide cities, towns and regions of all sizes with evidence-based guidance on achieving economic, social and cultural growth in the challenging digital age. Learn more to consider your community’s options.

–Applications Now Open for the 2020 Shannon Leadership Institute. Now is the time to submit your application for the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute! The mission of the institute is to nurture the creativity and vitality of community-serving leaders from all sectors. It provides a structured and supportive place for community leaders to dive deep into the purpose of their work and the core values they want to exemplify, enhance their focus and effectiveness, and increase their sense of fulfillment. The deadline to apply for the institute isn’t until October. Head to their website for information about joining an info session, insight from alumni, and facts about the upcoming session.

–Bush Foundation Event Scholarships Interested in attending a conference but your organization doesn’t have the additional funds to send you? Apply for a Bush Foundation event scholarship! Head to the Bush Foundation website to find out more information about event scholarships and to submit your application!

—2020 Minnesota Census Jobs, United States Census Bureau

— Native American Congressional Internship A summer internship for Native American and Alaska Native students who wish to learn more about the federal government and issues affecting Indian country. Application Deadline: Jan 31, 2020.

— Udall Scholarship Scholarships for Native American and Alaska Native students pursuing careers related to tribal public policy, self-governance, native health, and the environment. Application Deadline: Mar 5, 2020.

–CO.STARTERS with the James J. Hill Center. Are you an entrepreneur but want a little help moving your idea forward? Learn more about the CO.STARTERS program, presented by the James J. Hill Center! This 10-week program equips entrepreneurs of all kinds with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action. Over the course of the program, 10-15 entrepreneurs will meet one evening a week led by an experienced facilitator to help give you everything you need to launch. Learn more about the program over on the James J. Hill Center website!

MISCELLANEOUS

— The Candidates and Rural Policy: A Quick Guide- Here’s a roundup of the candidates’ positions on rural policy and a sampling of their statements about rural. Read more

— GSA Provides Projected Timeline for Implementation of New Unique Entity Identifier Replacing D-U-N-S® Number. Beginning in December 2020, the D-U-N-S® number will be replaced by a “new, non-proprietary identifier” requested in, and assigned by, the System for Award Management. Learn more here.

— Promoting Positive Mental Health in Rural Schools Provides resources and information to assist with the mental health training and technical assistance needs of schools, administrators, teachers, support staff, and others serving rural and remote communities and students. Profiles a rural student who faces a variety of challenges, such as food insecurity, limited access to providers, drug use, mental health, social isolation, and more.

— Age trends are transforming Minnesota Minnesota’s ratio of working-age adults to older adults will continue to shrink over the coming decade, with potential implications for housing, transportation, and our workforce. Learn more in this month’s Featured Trend.

— The Evolving Policy Landscape of Telehealth Services Delivered in the Home and Other Nonclinical Settings Issue brief identifying key findings for state officials considering adopting new policies for home-based telehealth services. Describes Medicaid and Medicare coverage for telehealth services, including those provided in rural and Health Professional Shortage Areas, Critical Access Hospitals, and Rural Health Clinics.

— Three questions about internet access in greater Minnesota answered Accessing affordable and adequate broadband remains a challenge for some businesses and households in communities throughout greater Minnesota. Minnesota Compass explores the broadband landscape and internet access in Minnesota. Read the article.

— A new interactive tool from Pew’s broadband research initiative allows you to view, filter, and search all state policies pertaining to broadband deployment. Pew’s new and first-of-its-kind “broadband policy explorer” allows users to search by: broadband programs, competition and regulation, funding and financing, infrastructure access, and definitions for speed, unserved, and underserved. Access the tool by clicking here.

— The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has resources to help businesses prepare for and recover from natural disasters. Disaster Help Desk for Business has resources for direct support from disaster recovery experts; click here to visit the Disaster Help Desk website. Resilience in a Box Resource Guide is based on best practices designed to help educate business leaders on disaster preparedness and business resilience. This tool is available in Spanish as well as English and includes a list of Top 20 Tips that businesses can make use of. Click here for Resilience in a Box. An additional resource Disaster Recovery Quick Guides have tailored tips for small businesses looking to prepare and recover. Click here for the Guides.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

–University of Minnesota Extension Seeking an Extension Educator The Tourism Center and Extension Center for Community Vitality are hiring a Community Economics and Tourism Extension Educator.The position will be housed in the Brained Extension Regional office, and will serve both the Central region counties and statewide for tourism programming. For information about specific Extension programs and initiatives, go to https://extension.umn.edu/community-development. Apply online at: https://extension.umn.edu/about-extension/careers (Job ID 332499).

EDITORS’ NOTE: As always — please send us items to post, comments, ideas, etc. You can send them to Jane Leonard at minntwin@comcast.net. And thanks for getting to the end of this month’s issue!

August 13, 2019

MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup Aug 2019: Info on grants, opportunities, events

Posted by Ann Treacy under Newsletter - Rural Round Up
Leave a Comment

August 2019 – Volume XVII — Number 9
Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard
Also find online at:

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
TRAINING/MEETINGS
OPPORTUNITIES
MISCELLANEOUS

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

—Agricultural Health and Safety Special Project and Pilot Study Funds (Mini-grant Program) Funding to support small-scale projects and pilot studies that address prevention of childhood agricultural disease and injury. Application Deadline: August 19, 2019.

—Capital Magnet Fund Grants to finance affordable housing and community revitalization efforts that benefit low-income people and communities. Application Deadline: August 26, 2019.

—AgriSafe Nurse Scholar Program A distance learning opportunity available to rural nurses designed to increase knowledge base in prevention, identification, and assessment of diseases related to agricultural work exposures. A 50% nonprofit registration rate is available for nurses working for nonprofit organizations, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, government agencies, and educational institutions. Application Deadline: Aug 28, 2019.

— USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for loans and grants to develop housing for year-round and migrant or seasonal domestic farm laborers. The funding may be used to construct off-farm rental housing for domestic farm laborers. Deadline: 8/30/2019. Click here for funding guidelines and to apply.

— Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has announced the 2019 round of funding for the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program. The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program is a partnership of the National Football League Foundation, which provides funding for the Program, and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), which provides technical assistance and manages the Program. The goal of the Program is to provide non-profit, neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields. The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program provides grants of up to $250,000 for capital improvement projects. Deadline: 8/30/2019. Click here for more information and to apply.

— Senior Corps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Funding to develop and support Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) projects for volunteers 55 years and older in serving specific local and community needs in areas that currently do not have an RSVP grant. Letter of Intent (Optional): Aug 30, 2019. Application Deadline: Sep 25, 2019.

— The Laura Jane Musser Fund is offering grants through the Rural Initiative that encourages collaborative and participatory efforts among residents in rural communities that will help to strengthen their towns and regions. The applicant community must have a population of 10,000 or fewer. Program planning grants up to $5,000 and program implementation grants up to $25,000 will be considered. Deadline: Applications will be accepted online from 9/3/2019 to 10/3/2019. Visit the Fund’s website by clicking here.

— National Park Service is offering funds through The 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Program. The program provides support to develop and administer youth development programs that focus on providing employment, education, and engagement opportunities for U.S. citizens and legal residents in National Park Service units and affiliated sites such as National Register of Historic Places, National Heritage Areas, National Wild and Scenic Rivers, National Historic Landmarks, National Trails, and adjacent gateway communities. Deadline: 9/11/2019. Click here to review application guidelines.

— The Laura Jane Musser Fund is also offering funding through the Intercultural Harmony Initiative in support of projects that promote mutual understanding and cooperation among groups of community members of different cultural backgrounds. Project planning grants up to $5,000 or implementation grants up to $25,000 will be considered. New programs or projects in their first three years are eligible. Deadline: Applications will be accepted online through the Fund’s website from 9/16 to 10/16/2019. Click here to review funding guidelines.

— USDA Rural Development is offering REDL and REDG loans and grants to assist in the economic development of rural areas, including funds for healthcare facilities and equipment, telecommunications networks, and job creation projects. Deadline: 9/30/2019. Click here to review program guidelines and to apply.

–The Mental Health Safety Net Grant assists mental health centers and clinics that treat the uninsured. Funds will be awarded each year proportionally among all eligible programs, based on the total number of uninsured patients under the age of 21 served. The Legislature has appropriated up to $393,750 in Fiscal Year 2020. Funding will be allocated by formula, among eligible applicants. Step 1 Application due to MDH: Step 2 Budget due to MDH: 12 p.m., November 1, 2019. For more information please contact: Randi Callahan, 651–201–3860.

—Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation Grants dedicated to improving the health of the public by advancing the education and training of health professionals. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

—Rural PREP Travel Support A travel support program for individuals presenting at regional/multi-state, national, and international meetings held within the United States with the primary purpose of disseminating rural health professions education research and scholarship. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

TRAINING/ MEETINGS

— Blandin Foundation is there is help with ICF Application. The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) measures six inter-related indicators of a community’s competitiveness in the digital economy. It is a tool and an international competition. Blandin is holding a series of regional meeting to talk about the ICF process and offer assistance to communities interested in applying. https://wp.me/p3if7-59n

Bemidji Wednesday, August 14 9:30-11:00 am
Appleton Monday, August 19 1:00-2:30 pm

—Improving the Health and Well-Being of Rural Communities Through Collaboration.
Collaboration between organizations is often necessary in rural communities in order to assess and address health needs. Join the Rural Health Information Hub Webinar on Thursday August 15 at 12:00 p.m. Central as they hear from two innovative rural health organizations about how they developed strategies to meet population health goals, address social determinants of health, and improve health outcomes.

–MCN has a number of grantwriting workshops coming up this summer to help you grow and sharpen your skills to bring in dollars for your organization! Check out the upcoming dates/times happening all over the state and register today!

Beginner Grantwriting: Getting Started, August 15, Faribault
Beginner Grantwriting: Getting Started, August 15, North Mankato
Advanced Grantwriting, September 12, Bemidji

—Unintentional Injury Death Rates in the United States Join the Rural Health Information Hub Webinar on Thursday August 29 at 12:00 p.m. Central. Henry Olaisen and Holly Hedegaard from the National Center for Health Statistics will discuss two recently published reports: Unintentional Injury Death Rates in Rural and Urban Areas: United States, 1999–2017 and Urban–Rural Differences in Drug Overdose Death Rates, by Sex, Age, and Type of Drugs Involved, 2017.

—Registration Open for 2019 Rural Arts & Culture Summit Registration is open for the 2019 Rural Arts & Culture Summit held Oct. 3-5 at the Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids.

–Hold the Dates:

Save the Date for Hospitality Minnesota Conference & Expo The Hospitality Minnesota Conference & Expo will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the RiverCentre in St. Paul.

MCN Annual Conference, October 24 – 25, 2019, Rochester.
The Rural Assembly invites you to save the dates for The Rural Women’s Summit in Greenville, South Carolina, October 27-29, 2019. For more information go to:http://ruralassembly.org/blog/2019/3/28/save-the-date-the-rural-womens-summit-october-27-29-2019-greenville-scnbsp
The annual Many Faces of Community Health Conferencewill be held October 31-November 1 in Brooklyn Center.

OPPORTUNITIES

—Download TestIt, the Rural Broadband Mapping App. Data indicating broadband availability and speed is reported twice a year by service providers, but there is no mechanism to verify the accuracy of the data, and anecdotal evidence suggests an entire ZIP code is oftentimes marked as “served” with broadband if just one home in the census block has coverage. In response, National Association of Counties (NACo), Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) created a mobile app that harnesses grassroots advocacy by empowering individual users to accurately identify areas with low or no internet connectivity. This data is aggregated to identify gaps in broadband coverage and help guide advocacy for adequate funding and inform decision-making at federal, state, and local levels. To date, the mobile app has been downloaded 4,500 times and 190,000 tests have been run. Help to keep up the momentum by clicking herefor the landing page you can link to and download the app, and then encourage other folks to do so. Click here for the link to a one page description of the app. Click here to see the state by state data collected so far.

— Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program Loan repayment for undergraduate and graduate health professional educational loans in return for full-time clinical service in Indian Health Service programs. Application Deadline: August 15, 2019.

—Rural Health Fellows Program A year-long, intensive fellowship program designed to develop a community of rural health leaders. Application Deadline: August 27, 2019.

–Health information exchange (HIE) input. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is actively seeking comments and ideas to help inform the next steps for health information exchange (HIE) in Minnesota including planning for a connected networks approach. MDH would like your feedback on the Request for Public Input on a Connected Networks Approach for Health Information Exchange in Minnesota. Please consider responding on behalf of your organization and sharing with colleagues at other organizations to encourage their response. Responses are due to MN.eHealth@state.mn.us by August 28.

– Sep 12: Feeding Innovation in Greater Minnesota
Broadband-powered technology plays a critical role in spurring the competitiveness Minnesota’s Ag sector and Ag-dependent communities. Please join us at United Farmers Cooperative in Winthrop to learn about how broadband and Ag-technology will affect the future of Minnesota’s agricultural sector, and what our farmers and farming communities are doing to take advantage of these opportunities. Now more important than ever!
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Berdan Center
705 4^th Street East
Winthrop, MN 55396

—Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship A fellowship for Native Americans engaged in meaningful work that benefits Indigenous people and communities in reservation and/or urban settings. The fellowship is open to both emerging and experienced leaders from a wide variety of fields, including but not limited to agriculture, food systems, youth leadership development, natural resource management, climate change, and economic development. Application Deadline: Sept.13, 2019.

—Applications Now Open for the 2020 Shannon Leadership Institute. Now is the time to submit your application for the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute! The mission of the institute is to nurture the creativity and vitality of community-serving leaders from all sectors. It provides a structured and supportive place for community leaders to dive deep into the purpose of their work and the core values they want to exemplify, enhance their focus and effectiveness, and increase their sense of fulfillment. The deadline to apply for the institute isn’t until October 15, but don’t delay! Head to their website for information about joining an info session, insight from alumni, and facts about the upcoming session.

—2020 Minnesota Census Jobs, United States Census Bureau

—CO.STARTERS with the James J. Hill Center. Are you an entrepreneur but want a little help moving your idea forward? Learn more about the CO.STARTERS program, presented by the James J. Hill Center! This 10-week program equips entrepreneurs of all kinds with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action. Over the course of the program, 10-15 entrepreneurs will meet one evening a week led by an experienced facilitator to help give you everything you need to launch. Learn more about the program over on the James J. Hill Center website!

MISCELLANEOUS

— Coping with farm and rural stress. The MN Department of Agriculture (MDA) has set up a website for farmers coping with farm and rural stress: Coping with farm and rural stress. In addition, MDA has joined forces with Red River Farm Network to create TransFARMation–radio shows and podcasts about farm stress stories and strategies. The series is designed to increase awareness and reduce inhibitions about acknowledging farm stress, as well as highlight the resources available. Local farmers, ranchers and agricultural stakeholders are featured, sharing personal stories and offering a message of hope.

—Atlas of Rural and Small-Town America View the diversity of challenges and opportunities across America’s counties.

—Micropolitan America Infographic showing a variety of charts about micropolitan statistical areas. Includes a map of micropolitan areas. Provides data on the micropolitan population compared to the U.S. population as a whole, covering age and sex, race/ethnicity, population change, industry, and occupation.

— Social Determinants of Health among the Rural Hispanic Population. Policy brief examining health disparities between Hispanic and white rural people. Second in a series of 4 policy briefs on social determinants of health. Features demographic statistics with breakdowns by race and urban or rural location, and age-adjusted mortality rates by ethnicity, gender, and residence as of 2016.

— NEW data on Minnesota’s largest immigrant communities. Compass has updated and enhanced group at-a-glance profiles for Minnesota’s 17 largest immigrant communities, including brand new profiles for Burmese, Filipino, German, Guatemalan, Kenyan, and Salvadoran immigrants. Plus, all profiles now include more information on household size and composition, housing cost burden, and more.

—Employment & Education ERS research in this area focuses on labor market conditions and educational attainment in rural (nonmetropolitan) America. The labor market measures discussed here include the level of employment, the employment/population ratio, the unemployment rate, and the labor force participation rate. Educational attainment is closely linked to labor market outcomes. While rural areas are closing the gap with urban areas in high school completion, there is a large and growing gap in college and postgraduate educational attainment, even among young adults.

—The Counting for Dollars 2020 Project fact sheet explains how the federal government relies on census data to guide the distribution of federal funding to states, localities, and households across the nation. It also describes how the accuracy of the 2020 Census will determine the fair, equitable distribution of these funds.

Federal Funding for Rural America: The Role of the Decennial Census

— Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): A Primer on Telehealth addresses how the Veterans Health Administration (VA) is using telehealth to increase access to care for veterans. Provides an overview of VA telehealth programs and requirements, the impact of the VA MISSION Act, issues for Congress to consider, and rural veterans.

— Network Sustainability Toolkit is a resource to help rural leaders develop sustainable healthcare networks with increased long-term impact. Includes access to a network sustainability assessment, a collection of network-focused resources and tools, and case studies of successful rural health networks. Additional links: An Introduction to RHI’s Network Sustainability Toolkit: History and Background

–FYI – The new East Central Regional Arts Council office is at 109 Weber Avenue South. We are open during regular office hours (Monday – Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm). You can contact us at info@ecrac.org or by calling the (new!) phone at 320-591-7031.

July 9, 2019

MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup July 2019: Info on grants, opportunities, events

Posted by Ann Treacy under Newsletter - Rural Round Up
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JULY 2019 – Volume XVII — Number 8
Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard
Also find online at: https://wp.me/pkVGJ-8R

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
TRAINING/MEETINGS
OPPORTUNITIES

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
–2019-2020 New Event Grant Program Is Now Accepting Applications.
A total of $60,000 is available via Explore Minnesota for the continuation of the New Event Grant Program. Applicants throughout the state are eligible to apply for grant funds up to $15,000 for new events operations or bid/sponsorship programs.
The new events grant program is designed to generate economic impact and increase media awareness of the state as an event destination by securing or creating new events in communities. Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements and point thresholds to be considered for this opportunity.
Eligible events must be new to Minnesota and open to the public. Applicants must demonstrate support from a local tourism organization, have available lodging capacity, and agree to generate other funding (minimally two-thirds of cash expenses).
Applications must be for events that begin at least six weeks after the application submission date. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received until all available funds are completely awarded. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The review committee will evaluate all eligible and complete applications shortly after submission, and selected grantee(s) will be notified within three weeks after the submission with their grant award status. Only one grant application is allowed per organization for this grant funding cycle.
Grant guidelines and applications can be found at https://mn.gov/tourism-industry/industry-opportunities/grant-programs/new-events.jsp

Questions on the New Events Grant Program:
Email or call Lori Peterson
Lori.A.Peterson@state.mn.us
651-757-1876

—Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Grants to initiate, expand, or sustain programs that provide behavioral health counseling, referral, and other forms of assistance for agricultural workers in crisis. Application Deadline: July 25, 2019.

— U.S. Department of Justice is offering demonstration grants for projects designed to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with opioid overdoses among individuals who come in contact with law enforcement or are involved in the criminal justice system in high-risk rural communities and regions. Deadline: 7/26/2019. Click here for program guidelines.

—Community Economic Development Focus on Social Enterprises Grants to provide technical and financial assistance to support organizations willing to create or expand social enterprises that will work to reduce personal or community barriers and provide economic support through the creation of employment and business opportunities for individuals and families with low income. Bonus points will be given to projects that create jobs in rural communities and counties of persistent poverty. Application Deadline: July 29, 2019.

—Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities is offering funding through Partners for Places matching grant program. The program creates opportunities for cities and counties to improve communities by building partnerships between local government sustainability offices and place-based foundations. These partnerships provide leverage for national funders, encouraging them to invest in local projects that will promote a strong economy. Application Deadline: 7/30/2019. Click here for application guidelines.

— Wells Fargo Housing Philanthropy is inviting applications from nonprofits for its Homeownership Counseling Grant Program. Through the program, local nonprofit housing organizations are invited to apply for grants in support of the creation of affordable and sustainable homeownership opportunities for low-to moderate-income (LMI) populations, including seniors, veterans, and underserved families and individuals. The grant program focuses exclusively on homebuyer counseling, homebuyer education, and foreclosure prevention activities. Deadline: 7/30/2019. Click here to review program guidelines.

—Regional Partnership Grants to Increase the Well-Being of, and to Improve the Permanency Outcomes for, Children and Families Affected By Opioids and Other Substance Abuse Funding for collaborative regional partnerships that provide activities and services designed to increase the well-being of, improve permanency outcomes for, and enhance the safety of children who are in, or at risk of, an out-of-home placement as a result of a parent’s or caregiver’s opioid or other substance abuse. Application Deadline: July 31, 2019.

—Community Mobility Design Challenge Planning Grants Planning grants to support communities seeking innovative ways to address the particular mobility challenges experienced by low-income community members for whom a lack of transportation is an obstacle to the pursuit of economic, health, and social well-being. Application Deadline: August 1, 2019.

— U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is offering grants to federally-recognized tribes and intertribal consortia for the development and implementation of hazardous waste programs and for building capacity to address hazardous waste management on tribal lands. Deadline: 8/1/2019. Click here to review application guidelines and to apply.

–Second school-bus grant round of funding. Due to overwhelming response to the first school-bus replacement grant using funds from the national Volkswagen (VW) settlement, the MPCA will soon release an additional school-bus grant under Phase I of the VW plan.

The Request for Proposal will will target replacement projects in greater Minnesota. As with the previous grants, these will be for $15,000 or $20,000 per school bus, depending on whether the school district has 40% of the students on the free or reduced lunch program. Funds available for this grant will total $580,000, which should help fund 29 bus replacements.

This second round is in keeping with MPCA’s commitment to keep school-bus grants distributed throughout the state at a 60/40 metro/non-metro split. Projects in the seven-county metro area will not be eligible for this grant. If you are interested in applying for this grant, please visit the VW grants page.

—Health Care Transportation Access “Ready-to-Launch” Implementation Grants to support communities that are ready to take concrete steps toward implementing transportation solutions to address healthcare access. Application Deadline: August 5, 2019.

—Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program to support and demonstrate innovative partnerships to train school-based mental health services providers for employment in high need schools and local educational agencies. Application Deadline: August 5, 2019.

—Tribal Opioid Response Grants to address the opioid crisis in tribal communities by increasing access to culturally appropriate and evidence-based treatment, including medication-assisted treatment. Application Deadline: August 6, 2019.

—YouthBuild Grants to organizations providing pre-apprenticeship services that support education, occupational skills training, and employment services for at-risk youth, ages 16 to 24, while performing meaningful work and service to their communities. Training includes affordable housing construction skills and other in-demand industries, such as healthcare, information technology, hospitality, retail services, and logistics. Application Deadline: August 6, 2019.

— National Endowment for the Arts is offering funding through Our Town grants that support projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts to strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, or social outcomes. Deadline: applications are due 8/8/2019. Click here to review program guidelines.

—Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program (TCRGP) Grants to tribal colleges and universities for research projects that address concerns and needs of tribal and reservation communities, including projects that focus on health, environment, and agricultural production needs of remote reservation communities through research. Application Deadline: August 9, 2019.

—Capital Magnet Fund Grants to finance affordable housing and community revitalization efforts that benefit low-income people and communities. Application Deadline: August 26, 2019.

TRAINING/ MEETINGS

—Census 2020: Nonprofits Take Action, July 15, Rochester

— Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is hosting a webinar. “Navigating Community Development – Harnessing Comparative Advantages to create Strategic Partnerships,” on July 17, 2019 at 3:00 PM EDT. Bob Zdenek and Dee Walsh will discuss their new book, “Navigating Community Development.” The book describes the evolution of the community development sector over the past 50 years and it presents a framework and road map for how community development organizations can advance their missions through strategic partnerships that utilize their core competencies. Click here to register for the free webinar.

–Learn more about how to use the Build Your Own data tool from MN Compass for your community? Join a webinar from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and see the presentation for your region.

West Central Region: July 17 Register.
Southern Region: July 24 Register.

–ASES National Solar Conference is Aug. 5-9 in Bloomington, Minn. The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) will hold its 48th annual National Solar Conference on Aug. 5-9 at the Crowne Plaza AiRE in Bloomington, Minn. The conference is unique in its delivery of cutting-edge research, trends, and analysis and provides a venue for the exchange of ideas, information, business insights, and perspectives on progress toward greater sustainability. Participants generally represent a broad base of solar and renewable energy professionals and thought leaders. The conference will feature technical sessions, forum discussions, plenary panels, presentations, public solar displays, and networking events. Read more to register and for details.

Beginner Grantwriting: Getting Started, August 15, Faribault
Beginner Grantwriting: Getting Started, August 15, North Mankato
Advanced Grantwriting, September 12, Bemidji

—Registration Open for 2019 Rural Arts & Culture Summit Registration is open for the 2019 Rural Arts & Culture Summit held Oct. 3-5 at the Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids.

—2019 National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource ACEEE will host its tenth National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource (EER) on October 15-17th in Minneapolis. Held every other year since 2001, the conference highlights the latest developments in the design and delivery of customer energy efficiency programs, and the regulatory mechanisms that help make them possible. Look for a robust discussion of the many issues facing utilities as they acquire and integrate this resource into their planning and operation. Registration information and further details here.

–2019 Gateway to Solar Conference. The Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) will host its 6th annual Gateway Conference on Oct. 21st and 22nd. The event is Minnesota’s largest industry-led solar trade group conference focusing on growing the solar industry in the state. Held in downtown Minneapolis, the Gateway conference bills itself as providing “robust and in-depth educational opportunities while providing networking and exhibits in a relaxed, approachable forum.” Read more.

–Hold the Dates:

Nonprofit Fundraising Conference, July 25, 2019, Brooklyn Center (co-hosted with AFP-MN).
MCN Annual Conference, October 24 – 25, 2019, Rochester.
The Rural Assembly invites you to save the dates for The Rural Women’s Summit in Greenville, South Carolina, October 27-29, 2019. For more information go to: http://ruralassembly.org/blog/2019/3/28/save-the-date-the-rural-womens-summit-october-27-29-2019-greenville-scnbsp

OPPORTUNITIES

— Do you know an entrepreneur with a social enterprise idea? Explore the Initiators Fellowship program to see if it’s a fit for you or someone you know. By becoming a Fellow, you can transform your vision into a scalable, sustainable venture that diversifies and enriches Greater Minnesota. Applications will be accepted until July 15.

What is the Fellowship? Through a friendly yet competitive selection process, the program awards up to seven fellowships and provides wrap-around training, mentoring and guidance—plus $30,000 annually for two years—to support Fellows and their social enterprise ideas
Am I Eligible? Applications are encouraged from up-and-coming leaders served by the Initiative Foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation and West Central Initiative. Strong character and a passionate drive for social enterprise are qualities that will lead to success
How Do I Apply? The application process has three stages: the search stage, the selection stage and the finalist stage. Our goal is to make the process beneficial to all applicants by providing guidance, insights and valuable feedback to fuel individual growth and development
Go to: https://greaterminnesota.net/fellows/ For additional questions or additional information, complete our Contact Us form or send an email to Chris Fastner, Initiators Fellowship program manager. Inquiries may also be made by calling (877) 632-9255. The Initiators Fellowship is a program of the Initiative Foundation based in Little Falls.

— Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design: Request for Host Applicants Opportunity to host a leadership initiative and/or participate in a learning cohort that connects rural communities to design resources, enabling communities to act on ideas for improvements to a community’s streets, buildings, public spaces, or landscapes to address the specific physical, environmental, social, and economic challenges facing rural areas. Application Deadline: July 22, 2019.

––Proposals to Host the 2020 Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener Due Aug. 5

–Tekne Awards – Applications open! The Tekne Awards recognize science and technology leaders in Minnesota’s innovation economy. The awards celebrate the individuals and organizations that play a significant role in creating new technologies to educate and improve the lives of Minnesotans and people around the world.

MHTA is pleased to announce the 2019 Tekne Award categories. Are you an innovator in science and tech at a Minnesota organization? We’re looking for you. Applications will be accepted until August 9 with the Tekne Awards ceremony to be held on Wednesday, November 20. Tekne Awards webinar recording. Did you miss the 101 webinar on Tekne applications? Catch the replay here.

Below are the 2019 Tekne Award categories. Check tekneawards.org for more details.

VIBRANT TECH ECOSYSTEM
1.         Community Impact
2.         Workforce Development
3.         Startup

TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT ACROSS INDUSTRIES
4.         Cybersecurity
5.         Cognitive Computing
6.         Cloud Computing
7.         Internet of Things
8.         Industry 4.0

INNOVATION in MINNESOTA’S LEADING INDUSTRIES
9.         BioTech
10.       CleanTech
11.       AgTech
12.       MedTech
13.       EdTech
14.       FinTech

—National Rural Health Day Community Stars Honors individuals and organizations working in and serving rural communities and supporting rural health collaboration, communication, education, or innovation. Community Stars are featured in an electronic publication that is released on National Rural Health Day each year. Application Deadline: August 9, 2019.

—Rural Health Fellows Program A year-long, intensive fellowship program designed to develop a community of rural health leaders. Application Deadline: Aug 27, 2019.

—Bush Foundation Event Scholarships Interested in attending a conference but your organization doesn’t have the additional funds to send you? Apply for a Bush Foundation event scholarship! Head to the Bush Foundation website to find out more information about event scholarships and to submit your application!

—2020 Minnesota Census Jobs, United States Census Bureau

MISCELLANEOUS

—What’s Happening in Rural MN? Recently, the Blandin Foundation released the results of their Rural Pulse survey, which tracks perspectives of residents in rural Minnesota and has done so since 1998. The survey gauges Minnesotans’ perceptions of issues facing rural Minnesota communities – more than 2,660 Minnesotans responded this year! One big finding: this year, folks all throughout Minnesota have a strong belief that local economies are getting stronger. One area of improvement across the state? Our communities can do better addressing mental health issues. Check out the full findings of the survey over at the Blandin Foundation website or on the Rural Pulse website!

–Minnesota Compass’ New Data page has highlights from recent data updates. You can also find new data across the site:
Voter turnout in the 2018 midterm election by race, gender, age, income, disability status, and educational attainment 2018 population estimates by age, gender, race, and Hispanic origin Population trends among Minnesota’s children and youth

—Four Things to Know About Housing in Greater Minnesota Greater Minnesota faces unique challenges that affect the quality and availability of housing. But just as different regions of Minnesota vary greatly by industry and demographics, housing markets across the state differ too. Minnesota Compass explores this complexity in greater detail with their first-ever story map. Read more.

—Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies’ 2019 State of the Nation’s Housing Report shows that the U.S. housing supply falls far short of what is needed. The report documents how the housing shortfall is keeping pressure on house prices and rents, eroding affordability for modest-income households in many markets. Click here to get the report.

–Introducing GroundWork: tools to grow vibrant rural communities. Great leaders know that change starts small and builds from the ground up. It takes local leaders digging in, planting seeds of hope and cultivating a shared vision that the community stands behind. Real change starts with groundwork.

That’s why Blandin Foundation’s launching a new blog, GroundWork, to share tools, perspectives and practices that can help you create the change you want to see in your community.

The Rural Pulse can help you do community work better. Here’s how.

Find out what’s on the minds of people living in your region. Challenge yourself to think how your community might use the data to focus existing community work, address new concerns or build on successes. Get started!

More city people are looking to move rural. How can you find (and keep) them?

Capture the rising interest of urban residents looking to make the move to rural by switching your recruitment focus from jobs to people. Here are some tested strategies communities are using.

Give your youth a leg up. See and share their successes.

How are communities doing to help students succeed? Well, it depends on where you live, Minnesotans say. There are actions local leaders can take to build on student success whether you live in rural or urban.

—Preventing Farmer Suicide: Collaboration and Communication Farmers face a multitude of unique stressors, such as difficult economic conditions and extreme weather. These challenges have led to a recent increase in the number of farmers taking their own lives. Experts discuss warning signs of suicide and how communities can help farmers and their families address mental health concerns.

—Defining the Rural Health Care Professional Role in Assuring Total Farmer Health
Presents the results of a “virtual think tank” on farmer and rancher mental health. Participants answered questions on farmer mental health disparities and access to mental healthcare.

—Download TestIt, the Rural Broadband Mapping App! Data indicating broadband availability and speed is reported twice a year by service providers, but there is no mechanism to verify the accuracy of the data, and anecdotal evidence suggests an entire ZIP code is oftentimes marked as “served” with broadband if just one home in the census block has coverage. In response, National Association of Counties (NACo), Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) created a mobile app that harnesses grassroots advocacy by empowering individual users to accurately identify areas with low or no internet connectivity. This data is aggregated to identify gaps in broadband coverage and help guide advocacy for adequate funding and inform decision-making at federal, state, and local levels. To date, the mobile app has been downloaded 4,500 times and 190,000 tests have been run. Help to keep up the momentum by clicking here for the landing page you can link to and download the app, and then encourage other folks to do so. Click here for the link to a one page description of the app. Click here to see the state by state data collected so far.

—New MN county broadband maps are out. The Office of Broadband Development unveils the latest Broadband County Maps. https://wp.me/p3if7-57h Check them out to see how your county ranks for access to 25 Mbps down and 3 up https://wp.me/p3if7-57p or 100/20 https://wp.me/p3if7-57s.

–MN with better broadband speeds that other Midwest States. Roberto Gallardo (Purdue University) looks at Midwest urban and rural access to broadband speeds. Minnesota does best with equitably access to the highest speeds measured (Gig).https://wp.me/p3if7-58m

–Interactive broadband map of MN based on speed tests. NEO Partners unveils an interactive map created from speed tests It highlights served (faster than 25 Mbps download) and unserved (slower than 25 Mbps) areas. https://wp.me/p3if7-57J

—Broadband Deployment: Status and Federal Programs Addresses the availability of broadband in rural, urban, and tribal areas of the U.S.; percent of households with broadband; and federal programs supporting broadband development and adoption.

—Digital Gap Between Rural and Nonrural America Persists Highlights differences in broadband access and technology adoption, such as smart phone or tablet use, between rural and urban residents of the U.S.

—Family Funders – Always Important in Rural Communities Details the role of family foundations in rural philanthropy. Discusses the differences between urban and rural philanthropic work.

—Building a Field of Rural Philanthropy: The Case for Creating a Rural Philanthropic Network Report outlines rural philanthropic networks and how they can benefit rural communities. Provides guidance for setting up networks and establishes key stakeholders in rural communities.

— “Building Partnerships with Philanthropies: Emerging Strategies for Rural Communities Report” from the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis details strategies for rural communities seeking to build partnerships with philanthropies. The report summarizes information featured in the Rural Philanthropy Toolkit. Get the report by clicking here.

— Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), with support from the Ford Foundation and in collaboration with CDFA, has released “Navigating the Opportunity Zones: Community Partners.” The release is the first installment of the LISC Opportunity Zones Playbook series and is geared to people and organizations committed to community revitalization and shared prosperity for all residents. Click here to get the first installment.

—The Rural Monitor features an article “Running Clear: Preventing Private Water Sources from Becoming a Health Hazard in Rural America.” The article states that because private water sources are not regulated, rural residents who rely on them can be more susceptible to health risks from waterborne contaminants. Water experts and a public health professional share how they are helping rural residents keep their well water clean to avoid sickness. Read the article by clicking here.

–U.S. Census Bureau reports that Native Complete Count Committees are promoting the importance of 2020 Census participation for funding for their tribes. The committees are including young people and coordinating outreach efforts as some of the strategies being used. Read more about this effort by clicking here.

June 11, 2019

“MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup MAY 2019: Info on grants, opportunities, events” is locked MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup June 2019: Info on grants, opportunities, events

Posted by Ann Treacy under Newsletter - Rural Round Up
Leave a Comment

JUNE 2019 – Volume XVII — Number 7
Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard
Also find online at: https://wp.me/pkVGJ-8O

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
TRAINING/MEETINGS
OPPORTUNITIES

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The Request for Proposal will be released in mid-June and will target replacement projects in greater Minnesota. As with the previous grants, these will be for $15,000 or $20,000 per school bus, depending on whether the school district has 40% of the students on the free or reduced lunch program. Funds available for this grant will total $580,000, which should help fund 29 bus replacements.

— Local Food Promotion Program Grants to support the development, coordination, and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises to help increase access and availability to locally and regionally produced agricultural products. Application Deadline: June 18, 2019.

— STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program Grants to train school personnel and educate students to prevent student violence, develop and operate anonymous reporting systems concerning threats of school violence, and develop and operate school threat assessment and crisis intervention teams. Application Deadline: June 18, 2019.

— Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Group Respite and Early Memory Loss Grants for community-based, social model day programs that provide dementia-specific group activities for participants and respite for family caregivers and care partners. Application Deadline: June 26, 2019.

—Transitional Living Program Grants to implement, enhance, and/or support effective strategies for successful transition to sustainable living for runaway and homeless youth ages 16 to under 22 and/or pregnant and parenting youth ages 16 to under 22 and their dependent children. Application Deadline: July 1, 2019.

—Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Program Secured, direct loans and loan guarantees for eligible water infrastructure projects, with 15% of funds set aside for small, rural, and tribal communities. Application Deadline: July 5, 2019.

— Rural Housing Preservation Grants (Section 533) Grants to organizations that work to rehabilitate and preserve affordable housing for rural, low-income homeowners and renters. Priority will be given to projects designed to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with Substance Use Disorder (including opioid misuse) in high-risk rural communities. Application Deadline: July 8, 2019.

–The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering $3.7 million in grant funds to replace heavy duty diesel trucks and transit buses (class 4-8) in Minnesota. The grants are aimed at dramatically reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution. How much funding is available? Up to 25% or $40,000 (whichever is less) per replacement

Who can apply?

Any diesel truck owner
City and private fleet owners
Nonprofit organizations

What is eligible?

Class 4-8 diesel trucks and transit buses, including short-haul delivery trucks, refuse haulers, cement trucks, box trucks, and drayage trucks (No long-haul trucks or school buses)
The old vehicle must be diesel (1992-2009)
New replacement vehicles may be diesel or an alternative fuel such as propane, natural gas, hybrid, or electric (not gasoline)

The application period ends July 9, 4:30 P.M. All application materials and eligibility details are on the MPCA website. A webinar reviewing the RFP and application forms will be given May 16, 1-2:30 PM. The webinar will be recorded and posted online. Questions must be sent by email to grants.pca@state.mn.us. All questions will be answered and posted on the grant web page under the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) tab.

— LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION (LISC) has announced the 2019 round of funding for the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program. The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program is a partnership of the National Football League Foundation, which provides funding for the Program, and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), which provides technical assistance and manages the Program. The goal of the Program is to provide non-profit, neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields. The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program provides grants of up to $250,000 for capital improvement

projects. Deadline: 8/30/2019. Click here for more information and to apply. An informational web meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 3:00 PM EDT to discuss the RFP process and answer questions. Register for the web meeting by clicking here.

TRAINING/ MEETINGS

–Learn more about how to use the Build Your Own data tool from MN Compass for your community? Join a webinar from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and see the presentation for your region.

Central Region: June 13 Register.

Northeast Region: June 26 Register.
Northwest Region: June 27 Register.
Southwest Region: July 10 Register.
West Central Region: July 17 Register.
Southern Region: July 24 Register.

–21st Annual Minnesota Rural Health Conference June 17 – 18, 2019 in Duluth, MN. Conference Website

–Minnesota Compass is holding a series of free workshops around the state to share what they learned in listening sessions, highlight current demographic trends, and demonstrate how you can use the Minnesota Compass Build Your Own data tool to access data for your city, county, school district, legislative district and more. Space is limited, so register soon! The final session will be in Austin Wednesday, June 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Register.

–The Energy Fair, the nation’s longest-running event of its kind at 30 years, will take place on June 21-23 in Custer, Wis., and will provide a great setting to celebrate the summer solstice (June 21). The Energy Fair is organized by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and brings together over 10,000 attendees to learn about sustainability and clean energy, connect with others, and take action toward a sustainable future. The event features inspirational keynote speakers; over 200 exhibitors; 200 workshops covering sustainable living topics, energy efficiency, renewable energy and more; and a Clean Transportation Show that features exhibitors, vehicles, and demos. Read more.

— June 25: Benefits of Apprenticeship at Ridgewater College, Willmar. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry is holding an event for employers to learn about Registered Apprenticeship and how it can help meet workforce needs. Minnesota Compass project director Allison Liuzzi will discuss Minnesota’s changing demographics and implications for workforce development and economic well-being. Learn more and register.

— Collectively Healing: Breaking the Cycle of White Supremacy. This highly interactive workshop will challenge and inspire you to examine how to heal from white supremacy culture. We will think about how white supremacy harms us individually and organizationally and discuss antidotes for breaking the cycle by reflecting deeply on what we can do to stop perpetuating it. Lastly, we will look for ways we can put in new policies and practices to honor everyone’s humanity and do better work together. For more information, head to our website!
Register today.

—Registration Open for 2019 Rural Arts & Culture Summit Registration is open for the 2019 Rural Arts & Culture Summit held Oct. 3-5 at the Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids.

–Oct 8-10 – MN Fall Broadband Conference. This three-day conference at the beautiful Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, MN offers learning and engagement on many aspects of the challenges and benefits of broadband access and use, from “Pursuing Broadband 101,” to digital inclusion tools and strategies for diverse audiences. https://wp.me/p3if7-52i

–Hold the Dates:

Nonprofit Fundraising Conference, July 25, 2019, Brooklyn Center (co-hosted with AFP-MN).
October 21-22 are the dates for the 2019 Gateway to Solar Conference, the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) has announced. The annual conference is Minnesota’s largest industry-led solar trade group conference and will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis. Read more.
MCN Annual Conference, October 24 – 25, 2019, Rochester.
The Rural Assembly invites you to save the dates for The Rural Women’s Summit in Greenville, South Carolina, October 27-29, 2019. For more information go to: http://ruralassembly.org/blog/2019/3/28/save-the-date-the-rural-womens-summit-october-27-29-2019-greenville-scnbsp

OPPORTUNITIES

— Reminder: Phase II input sessions started. If you want a say in how the MPCA spends VW settlement money over the next few years, plan on participating in one or more listening sessions for Phase II of the state VW plan. Sessions are scheduled for:

Bemidji, June 12
Duluth, June 13
Minneapolis, June 17
Burnsville, June 25

For details check the VW website.

— Shape the Future of MPR. MPR’s Generation Listen is seeking diverse perspectives to help shape the future of Minnesota Public Radio. As a Generation Listen Advisory Council Member, you’ll be invited to engage with MPR content creators and staff and assist in planning and hosting MPR events that highlight our community’s most pressing issues. Your voice will contribute to a community of engaged listeners and big thinkers. Application is due by Friday, June 21, 2019 at 5pm. For more information and application instructions, head to MPR’s website.

What is the Fellowship? Through a friendly yet competitive selection process, the program awards up to seven fellowships and provides wrap-around training, mentoring and guidance—plus $30,000 annually for two years—to support Fellows and their social enterprise ideas
Am I Eligible? Applications are encouraged from up-and-coming leaders served by the Initiative Foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation and West Central Initiative. Strong character and a passionate drive for social enterprise are qualities that will lead to success
How Do I Apply? The application process has three stages: the search stage, the selection stage and the finalist stage. Our goal is to make the process beneficial to all applicants by providing guidance, insights and valuable feedback to fuel individual growth and development
Go to: https://greaterminnesota.net/fellows/ For additional questions or additional information, complete our Contact Us form or send an email to Chris Fastner, Initiators Fellowship program manager. Inquiries may also be made by calling (877) 632-9255. The Initiators Fellowship is a program of the Initiative Foundation based in Little Falls.

MHTA is pleased to announce the 2019 Tekne Award categories. Are you an innovator in science and tech at a Minnesota organization? We’re looking for you. Applications will be accepted until August 9 with the Tekne Awards ceremony to be held on Wednesday, November 20. Register for the Tekne Application 101 Webinar on Thursday, June 27 to learn more about the Tekne application process.

Below are the 2019 Tekne Award categories. Check tekneawards.org for more details.

VIBRANT TECH ECOSYSTEM
1.         Community Impact
2.         Workforce Development
3.         Startup

TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT ACROSS INDUSTRIES
4.         Cybersecurity
5.         Cognitive Computing
6.         Cloud Computing
7.         Internet of Things
8.         Industry 4.0

INNOVATION in MINNESOTA’S LEADING INDUSTRIES
9.         BioTech
10.       CleanTech
11.       AgTech
12.       MedTech
13.       EdTech
14.       FinTech

—Rural Health Fellows Program A year-long, intensive fellowship program designed to develop a community of rural health leaders. Application Deadline: Aug 27, 2019.

–The Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWMHP) is seeking proposals for their next Resident Artist. They are looking for artists who will work with staff to identify and design projects across departments that integrate the arts into SWMHP organizational practices. Ashley Hanson, co-founder of PlaceBase Productions and current Bush Fellow, is the current resident artist and can be contacted at 952-486-0533 or at placebaseproductions@gmail.com to answer questions about the Residency. More information can be obtained by clicking here.

—2020 Minnesota Census Jobs, United States Census Bureau

MISCELLANEOUS

— 2018 Farm Bill Primer: Rural Development Programs Highlights the new rural development provisions included in the 2018 Farm Bill, which address rural access to high-speed broadband, rural health, loans and grants for rural water and wastewater infrastructure, economic development, and more. Outlines changes in how rural is defined for these programs.

— Some new pharmaceutical waste requirements and allowances will go into effect starting this August, and others will be phased in over the next three years. Effective August 22, 2019, healthcare facilities, including nursing homes, may no longer sewer any pharmaceutical wastes that are federal hazardous wastes. Group homes with a capacity of six residents or less are exempt from this ban. Controlled substances will no longer be regulated as hazardous wastes, but must continue to meet all U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requirements. Over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy products approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) will also no longer be regulated as hazardous wastes. Prescription and recreational nicotine products will remain fully regulated as hazardous wastes when disposed.

Starting in 2022, the MPCA anticipates that all pharmaceutical wastes, including state-specific hazardous wastes, from any business will be banned from sewering. The MPCA will be publishing more detailed information on these changes as soon as possible on its Hazardous Waste Publications webpage.

—Rural Telehealth Toolkit This new toolkit, created in partnership with the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis, compiles evidence-based and promising models and resources to support organizations in identifying and implementing telehealth programs for common rural health challenges.

—Panel Discussion: Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide with Broadband Discussion of the need for broadband in rural areas in order to attract and retain residents and businesses and to provide residents with access to jobs, education, and healthcare.

–USDA has released a report, “A Case for Rural Broadband: Insights on Rural Broadband Infrastructure and Next Generation Precision Agriculture Technologies.” The report finds that deployment of both broadband e-Connectivity and Next Generation Precision Agriculture Technology on farms and ranches throughout the U.S. could result in at least $47 billion in national economic benefits every year. Get a copy of the report by clicking here.

—2019 Broadband Deployment Report on broadband deployment in the U.S., with information specific to broadband access in rural and tribal communities and the U.S. territories. Includes rural broadband deployment data by state and county. See the appendices for detailed county data. Additional links: Full Report

–2019 MN Tribal Nation Broadband Profiles. Using data and mapping from the Office of Broadband Development, profiles of the broadband situation in reservations in MN:

Bois Forte Reservation https://wp.me/p3if7-54I
Fond du Lac Reservation https://wp.me/p3if7-54K
Grand Portage Reservation https://wp.me/p3if7-54M
Leech Lake Reservation https://wp.me/p3if7-54O
Lower Sioux Indian Community https://wp.me/p3if7-54Q
Mille Lacs Reservation https://wp.me/p3if7-54S
Prairie Island Indian Community https://wp.me/p3if7-54U
Red Lake Reservation https://wp.me/p3if7-54W
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community https://wp.me/p3if7-54Y
Upper Sioux Community https://wp.me/p3if7-550
White Earth Reservation https://wp.me/p3if7-552

–A guide to help Minnesota farmers navigate through legal contracts and other issues stalling large-scale solar and wind installations is now available, as reported in the West Central Tribune. The “Farmers’ Guide to Solar and Wind Energy in Minnesota” was developed by the Minnesota Farmers Union and the St. Paul-based Farmers’ Legal Action Group as a resource for farmers considering solar and wind installations on their land. The 32-page guide is intended as a starting point for farmers who are considering large-scale solar or wind projects. Farmers, farm advocates, farm attorneys and others are welcome to consult, download, print or share the guide at no cost. Access the guide.

— Difficult economic conditions have caused many farmers to experience high levels of stress and a sense of hopelessness about saving their business and way of life. The Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline and NY FarmNet are working to improve farmers’ mental health and prevent suicides. Preventing Farmer Suicides through Helplines and Farm Visits

—Where Does the Money Go? Do you ever wonder where Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid spending ends up? The answers lie in current transfer payments data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) as part of their personal income estimations.

— State Fact Sheets. The ERS State Fact Sheets provide information on population, income, poverty, food security, education, employment, organic agriculture, farm characteristics, farm financial indicators, top commodities, and agricultural exports. Data are available for all States, and for metro/nonmetro breakouts within States. Links to county-level data are provided where available. This release adds data from the 2017 Census of Agriculture and provides the latest available (2018) U.S. and State-level population estimates and labor force data.

— A 2018 Census Bureau survey found that knowing that census data collected guides public funding decisions was the most important reason for replying to the census, but only 45 percent of respondents knew that the 2020 Census will be used for this purpose. The 2020 Census Barriers, Attitudes, and Motivators Study included focus groups with American Indians/Alaska Natives, rural communities, and other groups that may not have responded in sufficient numbers for valid statistics in a sample survey. Click here for the full report from the survey.

–“Housing and Hunger: An Intersectional Approach to Address Food Insecurity-Childhood Hunger in Rural America” is a report from the Housing Assistance Council that examines food insecurity among children in rural areas, and describes strategies used by Rural Housing Services and Food and Nutrition Services for addressing gaps in service, including use of Summer Meals programs. Click here to get the report.

May 14, 2019

MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup MAY 2019: Info on grants, opportunities, events

Posted by Ann Treacy under Newsletter - Rural Round Up
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MAY 2019 – Volume XVII — Number 6
Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard
Also find online at: https://wp.me/pkVGJ-8F

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
TRAINING/MEETINGS
OPPORTUNITIES

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

—U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is offering funding through The Transforming Lives Through Supported Employment Program that funds efforts to refine, implement, and sustain supported employment programs for transition-aged youth and young adults with serious emotional disturbance, and adults with serious mental illness or co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. Deadline: 5/17/2019. Click here to learn more about this program and to apply.

—The Federal Highway Administration is offering Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funds to tribal governments for the purposes of transportation projects related to safety, safety planning, and safety/infrastructure. Deadline to apply: 5/20/2019. Click here to review program guidelines.

—Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program Grants to rehabilitate and modify the primary residence of veterans who are low-income and living with disabilities, with a focus on helping them regain and/or maintain their independence to alleviate critical health, life, and safety issues. Applicants from rural and frontier areas that lack reliable internet access may request a waiver from the electronic submission requirement through HUD’s Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development. Application Deadline: May 22, 2019.

—Household Water Well System Grants USDA RUS grants for qualified nonprofit organizations and tribes to create a revolving loan fund to increase access to clean, reliable water for households in eligible rural areas. Application Deadline: May 27, 2019.

—Water and Waste Disposal Revolving Loan Funds USDA RUS grants to help nonprofit organizations establish revolving loan funds that will finance water and wastewater projects in rural communities. Application Deadline: May 27, 2019.

—Rural Health Care Telecommunications Program Assistance to healthcare providers for eligible expenses related to broadband connectivity based on the urban-rural price difference in an area.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2019.

—MultiPlan Rural Health Grant Grants to help healthcare providers in rural areas introduce or expand services, education, screenings and other programs aimed at improving the health of people in their communities. Application Deadline: May 31, 2019.

—Best Buy Foundation is offering Community Grants of up to $15,000 in support of equitable, innovative, and impact-driven programs focused on enhancing the lives of youth between the ages of 13 and 18 through technology-enabled curricula. Deadline: 5/31/2019. Click here to review program guidelines.

—The Environmental Protection Agency is inviting communities to apply for planning assistance through the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities initiative. Partner communities will work with a planning team to foster environmentally friendly community development and Main Street revitalization through the sustainable use of forests or other natural resources. Deadline: 5/31/2019. Click here for the call for applications and the application form.

— Community Economic Development (CED) Projects Grants to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) for projects designed to address the economic needs of low-income individuals and families through the creation of employment and business opportunities, including expansion or construction of clinics and health centers. Bonus points will be given to projects that create jobs in rural communities and counties of persistent poverty. Application Deadline: June 3, 2019.

— Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program Grants to plan or implement food projects designed to meet the needs of low-income individuals and increase community self-reliance concerning food and nutrition. Application Deadline: June 3, 2019.

—Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) USDA RD funding to help nonprofit housing and community development intermediary organizations support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Priority will be given to applications that address USDA’s goal to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with Substance Use Disorder (including opioid misuse) in high-risk rural communities. Application Deadline: June 5, 2019.

—Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is offering Strong Communities Awards to deserving projects within their district. The award demonstrates the value that communities throughout the FHLB Des Moines district derive from small business and economic development projects. The award recognizes projects that created stronger communities by measuring impact, results, and collaboration. One urban and one rural project will receive $15,000. Deadline: 6/7/2019. To apply, click here.

—HUD is offering Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants to Public Housing Authorities, local governments, tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations. This U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program helps communities transform neighborhoods by redeveloping severely distressed public or HUD-assisted housing. Deadline: 6/10/2019. Click here to review program guidelines.

—HUD is offering Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Grants that provide Financial Assistance or Technical Assistance grants to build the capacity of rural housing development organizations, Community Development Corporations, Community Housing Development Organizations, local governments, and Indian tribes to carry out affordable housing and community development activities in rural areas for the benefit of low- and moderate-income families and persons. Deadline: 6/11/2019. Click here to review program guidelines.

— Relatives as Parents Program Grants to support the creation or expansion of healthcare, mental health services, and other supportive services for grandparents and other relatives who have taken on the responsibility of surrogate parenting due to the absence of the parents. Application Deadline: June 12, 2019.

—The Home Depot Foundation’s Community Impact Grants Program provides support to nonprofit organizations and public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve their communities. The program focuses on support for organizations that serve veterans in local communities, as well as organizations that serve diverse and underserved communities. 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 on a rolling basis through 12/31/2019. Visit the Foundation’s website here to submit an online application.

TRAINING/ MEETINGS

Worthington Wednesday, May 15, 9-11 a.m. Register.
Fergus Falls Wednesday, May 29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Register.
Austin Wednesday, June 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Register.

–Explore Minnesota is beginning the process of developing our 2020/2021 Strategic Plan, and it’s extremely important for us to hear your views. We want to know what is working, what is not, and how we can work together to better grow tourism in the entire state. We will be conducting face-to-face Listening Sessions throughout the state in May. Specific dates and locations are available on the tourism industry website.

—Greater Minnesota Nonprofit Summit, Wednesday, May 15, Duluth. This day-long summit is designed to bring together staff, board members, and volunteers from across northern Minnesota to learn, network, and strategize.

—CDFA Brownfields Technical Assistance Program is offering a webinar “New Community Strategies for Brownfields: Opportunity Zones,” May 21, 2019, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM EDT. There are numerous and diverse types of financing tools and incentives available to communities for tackling the challenges of financing brownfields redevelopment. Webcast panelists will explore how communities are preparing themselves for Opportunity Zone investments and with the release of new proposed regulations, how this emerging industry is beginning to mold its first deals. Speakers will also examine how communities across the U.S. are integrating these new strategies with current and future redevelopment plans, with a specific focus on brownfields sites. Click here to register.

— Minnesota NAHRO Spring 2019 Conference – May 22-24, Brainerd. “Retool, Recharge, Rebuild.” More information is available at mnnahro.com.

–The Campus Compacts of the Great Plains, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin invite you to join us for the 2019 Midwest Campus Compact Conference, which will take place May 29 – 31, 2019, at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Whether you are new to community-engaged learning and scholarship, curious about learning the basics of community-campus partnerships, or a seasoned engaged scholar or community engagement professional seeking innovative approaches and discussion of important issues, this conference will provide opportunities to learn, explore, connect, and prepare for bold and thoughtful action. For more information go to: https://midwest.compact.org/

— June 10: Using Minnesota Compass to Make Data-Informed Decisions Explore the “Why” and “How” of using data to make decisions that will guide strategic planning, program development, and fundraising. Minnesota Compass Research Scientist Ellen Wolter will highlight the latest data and tools available on mncompass.org to use to inform organizational strategy and decision-making, and data best practices and key issues to consider when interpreting and making decisions with data. Learn more and register.

–21st Annual Minnesota Rural Health Conference June 17 – 18, 2019 in Duluth, MN. Conference Website

—ASES National Solar Conference is Aug. 5-9 in Bloomington, Minn. The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) will hold its 48^th annual National Solar Conference on Aug. 5-9 at the Crowne Plaza AiRE in Bloomington, Minn. The conference is unique in its delivery of cutting-edge research, trends, and analysis and provides a venue for the exchange of ideas, information, business insights, and perspectives on progress toward greater sustainability. Participants generally represent a broad base of solar and renewable energy professionals and thought leaders. The conference will feature technical sessions, forum discussions, plenary panels, presentations, public solar displays, and networking events. Early bird registration offers a $100 discount and ends June 15. Read more to register and for details.

—Oct 8-10 – MN Fall Broadband Conference This three-day conference at the beautiful Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, MN offers learning and engagement on many aspects of the challenges and benefits of broadband access and use, from “Pursuing Broadband 101,” to digital inclusion tools and strategies for diverse audiences. https://wp.me/p3if7-52i

–Hold the Dates:

The SciMathMN and The Works Museum joint conference on STEM education will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at the University of Minnesota Continuing Education Center.
Nonprofit Leadership Conference, June 13, 2019, Minneapolis (co-hosted with the Humphrey School).

Nonprofit Fundraising Conference, July 25, 2019, Brooklyn Center (co-hosted with AFP-MN).
The 2019 Rural Arts & Culture Summit will take place October 3-5 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. This year they are particularly interested in session ideas that address the idea of “Creative People Power” in rural place.

21-22 are the dates for the 2019 Gateway to Solar Conference, the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) has announced. The annual conference is Minnesota’s largest industry-led solar trade group conference and will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis. Read more.

MCN Annual Conference, October 24 – 25, 2019, Rochester.

The Rural Assembly invites you to save the dates for The Rural Women’s Summit in Greenville, South Carolina, October 27-29, 2019. For more information go to: http://ruralassembly.org/blog/2019/3/28/save-the-date-the-rural-womens-summit-october-27-29-2019-greenville-scnbsp

OPPORTUNITIES

— Do you know an entrepreneur with a social enterprise idea? Explore the Initiators Fellowship program to see if it’s a fit for you or someone you know. By becoming a Fellow, you can transform your vision into a scalable, sustainable venture that diversifies and enriches Greater Minnesota. Applications will be accepted May 15 to July 15.

What is the Fellowship? Through a friendly yet competitive selection process, the program awards up to seven fellowships and provides wrap-around training, mentoring and guidance—plus $30,000 annually for two years—to support Fellows and their social enterprise ideas
Am I Eligible? Applications are encouraged from up-and-coming leaders served by the Initiative Foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation and West Central Initiative. Strong character and a passionate drive for social enterprise are qualities that will lead to success
How Do I Apply? The application process has three stages: the search stage, the selection stage and the finalist stage. Our goal is to make the process beneficial to all applicants by providing guidance, insights and valuable feedback to fuel individual growth and development
Go to: https://greaterminnesota.net/fellows/ For additional questions or additional information, complete our Contact Us form or send an email to Chris Fastner, Initiators Fellowship program manager. Inquiries may also be made by calling (877) 632-9255. The Initiators Fellowship is a program of the Initiative Foundation based in Little Falls.

—Apply to be on the next MN Broadband Task Force. Applications are now being accepted for 15 open member seats of the newest iteration of the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband. https://wp.me/p3if7-532

—The Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWMHP) is seeking proposals for their next Resident Artist. They are looking for artists who will work with staff to identify and design projects across departments that integrate the arts into SWMHP organizational practices. Ashley Hanson, co-founder of PlaceBase Productions and current Bush Fellow, is the current resident artist and can be contacted at 952-486-0533 or at placebaseproductions@gmail.com to answer questions about the Residency. More information can be obtained by clicking here.

—NURSE Corps Scholarship Program Scholarships for nursing students in exchange for a 2-year, full-time service commitment (or part-time equivalent), at an eligible healthcare facility with a critical shortage of nurses. Application Deadline: May 21, 2019.

— The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is pleased to announce its fourth annual Virginia McKnight Binger Unsung Hero Awards. In partnership with the McKnight Foundation, a family foundation based in Minnesota that advances a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive, four Minnesotans, two from the Twin Cities metro and two from Greater Minnesota, will each receive $10,000 in recognition of the significant impact they have had on the state of Minnesota and its communities. Nominations are open until May 27 – nominate someone today! More information can be found on our website.

— Agricultural Safety and Health: The Core Course Scholarship Awards scholarships to attend the Agricultural Safety and Health Core Course to be held in Iowa in June, 2019.

—2020 Minnesota Census Jobs, United States Census Bureau

MISCELLANEOUS

—Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline The Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline is a free, confidential helpline available 24/7 for farmers and farm families to connect with counselors, help with daily living (like childcare or food assistance), and financial/legal advice.

— Atlas of Rural and Small-Town America View the diversity of challenges and opportunities across America’s counties. View indicators about people, jobs, income, veterans, and county types. The atlas has been updated to include American Community Survey data for 2013-17 and poverty rates from the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates for 2017.

— Updated data is now available on:
– County and region population estimates
– Health care coverage across Minnesota’s counties and regions
– High school graduation rates
– Country of birth and languages spoken by Minnesota’s immigrants

— We Count Campaign: the 2020 census Governor Walz has launched a year long awareness drive for the upcoming 2020 census. Since 1790, the U.S. Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. After each decade’s census, state officials redraw the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts in their states to account for population shifts. Andrew Virden, director of census operations and engagement for the Minnesota State Demographer’s office, notes that the 2020 census could result in the loss of Minnesota’s eighth seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. That is one of the reasons it will be so very important to get an accurate and total count of our citizens. It will take all of us coming together to ensure every Minnesotan counts! Census 101: What you need to know.

—Thriving by Design Minnesota Equity Blueprint First Release. Growth & Justice releases their first Blueprint Report on Human Capital; it reveals challenges and opportunities, along with dozens of practical solutions that will help realize Minnesota’s full human potential. https://wp.me/p3if7-52j

—Blandin Foundation Rural Pulse – how do Minnesotans feel? Every three years, the Blandin Foundation does a scan of how Minnesotans are feeling about the economy, their future and more. This year they surveyed 1,560 people the results are mixed based on where you live and who you are. https://wp.me/p3if7-50u

— Rural America Growing Again Due to Migration Gains Provides data on nonmetropolitan population change, natural population change, and net migration for the periods 2015-2016, 2016-2017, and 2017-2018.

—The 10-20-30 Provision: Defining Persistent Poverty Counties Defines persistent poverty counties. Discusses how differences in definitions and data used can affect which counties are considered persistently poor and includes a map highlighting the impact of different definitions. Briefly addresses legislation targeting persistent poverty counties using the “10-20-30 provision,” including rural development funding.

—The 2019 County Health Rankings measure the health of nearly every county in the country have been released. County Health Rankings and Roadmaps is a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program. The County Health Rankings look at more than 30 factors – education, jobs, transportation, access to medical care, and more – that influence how long and well people live. The annual release provides an opportunity to share the important work you are doing to expand opportunities in the range of health factors that Rankings spotlight. Click here to access the rankings.

—Finding and Using Health Statistics Tutorial describing different types of health statistics, how they are collected, and how to find them. Includes an overview of health statistics, common terms and equations, and a list of data sources. Also provides a set of exercises.

—Health Insurance in Rural America A set of interactive graphics providing urban and rural uninsured rates for people under age 65, based on data from the Small Area Health Insurance Estimates. Includes county-level data for 2017 and the change since 2013.

— An Age-Friendly Rural America Highlights an AARP study discussed at the Aging in American Conference this week showing that older adults in rural areas face more challenges than in urban areas and need more supports to help them age in place. Includes program examples from around the country that are addressing the needs in their communities.

—Housing and Hunger: An Intersectional Approach to Address Food Insecurity – Childhood Hunger in Rural America Examines food insecurity among children in rural areas and describes strategies used by Rural Housing Services and Food and Nutrition Services for addressing gaps in service, including use of Summer Meals programs.

— Implementation Plan for the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council
Details the implementation plan for Opportunity Zones in economically distressed communities in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Details the roles of various federal agencies in the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council and the goals for each agency within the Opportunity Zones program.

—Last year the Center for Indian Country Development launched the Tribal Leaders Handbook on Homeownership, a comprehensive guide to creating diverse housing options for Native communities across the country. The Center has just launched the Native Housing and Homeownership Resource Clearinghouse, a supplemental resource that gives Indian Country real tools to advance real change. Access both tools by clicking here.

—The National Governors Association (NGA) released a new action guide: “Rural Prosperity through the Arts and Creative Sector: A Rural Action Guide for Governors and States.” The guide draws on quantitative data and community examples to show how the creative sector complements other industries and boosts the efficacy of rural economic development policies, partnerships and plans. It offers 27 specific policy solutions that draw on home-grown cultural assets to create jobs, stimulate business development, retain younger populations and boost quality of life. The guide was produced in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. Access the guide and related resources here.

—Rural Assembly is creating a program for rural leaders called The Rural Squad that connects leaders to each other, helps urban-based institutions engage with rural communities effectively, and offers the country a reliable network of rural problem solvers. The Rural Assembly will be intentional about placement of Rural Squad members at conferences, meetings, policy briefings, and will carry learnings and connections back to the constituencies they represent. Rural Leaders can contribute to the design of this program by responding to occasional questions in the Rural Assembly’s newsletter. The first question is: “How could a national rural leader’s program best support the work you’re doing in rural America?” Click here to answer this question.

—Rural Education Education is a key driver of economic prosperity for people and places and is associated with higher earnings and lower unemployment rates. Improving education may also be an effective economic development strategy for rural communities and regions. Counties with higher levels of educational attainment among the working-age population are less likely to be persistently poor or experience low employment rates. Much of rural America struggles to find effective ways to raise education and skill levels in places where low-wage labor markets have been persistent features of the economic landscape.

—A Better Wireless has a Solution for Rural MN The Benton Foundation posts a column from A Better Wireless, about the need in rural areas (specifically rural Minnesota) for better broadband to create a level playing field for students. https://wp.me/p3if7-52C

—CN QuickStart Introducing CN QuickStart, a pre-feasibility study tool to help you understand your community broadband options. https://wp.me/p3if7-52q

April 9, 2019

MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup April 2019: Info on grants, opportunities, events

Posted by Ann Treacy under Newsletter - Rural Round Up
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April 2019 – Volume XVII — Number 5
Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard
Also find online at: https://wp.me/pkVGJ-8F

ACROSS THE FIELD
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
TRAINING/MEETINGS
OPPORTUNITIES
MISCELLANEOUS

ACROSS THE FIELD: WE ALL COUNT! Preparing for the 2020 Census Now.

One year from now, the 2020 Census will be in full swing. You can help ensure everyone counts in 2020.

It’s in the U.S. Constitution: Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau works to count every person in the United States, including everyone living in Minnesota. The resulting count will guide the distribution of billions of dollars to Minnesota’s communities, determine whether or not Minnesota keeps a congressional seat, and will update data in summary form that helps Minnesota government, nonprofits, foundations, and businesses make wise investments of public and private resources.

The 2020 Census is the responsibility of the Federal Government. But all of us need to do our part to make sure that all Minnesotans are counted. We need to mobilize and get-out-the-count.

We Count. Minnesota is a collaboration of businesses, governments, non-profits, and community groups across the state. Its aim is to support a fair and accurate 2020 Census by educating Minnesotans about the importance of the census and promoting their participation in it. The work of “We Count. Minnesota” complements the work being done nationally by the U.S. Census Bureau and the work that community organizations and individuals are doing through the Minnesota Census Mobilization Partnership, which is funded by a coalition of Minnesota foundations.

There are many challenges to 2020 Census operations – heightened concerns about privacy with the online-option (60+% are expected to respond on a device or online) not to mention broadband barriers in Greater Minnesota, distrust in the government, a presidential campaign in full swing, language barriers (some top Minnesota languages will not be translated by the Census Bureau), and apartment and rural PO Box address/enumeration challenges. Working together, we can address these concerns and keep Minnesota at the top of the response rate of U.S. States (we were #2 in 2010, just behind Wisconsin!).

The Minnesota Census Mobilization Partnership is moving legislation forward in the Minnesota State Legislature right now to provide $2.5 million for Minnesota-specific census support, including outreach to apartments and households with rural PO Boxes and historically undercounted populations (those living in rural areas, children under 5 years old, renters, communities of color, low income households, linguistically isolated households, and those living in non-traditional households) plus MN-specific translations. Learn more at https://mcf.org/25-million-plan-state-minnesotas-census-2020-investment

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

— Summer Food Service Program Funding to provide free, nutritious meals and snacks to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need during the summer months.

–Explore Minnesota has an additional round for operations grants submissions has been added for the 2018-19 New Event Grant Program. Beginning April 1, 2019, applicants throughout the state are eligible to apply for the remaining $20,000 in grant funds for new events operations. Applications must be for events that begin after June 1, 2019, and end before May 1, 2021.

New Events Grant Guidelines

New Events Grant Application

The new events grant program is designed to generate economic impact and increase media awareness of the state as an event destination by securing or creating new events in communities. Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements and point thresholds to be considered for this opportunity. Eligible events must be new to Minnesota and open to the public. Applicants must demonstrate support from a local tourism organization, have available lodging capacity, and agree to generate other funding (minimally two-thirds of cash expenses). The minimum grant request is $5,000, with a maximum of $20,000 per event. State funding is capped at one-third of total cash expenditures per event, and all awarded grants are conditional based on the successful negotiation and execution of contracts. For more information contact Lori Peterson or call 651-757-1876.

—Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Grants – Opioid Grants to improve access to opioid treatment in rural areas through the use of telemedicine, computer networks, and related advanced technologies. Application Deadline: April 15, 2019.

—Community Connect Broadband Grant Program Grants for communities without broadband service to provide residential and business services and connect facilities, such as police and fire stations, healthcare, libraries, and schools. Application Deadline: April 15, 2019.

–U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is offering grants for tribal community-based organizations, tribes, and village governments for social and economic infrastructure development. This program is focused on community-driven projects designed to grow local economies, strengthen Native American families, including the preservation of Native American cultures, and decrease the high rate of current challenges caused by the lack of community-based businesses, and social and economic infrastructure in Native American communities. Native American communities include American Indian tribes (federally-recognized and non-federally recognized), Native Hawaiians, Alaskan Natives, and Native American Pacific Islanders.
Application deadline: 4/15/2019. Click here to review program guidelines.

— AARP Community Challenge Grants for projects that work to improve livability for all residents of a community. Application Deadline: April 17, 2019.

—Newman’s Own Awards Grants for organizations working to improve quality of life for military members and their families, including programs for job training, housing, caregiver support, and mental health. Application Deadline: April 25, 2019.

—U.S. Department of Education is offering grants through the Small, Rural School Achievement Program. The program seeks to address the unique needs of rural school districts by improving basic programs, supporting effective instruction, supporting language instruction for English learners and immigrant students, strengthening student support and promoting academic enrichment, and creating 21st century community learning centers. Deadline: 4/26/2019. Click here to review program guidelines and to apply.

–USDA is offering up to $600 million in loans and grants to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. Telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers, and municipalities may apply for funding through USDA’s ReConnect Program to connect rural areas that currently have insufficient broadband service. Deadlines: USDA will make available approximately $200 million for grants (applications due to USDA by 4/29/2019), as well as $200 million for loan and grant combinations (applications due 5/29/2019), and $200 million for low-interest loans (applications due by 6/28/2019). Click here to review program guidelines and application requirements.

—Foundation for Financial Planning is offering grants to nonprofit organizations nationwide to support the delivery of pro bono financial planning to populations that could not otherwise afford or access financial planning services. Deadline: 4/30/2019. Click here to review guidelines and to apply.

— Mary Kay Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Program Grants to support domestic violence shelters. The Foundation will award a grant to at least one domestic violence shelter in every state that applies, and many grants have gone to rural areas. Application Deadline: April 30, 2019.

—Grain Bin Rescue Equipment and Training Contest Awards for rural emergency first responders that include grain rescue tubes and hands-on rescue training. Application Deadline: April 30, 2019.

—Bureau of Indian Affairs is offering grants to federally recognized tribes for implementing traffic safety programs and projects which are designed to reduce the number of traffic crashes, deaths, injuries, and property damage. Deadline: 5/1/2019. Click here to review the guidelines and to apply.

–Corporation for National and Community Service is offering AmeriCorps Indian Tribes Grants for programs that are designed to strengthen tribal communities and solve local problems through service and volunteering. Deadlines: Letter of Intent (Optional): 4/10/2019; application 5/2/2019. Click here to review program guidelines and to apply.

— Rural and Tribal Passenger Transportation Technical Assistance Technical assistance for tribes and rural communities of less than 50,000 people to plan system start-up, transit service improvements, facility development, marketing, transportation coordination, and staff training. Application Deadline: May 3, 2019.

— First Responders – Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Cooperative Agreement Grants to allow first responders and members of other key community sectors to administer a drug or device approved or cleared under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. Over half of the total funding available is set aside for recipients serving rural communities with high rates of opioid abuse. Application Deadline: May 6, 2019.

— Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Implementation Grants to strengthen and expand substance use disorder/opioid use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery service delivery in high-risk rural communities. Application Deadline: May 6, 2019.

–MPCA grants for electric vehicle charging stations for fleet vehicles — due May 7. The MPCA recently released a request for proposal (RFP) to install Level 2 and/or Level 3 EV charging stations at Minnesota facility locations serving fleet vehicles. This program is intended to reduce air emissions through increased use of electric vehicles for fleet purposes in an effort to support a healthy environment for all Minnesotans and achieve emissions reductions across the state, especially in high population areas most impacted by vehicle pollution.

Eligible applicants include fleet owners at for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public entities including state, tribes, counties, municipalities, schools, and higher education institutions. The maximum award is $5,000 per single-station and $10,000 per dual-station with a 25% minimum match. Approximately $170,000 in funding is available. To learn more about this grant opportunity and download the application forms, visit the Grants for charging stations for EV fleets webpage. Please email grants.pca@state.mn.us with questions. Apply now! Deadline: May 7, 2019.

—USDA is offering funding through Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grants, and is giving priority for applications addressing opioid abuse in rural communities. The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program, initiated several years ago, is comprised of two funding steams – traditional DLT projects and opioid-specific projects. The traditional DLT fund helps rural communities use telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world. Projects may address opioid treatment but are not required to. Projects that do address opioid issues will receive 10 “special consideration points,” which can boost an applicant’s rankings in funding decisions. (Projects that have science, technology, engineering, and math [STEM] education as their primary purpose also qualify for consideration points.) Deadline: 5/15/2019. Click here to visit Grants.gov to review guidelines and to apply.

TRAINING/ MEETINGS

St. Cloud Wednesday, April 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Register.
Grand Rapids Tuesday, April 16, 10 a.m.-12.p.m. Register.
Bemidji Tuesday, April 30, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Register.
Stillwater Wednesday, May 8, 9-11 a.m. Register.
Worthington Wednesday, May 15, 9-11 a.m. Register.
Fergus Falls Wednesday, May 29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Register.

–Explore Minnesota is beginning the process of developing our 2020/2021 Strategic Plan, and it’s extremely important for us to hear your views. We want to know what is working, what is not, and how we can work together to better grow tourism in the entire state. We will be conducting face-to-face Listening Sessions throughout the state in April and May. Specific dates and locations are available on the tourism industry website.

— 2019 Affordable Housing Summit – May 2, Minneapolis. Join developers, contractors, nonprofits, investors, and more for the 2019 Affordable Housing Summit. More information is available at affordablehousingsummitmn.com.

–MHTA Annual Spring Conference – Registration Now Open for our May 9 Annual Spring Conference. Accenture will kick off the conference by sharing their research and technology vision. You’ll learn more about advanced technology and the workforce of tomorrow at workshops and demos throughout the day. Visit online

— Minnesota NAHRO Spring 2019 Conference – May 22-24, Brainerd. “Retool, Recharge, Rebuild.” More information is available at mnnahro.com.

–21st Annual Minnesota Rural Health Conference June 17 – 18, 2019 in Duluth, MN. Conference Website

–Hold the Dates:

The SciMathMN and The Works Museum joint conference on STEM education will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at the University of Minnesota Continuing Education Center.
Nonprofit Leadership Conference, June 13, 2019, Minneapolis (co-hosted with the Humphrey School).

Nonprofit Fundraising Conference, July 25, 2019, Brooklyn Center (co-hosted with AFP-MN).
The 2019 Rural Arts & Culture Summit will take place October 3-5 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. This year they are particularly interested in session ideas that address the idea of “Creative People Power” in rural place.

21-22 are the dates for the 2019 Gateway to Solar Conference, the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) has announced. The annual conference is Minnesota’s largest industry-led solar trade group conference and will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis. Read more.

MCN Annual Conference, October 24 – 25, 2019, Rochester.
The Rural Assembly invites you to save the dates for The Rural Women’s Summit in Greenville, South Carolina, October 27-29, 2019. For more information go to: http://ruralassembly.org/blog/2019/3/28/save-the-date-the-rural-womens-summit-october-27-29-2019-greenville-scnbsp

OPPORTUNITIES

—Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis 31st Annual Student Essay Contest The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is asking students in its 31st annual essay contest to use economics to describe and defend an effective immigration policy. Compass could be a great resource for student writers, especially if they are looking for trends in immigration, the economy, or the workforce. The contest is open to all high school students in the Ninth Federal Reserve District. Essays due April 19, 2019. Learn more.

–AARP Minnesota and Pollen’s “50 Over 50” list celebrates and recognizes Minnesotans over the age of 50 who have made significant contributions and achievements in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, in the arts and community, and in disrupting our outdated beliefs about aging. Honor someone in the categories of Nonprofit, Arts, Business, Community, and Disruption and highlight the opportunities that come with age.

Nominees from each of the five categories are judged on what they’ve done to lead and inspire others, make an impact on their community, and show the value of older Minnesotans through their actions. For more information on eligibility and to nominate someone, visit the 50 Over 50 website. Nominations due May 13!

–Nominations Now Open for the 2019 Nonprofit Mission Awards.Nonprofit organizations make outstanding contributions to Minnesota’s high quality of life. The Minnesota Nonprofit Awards honor these contributions. Since 1987, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits has been showcasing the work of Minnesota’s outstanding nonprofits through the Nonprofit Mission Awards in the categories of:

Visit our website or watch a video to learn more and nominate a nonprofit today! Nominations close May 17.

— Agricultural Safety and Health: The Core Course Scholarship Awards scholarships to attend the Agricultural Safety and Health Core Course to be held in Iowa in June, 2019.

—2020 Minnesota Census Jobs, United States Census Bureau

MISCELLANEOUS

—2019 Compass Points now available Minnesota Compass has released Compass Points 2019, our annual indicator report. The report includes data and analysis about notable trends, key demographics, and a dashboard that highlights how Minnesota is doing in key topic areas. The information is used by policymakers, business and community leaders, and others working to ensure the health and well-being of all Minnesota residents and communities.

—Rural Poverty & Well-Being Provides information on poverty and well-being in the United States and includes charts and graphs showing poverty over time, demographic information, metro/nonmetro comparisons, and poverty by geographic region and well as by county.

— 2019 County Health Rankings Key Findings Report Analyzes health factors and outcomes to report on county-level health disparities throughout the U.S. Discusses housing affordability, housing costs, community conditions, and homelessness. Covers key findings and calls to action to improve health outcomes. Additional links: 2019 State Health Reports

—LTC Focus (Long-term Care: Facts on Care in the US) Mapping tool presents long-term care data by a number of indicators nationally or on a state-by-state basis. Features data on facility characteristics, state policies, and resident characteristics, among other factors.

— 2019 Telehealth Policy Barriers Discusses existing policy barriers at the federal and state levels that inhibit the use of telehealth in rural and urban areas, including: reimbursement; malpractice; licensing; HIPAA, privacy, and security; prescribing; credentialing and privileging; and other influences on policy.

— Improving Rural Net Migration Rates Were Most Common in Recreation and Retirement Destinations Map showing the change in net migration rates in nonmetropolitan counties from 2012-2013 to 2016-2017.

—The National Governors Association (NGA) recently released “Rural Prosperity through the Arts and Creative Sector: A Rural Action Guide for Governors and States,” in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. Arts-based economic development has been shown to be responsible for more than 600,000 jobs and $67.5 billion in economic activity in rural communities. Get a copy of the report by clicking here.

—When a disaster strikes a rural area, one of the most serious problems may be a lack of information about resources and assistance available for recovery efforts. Housing Assistance Council’s guide, “Picking Up the Pieces: Restoring Rural Housing and Communities After a Disaster,” is intended to help survivors and local organizations identify resources to rebuild their homes and communities. Get a copy of the guide by clicking here.

—Student Homelessness Growing Fastest in Rural America Examines trends in homelessness among rural students, which may contribute to disparities in health and academic outcomes. Explores challenges in identifying and supporting homeless families, funding in rural schools, and obstacles facing homeless rural students. Features statistics including percent change in number of homeless students from school years 2013-2014 to 2016-2017 in select states, with breakdowns by rural or nonrural locations.

–Take a Speed Test to Improve Broadband Maps! National Association of Counties, Rural LISC and Rural Community Assistance Partnership have released a tool to create better maps. Learn more and get instructions on how to test broadband in your area. https://wp.me/p3if7-4Yw

–Minnesota using Broadband to Help Opioid Crisis. The MN Department of Health’s Opioid Prevention Pilot Project reduces patient pill use while increasing both the numbers of Minnesotans getting treatment and the rural providers able to provide that care through telehealth networks. There’s a plan to extend the program. https://wp.me/p3if7-502

March 12, 2019

MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup March 2019: Info on grants, opportunities, events

Posted by Ann Treacy under Newsletter - Rural Round Up
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MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup March 2019: Info on grants, opportunities, events

March 2019 – Volume XVII — Number 3
Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard
Also find online at: https://wp.me/pkVGJ-8F

ACROSS THE FIELD
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
TRAINING/MEETINGS
OPPORTUNITIES
MISCELLANEOUS

ACROSS THE FIELD:

National Association of Counties (NACo), Rural LISC and Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) have partnered to address the critical need for high-speed internet for rural communities across the country. Currently, data indicating broadband availability and speed is reported twice a year by Internet Service Providers. However, there is no mechanism to verify the accuracy of the data, and anecdotal evidence suggests an entire ZIP code is oftentimes marked as “served” with broadband if just one home in the census block has coverage. Outdated broadband mapping techniques limit Congress’ ability to accurately identify and allocate broadband resources across much of America.

In response, NACo, Rural LISC and RCAP developed a mobile app that harnesses grassroots advocacy by empowering individual users to accurately identify areas with low or no internet connectivity. The data will be aggregated to identify gaps in broadband coverage. This information will help guide advocacy for adequate funding and inform decision-making at federal, state and local levels.

Join us in advocating for a stronger and more connected future for small towns everywhere. Follow these four short steps to join the movement!

Step 1: Locate the iOS/Android App Store on your phone.

iOS App Store

Android App Store

Step 2: Search for “TestIT” in your mobile app store (see icon below).

Step 3: Download TestIT mobile app.

Step 4: Open TestIT mobile app and click “Test Speed Here!”

(Repeat Step 4 as frequently as possible)

That’s it! For further info, see the press release here, and NACo’s flyer: “Bridging the Economic Divide.” P.S. Help spread the word by encouraging friends, family and constituents to join in the effort! Check out a sample Facebook post and sample tweets attached.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

–The Minnesota State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant program is looking to award funds to Minnesota businesses planning to grow their exports. The STEP program provides financial and technical assistance to qualifying Minnesota small businesses with an active interest in exporting products or services to foreign markets. Participants may be first-time exporters or companies that are currently exporting but are interested in expanding into new international markets. Learn more on the DEED Developments blog.

–U.S. Department of Justice is offering grants to nonprofit and public agencies through the Fiscal Year 2019 Consolidated Grant Program to Address Children and Youth Experiencing Domestic and Sexual Assault and Engage Men and Boys as Allies program to prevent violence against women. Deadline: 3/14/2019. Click here to review program guidelines.

–U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is offering grants to nonprofit and public agencies – “to develop and implement targeted strategies for substance use disorder treatment provision to address a specific population or area of focus identified by the community.” Maximum Amount: $375,000. Deadline: 3/25/2019. Click here for program guidelines and application materials.

–Indian Health Services is offering pre-graduate scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native students to enroll in courses leading to a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-podiatry, or pre-optometry. Deadline to apply: 3/28/2019. Click here for more information and to apply.

–Healthy Connections Funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN Foundation. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation’s mission is to make a healthy difference in communities by advancing health equity and improving conditions where people live, learn, work and play. We’re pleased to announce a new funding opportunity for applicants focused on creating safe, welcoming and connected communities. A total of up to $1.4 million is available over two years. The deadline for this funding opportunity is Friday, March 29, 2019, at 4 p.m. Learn more on their website

–AARP Purpose Prize honors extraordinary individuals 50 years of age and older who use their life experience to make a better future for all. The Prize recognizes those with the passion and experience to create new ways to solve tough social problems. Five winners annually receive $60,000 each to celebrate their achievements and broaden the scope of their work. Nominees, who may be working for organizations in the nonprofit, public, or private sectors, must be legal residents of the U.S. or U.S. citizens living abroad who have started their work at the age of 40 or later. Nomination deadline: 3/31/2019. Visit the Purpose Prize website here to read the official rules and access the nomination form.

—National Park Service is offering funding through The Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program. The program supports the rehabilitation of rural historic properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Applicants must make subgrants for physical preservation projects. Deadline is 4/1/2019. Click here for more information and to apply.

—Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative – Grants to States and Communities Grants to support the development and expansion of dementia-capable home and community-based service systems in states and communities. Application Deadline: April 1, 2019.

—Building Communities of Recovery Grants to support the development, enhancement, expansion, and delivery of substance abuse recovery support services and recovery education. Application Deadline: April 2, 2019.

—Action for Healthy Kids is offering funding through School Grants for Healthy Kids, an initiative of Action for Healthy Kids, to K-12 schools for school breakfast and physical activity programs. The following grant programs are being offered in 2019: School Breakfast Grants of $1,000, $2,000, or $3,000 will be provided to K-12 schools nationwide to introduce or expand a school breakfast program. Game On Grants of $1,000 will be provided to schools in selected states to improve or introduce new nutrition and physical activity programs. Parent-Led Grants of $1,000 will be provided to parents or parent groups in selected states to revamp or introduce fitness, nutrition, and other wellness programs so that all students have access to healthy choices. Deadline: 4/5/2019 for all three programs. Visit the Action for Healthy Kids website here to learn more about the programs and application process.

—The Bush Prize for Community Innovation honors innovative nonprofit organizations and government entities with a track record of making great ideas happen in the regions the Bush Foundation serves: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, as well as the 23 Native nations that share the same geography. The Bush Prize does not prioritize any specific issues and instead is open to community innovations that address all sorts of needs and opportunities. At least half of the Bush Prize winners will be organizations that address racial and economic disparities in the region. Prize winners will receive a package of recognition, along with a flexible grant of 25 percent of their last fiscal year budget, up to a $500,000 grant. Applications will be accepted from 3/5/2019 through 4/11/2019. Visit the Foundation’s website here to download the 2019 Bush Prize Info Packet.

—National Endowment for the Arts is offering grants through Challenge America to support projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations. Matching grants are for $10,000. Deadline: 4/11/2019. Click here for program guidelines.

—Grain Bin Rescue Equipment and Training Contest Awards for rural emergency first responders that include grain rescue tubes and hands-on rescue training. Application Deadline: April 30, 2019.

—Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Grants Grants to improve telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas through the use of telemedicine, computer networks, and related advanced technologies. Application Deadline: May 15, 2019.

TRAINING/ MEETINGS

–AURI’s New Uses Forum will be held March 27-28 at the Minneapolis Marriott West. The 2019 New Uses Forum is dedicated to the idea of accelerating innovation and investment. It brings together some of the most knowledgeable voices on topics related to new uses innovation, including development, investment and support. To register go to: <https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efzg2nct8147cbcd&oseq=&c=&ch=>

–Free Webinar: Civics, Civility, and Circles. In today’s fractionalized, tribalized world it seems what divides us is often more apparent than what unites us. Add the cacophonous soundtrack of incivility that dominates discourse, and a toxic environment emerges that is fraying the fabric or our communities. Most Americans would like to see things change.

We talk to leaders committed to making change happen using creative and innovative ways to educate, communicate, and engage residents, all designed to be used by anyone wishing to start positive change—right now. Guests: Emma Humphries, iCivics; Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer, National Institute for Civil Discourse, and Julie Mashack, Ben Franklin Circles.

Please join us for this free webinar. Civics, Civility, and Circles—How to Restore & Create Community, Now!, Thursday, March 28, 1-2 p.m. Eastern.

–The Northwest Minnesota Tourism Conference, presented by the Riverland Association, will be held on Tuesday, April 2, at the University of Minnesota in Crookston. Northwest Minnesota Tourism Conference Is April 2 in Crookston

—National expo to highlight zero energy schools April 8-9 in Saint Paul. Minnesota schools looking to achieve zero energy in the coming years and interested school stakeholders will have an opportunity to learn more from zero energy school case studies and lectures, thanks to the national Green Schools Conference & Expo (GBCE) that will be held April 8-9 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in Saint Paul.

Among sessions focused on a variety of topics, the conference will offer two unique zero energy school educational sessions to help a wide variety of school staff, including facility coordinators, administrators, superintendents, and others, as well as school stakeholders to learn more. For more on these two sessions and the overall conference, visit http://greenschoolsconference.org/. The Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Division of Energy Resources is a partner in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Schools Accelerator Program.

–MN Campus Compact Summit and Presidents’ Awards Luncheon will be held April 10, 2019 at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. For more information go to: https://mncampuscompact.org/event/2019-state-summit-and-awards-luncheon/

–MHTA Annual Spring Conference – Registration Now Open. For a limited time, MHTA is offering a 15% discount OFF the EARLY registration fee for our May 9 Annual Spring Conference. Accenture will kick off the conference by sharing their research and technology vision. You’ll learn more about advanced technology and the workforce of tomorrow at workshops and demos throughout the day. Go to: https://web.cvent.com/event/bab44112-19cf-4b17-96e7-5865c95c6fdd/summary?utm_term=0_c20ce40c88-2fd69d99bf-189691937&utm_campaign=2fd69d99bf-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_13_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_source=TECHtuesday%20Subscribers

–21st Annual Minnesota Rural Health Conference June 17 – 18, 2019 in Duluth, MN. Conference Website

–Hold the Dates:

The SciMathMN and The Works Museum joint conference on STEM education will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at the University of Minnesota Continuing Education Center.

Nonprofit Leadership Conference, June 13, 2019, Minneapolis (co-hosted with the Humphrey School).
Nonprofit Fundraising Conference, July 25, 2019, Brooklyn Center (co-hosted with AFP-MN).
The 2019 Rural Arts & Culture Summit will take place October 3-5 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. This year they are particularly interested in session ideas that address the idea of “Creative People Power” in rural place.

21-22 are the dates for the 2019 Gateway to Solar Conference, the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) has announced. The annual conference is Minnesota’s largest industry-led solar trade group conference and will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis. Read more.

MCN Annual Conference, October 24 – 25, 2019, Rochester.

OPPORTUNITIES

–DOT solicitation is now open. The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is one of 11 federal agencies that participates in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. U.S. DOT’s highly competitive SBIR program awards contracts to domestic small businesses to pursue research on and develop innovative solutions to our nation’s transportation challenges. READ MORE

–Xcel Energy opened its 2019 Solar*Rewards Program for residential and commercial customers on Jan. 28, 2019, with approximately $1 million of the $10 million program earmarked for its Income-Qualified Customers program. The low-income carve out is designed to offer solar options to Xcel’s income-qualified customers with limited resources and to those who serve low-income constituents.

General residential qualifiers of Solar*Rewards will receive an annual production incentive of 7 cents per kWh for the first 10 years of the system; general commercial qualifiers will receive 6 cents per kWh for 10 years. Single-family qualifiers of the Solar*Rewards Income-Qualified Program will receive an upfront payment of $2 per watt and annual production incentives of 7 cents per kWh over the first 10 years. To qualify for the incentive as a single family, applicants must be qualified as a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) participant. Read more about the Solar*Rewards Program and other utility solar incentive programs.

—National Center for Farmworker Health Bobbi Ryder Migrant Health Champion Award
Scholarships for individuals pursuing or continuing their career in the migrant health field, thus contributing to the development of the Community/Migrant Health Center workforce. Application Deadline: March 29, 2019.

—Leadership Awards Now Open! The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) is committed to building the strength and integrity of the nonprofit sector statewide. We are honored to open nominations for the 2019 Nonprofit Leadership Awards.

This year, the Center for Integrative Leadership (CIL) at the University of Minnesota will join MCN in recognizing nonprofit leaders with three distinct awards:

Catalytic Leader (emerging leader award) – This leader effectively leads from the middle and uses informal authority to shape the direction and progress of their work, and that of the organization.
Visionary Leader (mid-career leader award) -This leader demonstrates the ability to develop and implement creative and effective organizational leadership strategies.
Transformational Leader (experienced leader award) – This leader effectively demonstrates commitment to the nonprofit sector, having served in a strategic or significant nonprofit role and with at least 20 years of professional experience.

Nominate someone today who exemplifies these characteristics! Nominations are open until March 30. For more information and to submit your nomination, visit our website.

—Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service Monetary awards that honor hospitals that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to community service. Application Deadline: April 5, 2019.

–Join the Million Women Mentors/Minnesota for their next Trailblazers event at Mall of America on April 18^th. Free to attend. Trailblazers connects female professionals in STEM careers with female students in high school and college to support the pursuit of STEM careers.

–The National Development Council, in partnership with Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) and the EPA Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities (TAB), is seeking feedback to expand the National Economic Development Mentoring Network. The Network is a new program that will facilitate exchange and mentoring among economic development practitioners and their communities. Fill out the brief survey linked here.

— Agricultural Safety and Health: The Core Course Scholarship Awards scholarships to attend the Agricultural Safety and Health Core Course to be held in Iowa in June, 2019.

—LifeSmarts Online Consumer Challenge The National Consumers League hosts LifeSmarts, an online competition open to all students in grades 6-12. LifeSmarts celebrates 25 years of empowering teens to become smart, savvy consumers. Each month, LifeSmarts focuses on a different category important to teen consumers: personal finance, health and safety, consumer rights, technology, and the environment. Students compete online and in-person throughout the year to win scholarships and prizes. Experts in LifeSmarts subject areas are also needed to serve as judges and officials at the state and national competitions.

—NGPF Nationwide Scholarship Contest Next Gen Personal Finance sponsors this scholarship contest for high school students. Ten $5,000 and numerous $500 Honorable Mention scholarships will be awarded nationwide.

—2020 Minnesota Census Jobs, United States Census Bureau

MISCELLANEOUS

—e-Connectivity @ USDA: Broadband Resources for Rural America Provides an overview of e-connectivity and briefly covers its benefits related to healthcare, education, the economy, and public safety. Describes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) role in e-connectivity in rural areas. Includes a USDA e-connectivity resource matrix highlighting 27 programs to serve as a guide for planning, researching, and implementing e-connectivity activities and projects. Covers USDA program success stories that expanded broadband access in their rural communities.

—American Broadband Initiative Milestones Report Highlights steps for the federal government to take to increase broadband access and increase private-sector investments in broadband. Discusses broadband and mobile broadband deployment and adoption in the U.S. and offers statistics by urban, rural, and tribal lands. Provides recommendations discussing strategies, objectives, and overcoming barriers to increase broadband in urban and rural areas and tribal lands.

—Evidence-Based Strategies for Preventing Opioid Overdose: What’s Working in the United States A guide for community leaders, public health, law enforcement, and others working to address the opioid crisis in their community. Identifies evidence-based practices that have been successfully implemented in the U.S. and are effective in reducing rates of opioid overdose. Includes strategies focused on naloxone distribution, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), addressing opioid use in criminal justice settings, syringe services, and more.

—Social Determinants of Health for Rural People This topic guide has been updated throughout, and includes a new Frequently Asked Question on ways healthcare providers can address social determinants for their patients.

—Advancing Tobacco Prevention and Control in Rural America Discusses different contexts for rural tobacco prevention and control, such as sociodemographic risk factors, culture, and infrastructure. Includes statistics on the national prevalence of tobacco users in the past month by rural and urban adults. Describes three types of tobacco control and prevention efforts in rural areas: cessation, prevention of initiation, and smoke free air. Offers recommendation on rural tobacco prevention and control for federal and state agencies, and communities, tribes, and other stakeholders. Additional links: Executive Summary

—The Prosperity Now Scorecard provides advocates, policymakers and practitioners with national, state, and local data to begin a conversation about solutions and policies across five issue areas: financial assets and income; businesses and jobs; homeownership and housing; and health care and education. Click here to learn more and access the Scorecard.

—Data Feature: Rural Population Trends The decline in U.S. rural population, which began in 2010, has reversed for the first time this decade. In 2016-17, the rural population increased by 0.1 percent, adding 33,000 people. This small overall increase continues an upturn in rural population since 2011-12, which stems from increasing rates of net migration from urban (metro) areas. Since 2011, fewer people have been moving out of rural areas and more people have been moving in. People moving to rural areas tend to persistently favor more densely settled rural areas with attractive scenic qualities, or those near large cities. Fewer are moving to sparsely settled, less scenic, and more remote locations, which compounds economic development challenges in those areas. The overall rural population has remained close to 46.1 million since 2013.

–Can Veggie Burgers Boost Rural Economies? In Great Falls, Montana, economists are rethinking ways to attract investment in local agriculture, eyeing venture capital that has been mostly targeted in places like Silicon Valley and the Northeast. Increased demand for plant-based proteins like tofu, lentil burgers, and roasted chickpeas opens the door for agritech processing using crops that have been grown in the region for generations. Great Falls, one of the state’s agriculture hubs, has created the Great Falls Agritech Park to attract this type of investment. Read more in this article featured in Route 50.

–2018 Farm Act Highlights and Implications. Go to: https://www.ers.usda.gov/agriculture-improvement-act-of-2018-highlights-and-implications/

—The 2018 Farm Bill (P.L. 115-334): Summary and Side-by-Side Comparison
Analyzes the 2018 Farm Bill by comparing House and Senate versions of the bill and the previous 2014 bill. Includes important rural provisions addressing substance abuse treatment, telemedicine funding, broadband access, and rural hospital loans.

— The Minnesota Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus has been building an Online Tool Kit designed as a one-stop repository of information pertinent to CVB/DMOs in Minnesota. MACVB’s Tool Kit Is Live

— The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) wants you to put your brain in gear to help them learn more about what Minnesota needs to make walking and biking easy, safe and fun for everyone. Take the Great Minnesota Walking & Biking Survey

–Abdo Eick & Meyers have recently come out with a report about 5 key trends that will impact nonprofit in 2019. In this article, they discuss everything including government funding, technology, and the often-discussed donor advised funds. Take a look at what they suggest you should look out for!

—Planning and Partnerships: Coordinating Rural Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Response Rural healthcare facilities must plan and prepare for a wide range of natural and man-made disasters.

February 12, 2019

MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup February 2019: Info on grants, opportunities, events

Posted by Ann Treacy under Newsletter - Rural Round Up
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MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup January 2019: Info on grants, opportunities, events

February 2019 – Volume XVII — Number 2
Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard
Also find online at: https://wp.me/pkVGJ-8x

ACROSS THE FIELD
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
TRAINING/MEETINGS
OPPORTUNITIES
MISCELLANEOUS

ACROSS THE FIELD:

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

–The Blooming Prairie Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations nationwide that conduct any of the following activities: developmental, research, and educational efforts in the organic industry and the cooperative community; the development of organic and natural products; and cooperative development in the natural products industry. Deadline: 3/1/2019. Visit the Foundation’s website here to review the grant guidelines.

—Increasing Access to Healthy Foods Innovation Grants Grants for working with local park and recreation agencies to implement at least one of three selected innovation strategies to increase access to healthy foods within underserved communities. Application Deadline: Mar 6, 2019.

–Various grants from the Laura Jane Musser fund are upcoming:

Rural Arts Deadline: March 12, 2019 – Online proposals will be accepted starting February 12, 2019.
Environmental Initiative Deadline: March 19, 2019 – Online proposals will be accepted starting February 19, 2019.

For more information go to: https://www.musserfund.org/index.asp?page_seq=1

–Rural LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) created the Community Facilities Fund to provide capital to help develop and improve essential community facilities in rural areas. Rural LISC utilizes this fund to provide permanent and construction-to-permanent financing for rural community facilities, including health care centers, hospitals, educational facilities, and other nonprofit and public facilities in rural communities with populations under 20,000. Deadline: ongoing. Click here for more information.

— Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant Program Grants to eligible organizations to cover all or part of the costs associated with purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED).

TRAINING/ MEETINGS

—Minnesota Compass Build Your Own Data Workshop – February 20 on Wednesday, February 20, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Great River Regional Library in St. Cloud. During the event, Minnesota Compass Research Scientist Ellen Wolter will share what was learned in statewide listening sessions, demonstrate how you can use the BYO data tool to access data for the central region, and highlight current demographic trends. The event is free, but registration is required. Learn more and register.

–The 95th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF) will take place February 21-22, 2019 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. The event will offer a platform for exchanging ideas, information and best practices among producers, processors, policymakers, government officials, and non-governmental organizations, both domestic and foreign. Click here for more information and to register.

–The 29th annual Energy Design Conference & Expo will be held Feb. 26-27 in Duluth to provide the latest in energy-efficient building and technologies, renewable energy, best practices, and responsible design. The conference, hosted by Minnesota Power, will feature more than 40 sessions from some of the best educators in the energy field and provides participants with opportunities to connect with peers and other energy-conscious attendees. Early-bird registration with discounted fees ends Feb. 1, 2019. To register and for details, read more.

–The Aspen Institute will host “All Together Now: Advancing 2Gen Strategies in Rural America” via live streaming and an in-person event Thursday, February 28, 2019, 12:00 to 1:30 pm EST in Washington, D.C. How can local organizations, businesses and parents partner to help struggling and striving rural families get ahead – and stay there? Over the past decade, innovative “two-generation (2Gen)” or “whole family” approaches have emerged as a promising answer. The 2Gen approach aims to intentionally coordinate and align often-isolated programs for kids and their parents (or grandparents) in ways that help accelerate progress on three fronts: (1) parents with family-supporting jobs; (2) children meeting developmental milestones; and (3) families able to fully support and promote their children’s development. To register to watch or attend in person by clicking here.

—Economic Development in Indian Country: Challenges and Opportunities. This free event will be held at the Minneapolis Fed on February 28 at 7:00 p.m. and is preceded by an optional tour. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Assistant Vice President and Director of the Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) Patrice Kunesh for a conversation focusing on Native communities, the Center’s strategies to impact socioeconomic outcomes, and its aim to close disparity gaps. The CICD is a nationally recognized thought leader and clearinghouse for resources and initiatives concerning Native economic development.

–Minnesota GreenStep Cities on March 6 at 9 a.m. will host “Shared Mobility & Electric Vehicles: What We’ve Learned,” a workshop dedicated to shared mobility (think bike share programs), electric vehicles, and autonomous vehicles. City and tribal government staff, elected officials, and appointed officials are invited to attend this free workshop to learn more about this local government sustainability topic. Attend in person at the League of Minnesota Cities building in St. Paul or attend remotely via GoTo Meeting. Learn more.

–The 2019 Nonprofit Communications & Technology Conference, happening on March 7 at the St. Paul RiverCentre, is the place to focus your lasers on the latest and greatest in all things nonprofit communications and tech. Join the conference to engage in conversations about digital design, cybersecurity, content strategy, social media, online fundraising, and so much more! Get ready to propel your nonprofit further and faster in 2019. Register today!

— Cultivating Resiliency for Women in Agriculture: Increasing Your Joy and Happiness While Living a Farm Life March 8th from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Central Time sponsored by
American Agri-Women, University of Minnesota Extension, Upper Midwest Agriculture Safety and Health Center. doris@sunriseag.net

–21st Annual Minnesota Rural Health Conference June 17 – 18, 2019 in Duluth, MN Conference Website

–Hold the Dates:

The SciMathMN and The Works Museum joint conference on STEM education will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at the University of Minnesota Continuing Education Center.

Nonprofit Leadership Conference, June 13, 2019, Minneapolis (co-hosted with the Humphrey School)
Nonprofit Fundraising Conference, July 25, 2019, Brooklyn Center (co-hosted with AFP-MN)
MCN Annual Conference, October 24 – 25, 2019, Rochester

OPPORTUNITIES

—National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program Loan repayment assistance for primary healthcare professionals who agree to serve in Health Professional Shortage Areas. Application Deadline: February 21, 2019.

—Udall Scholarship Scholarships for Native Americans and Alaska Native students pursuing careers related to tribal public policy, self-governance, native health, or the environment. Application Deadline: March 7, 2019.

–MPCA is seeking a Minnesota-based company to host one green chemistry & engineering intern this summer. The maximum grant funding is $10,000. The host company and intern gain experience advancing green chemistry and engineering practices to one or more of the company’s products or components in any way that supports improved product safety. For more details, visit the MPCA Green and Safer Chemistry webpage. Submit questions to grants.pca@state.mn.us, with the subject line “Green Chemistry & Engineering Internship Q&A”. Company applications are due March 13, 2019.

— Agricultural Safety and Health: The Core Course Scholarship Awards scholarships to attend the Agricultural Safety and Health Core Course to be held in Iowa in June, 2019.

—2020 Minnesota Census Jobs, United States Census Bureau

MISCELLANEOUS

— Rural Philanthropy Toolkit This new toolkit, developed in collaboration with the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis, is designed to help rural organizations create and maintain partnerships with philanthropies. Includes guidance on conducting outreach, model programs, emerging strategies, and a wealth of resources.

— 2020 Census Needs Funder Support to Ensure Rural Inclusion Discusses the importance of an accurate count in the upcoming census, especially in rural areas where it can be more difficult to arrive at an accurate count. Census numbers are used to determine federal funding distribution as well as things like hospital sites and where investments in infrastructure are made. Highlights one foundation in Minnesota that has been heavily invested in ensuring an accurate census count in their area and includes tips for how other foundations can do the same.

— The Farm Bill Shows a Shift to a More Innovative Rural America Details portions of the recently passed Farm Bill designed to encourage the work of innovators, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in rural areas. This includes funding for technology infrastructure, digital job training centers, and other physical locations like makerspaces and co-working offices.

— How many Minnesotans lack broadband? Microsoft recently unveiled an interactive map that compares FCC broadband maps to their own research on what their customers seem able to access. The FCC reports that 409,000 people lack access in Minnesota; Microsoft reports 3 million. https://wp.me/p3if7-4Ub

–How does Minnesota rank? Minnesota is top ten in State Technology & Science Index, but slipped to number eight. https://wp.me/p3if7-4Tv

–Next Century Cities has released a toolkit that offers a step-by-step guide on how to assess and establish broadband options. Among the steps the toolkit recommends are having a dedicated staff member to oversee broadband access, building community support and prioritizing digital inclusion to bring in underserved residents. Access the toolkit here.

—It’s been a decade since the Great Recession ended. How has Minnesota recovered? At a high level, our state continues to see progress on several economic measures. But it would be inaccurate to conclude that the progress our state has made has delivered for all.

—No change in poverty in most Minnesota counties Most Minnesota counties saw no change in poverty between 2012 and 2017, but 11 counties saw statistically significant declines.

—HHS: Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines Announces the updated 2019 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, and Hawaii, which took effect January 11, 2019. The HHS poverty guidelines are a simplified version of the poverty thresholds issued by the U.S. Census Bureau and are used to determine eligibility for several federal programs.

–RHIHub has updated its “Rural Emergency Preparedness and Response Guide.” The guide shows how rural communities can prepare for and effectively respond to disasters and other large-scale emergencies. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has published “Rural Communities in Crisis: A Critical Count to Save Lives During the Opioid Epidemic.” The toolkit suggests a method that rural communities can use to estimate the size and characteristics of the population who inject drugs, and includes a toolkit describing the approach and an online calculation tool that can be used to estimate service needs in a community related to the opioid crisis. Access the toolkit here.

— Telehealth Changes Will Increase Rural Broadband Demand Discusses policy changes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which will likely lead to expanded use of telehealth. It it expected that telehealth expansion will similarly drive broadband development, especially because of the effectiveness of using telehealth to address opioid use disorder.

— Rural Hospitals Retreat from Delivering Babies; Small Towns Pay the Price Details rural obstetrics units closing in Minnesota and across the country and discusses the impact this can have on rural communities. Not only does it directly impact new mothers and their babies, but it can deter young families from moving to those rural areas entirely.

— Rural Care Coordination Toolkit This toolkit, created in partnership with the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis and the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, has received updates throughout, including substantial revisions to the Implementation module. This module delves into considerations for workforce and staffing, different populations, quality improvement, and adopting a whole-person mindset.

–Culture of Health Blog at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation features an article “Data Maps the Impact of Where a Child Grows Up.” The post details the Opportunity Atlas, a collaboration between researchers at the Census Bureau, Harvard University, and Brown University, which provides county-level data on children’s outcomes into adulthood. Data from each county can be analyzed by race, gender, income, and by location-specific details like access to good schools, affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, and quality healthcare. The post includes some discussion of how this data can be used and the value of local solutions. Click here to access the data.

—Rural Communities in Crisis: A Critical Count to Save Lives During the Opioid Epidemic A method rural communities can use to estimate the size and characteristics of the population who inject drugs. Includes a toolkit describing the approach and an online calculation tool that can be used to estimate service needs in a community related to the opioid crisis. Additional links: Calculation Tool, Toolkit: Applying Population Estimation Methods in Rural America

—Community Health Center Chartbook, 2019 Features graphs, figures, and maps to document services provided by health centers, characteristics of the patients served, and progress made in improving access to healthcare, including in rural areas. Reports on health centers’ financial health, workforce status, economic impact, challenges to meeting the demand for healthcare needs, and more. Includes statistics on telehealth service offerings with breakdowns by urban or rural status.

—EMS Agenda 2050: A People-Centered Vision for the Future of Emergency Medical Services Serves as an update to the 1996 EMS Agenda for the Future. Reports the vision of emergency medical services (EMS) of the future and describes 6 guiding principles to help EMS and communities create a more people-centered EMS system. Discusses challenges specific to rural communities, such as EMS workforce issues.

— This is the final year residents can claim the full 30% federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit. For residents considering a solar energy system (PV or hot water), small wind system, ground source heat pump, or other eligible systems, 2019 is a good time to install it. The current tax credit means a taxpayer may claim a credit of 30% of qualified expenditures for a system that serves a dwelling unit located in the United States that is owned and used as a residence by the taxpayer. The tax credit for all eligible systems will phase down over the next three years from 30% in 2019, 26% in 2020, and 22% in 2021, and it will end in 2022. There is a similar Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) available for businesses, with a similar phase down schedule. Read more (pdf) about the tax credit and other –incentives for renewables.

–How does a bill become a law in MN and who can you contact about it? https://wp.me/p3if7-4Vl

–Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) publishes an “Opportunity Zones Update Newsletter” featuring articles, resources and events. See the latest issue by clicking here, and click here to subscribe.

–A field report by National 4-H Council and The Bridgespan Group, “Social Mobility in Rural America,” showcases rural communities that are surmounting obstacles and helping their young people build a brighter future. Click here to read and download the report.

–Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are starting to feel squeezed by on-going threats to many of the funding sources that have helped make their work in affordable housing, health, and small businesses possible. To ensure that CDFIs can continue to serve communities, the industry must innovate and attract new sources of financing and investment. In a Spotlight on the state of the industry, LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) Institute has compiled resources to help practitioners understand how industry leaders are thinking about changes in the community development financing field, and what the industry needs to consider to keep up with the needs and demands of our communities, as well as to engage new investors. Access all the resources by clicking here.

–An article in Shelterforce, “How to Fund Land Banks,” illustrates that the number of land banks grew dramatically in the wake of the foreclosure crisis, and so has our understanding of how to successfully fund them. Read the article by clicking here.

January 8, 2019

MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup January 2019: Info on grants, opportunities, events

Posted by Ann Treacy under Newsletter - Rural Round Up
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JANUARY 2019 – Volume XVII — Number 1
Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard
Also find online at: https://wp.me/pkVGJ-8x

ACROSS THE FIELD
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
TRAINING/MEETINGS
OPPORTUNITIES
MISCELLANEOUS

ACROSS THE FIELD: Rural Round-Up: Seventeen Years & Counting

Here’s a shout-out to the best friends & colleagues in the world: the co-editors of this publication, Deb Miller-Slipek and Ann Treacy! They have volunteered since Day One in the life of this erstwhile, electronic, and monthly MN Rural Partners Rural RoundUp. They keep the tank full of stories and the web carrier deck primed to lift off yet another issue. Today begins our 17^th year and approximately 193^rd issue (not counting the months – a few – when we –usually me — just couldn’t get one out to you). The RoundUp is the proud remainder & reminder of a once robust state rural development partnership in Minnesota and in the nation.

For any new readers or those of you who may have missed the history….Minnesota was blessed to have one of the best State Rural Development Partnerships in the USA, started along about 1995 as a federal-state-tribal-private and non-profit sector rural resource and inter-agency coordinating council. About six years earlier, Federal government agencies that assisted Rural America, from Health & Human Services, Commerce, Veteran’s Affairs and more, actually donated some of their “extra” funds each budget year to create a shared fund administered by USDA Rural Development to pay for federal-state coordination of rural development planning and strategy. A “New Governance” model, it quite literally crossed traditional lines of funding and administrative authority. Minnesota’s Rural Partnership – about 22 agencies and organizations crossing sectors, disciplines, and political administrations – joined the National Partnership after the first round of pilot states, and operated with just over $100,000/year from the national office.

Unfortunately, over the next decade, federal funding dwindled, and state partnership councils, while authorized still by Congressional action, were strongly encouraged to become non-profit organizations and seek their own funding sources. Minnesota Rural Partners, Inc. incorporated in 1999 (20 years ago!) and that’s when the model fell apart because the “partnership” was now competing with its partners for grant funds.

We closed shop around 2010, except for the MRP Rural RoundUp. It has remained intact because of Deb’s amazing ability to find incredibly helpful bits and pieces of rural news, updates, research (Deb was MRP’s founding partner from USDA in MN), and because of Ann’s wonderful ability to keep our web presence going on fumes (Ann is a certified web wizard, active since Day One of the Internet in MN). And you, dear readers, thank you for sending us enough encouraging notes over the years to keep us keeping on. I remain, too, as an often humbled and always persistent co-editor, keeping my day job in the Cities so the home farm taxes get paid.
–Jane Leonard

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

–The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced grant funding opportunities for park and trail projects across Minnesota. Applications are now being accepted for the following grant programs:

These grants help local governments throughout the state create partnerships with the DNR to fund projects including local parks, regional trails and trail connections. Eligibility requirements, deadlines, and other details can be found on the DNR website at mndnr.gov.

–BIG READ is accepting grant applications for Community-Wide Reading Programs. Seventy-five grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations for community-wide reading programs that encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences. Deadline: 1/24/2019. Click here to review funding guidelines and to apply.

–CLIF BAR Family Foundation is accepting grant applications for the Foundation’s Small Grants Program. General support grants of up to $7,000 as well as funding for specific projects will be awarded to nonprofits working in one or more of the foundation’s five focus areas — promoting Earth’s beauty and bounty; creating a robust, healthy food system; increasing opportunities for outdoor activity; reducing environmental health hazards; and building stronger communities. Deadline: 2/1/2019. For program guidelines and to apply, click here.

–The National Endowment for the Arts has released new guidelines for FY 2020 Art Works grants, including new deadlines and application information for each discipline. Deadline: 2/14/2019. This will be the only opportunity to apply for Art Works funding in the Design discipline in 2019. Applications in February are for funding starting on January 1, 2020. Click here to review the guidelines.

–The Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI), a public-private partnership administered by Reinvestment Fund on behalf of USDA Rural Development, is currently offering grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 as well as technical assistance to eligible healthy food retail projects across the country to overcome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas. Funded projects must 1) plan to expand or preserve the availability of staple and perishable foods in underserved areas with low- and moderate-income populations by maintaining or increasing the number of retail outlets that offer an assortment of perishable and staple foods in those areas, and 2) accept benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP). Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, for-profit business enterprises, cooperatively-owned businesses, institutions of higher education, state and local governmental agencies, and tribal governmental agencies. Deadline: 2/14/2019. Visit the HFFI website here to learn more about the eligibility guidelines and application process.

—Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Assistance Program Grants for collaborative projects designed to address and prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in rural communities.
Letter of Intent (Optional): Jan 29, 2019. Application Deadline: February 14, 2019.

–The AMERISOURCEBERGEN Foundation is offering funding through the Opioid Resource Grant Program. The Program will provide nonprofit organizations in communities across the United States with grants ranging up to $100,000 to combat the epidemic of opioid misuse. Priority will be given to organizations addressing the following three key areas of focus: safe disposal, education around prevention, and innovative solutions. (Funding requests for treatment, recovery, or treatment-related research will not be considered.) 2019 Deadlines: Letters of intent will be accepted from January 1 through February 15 and July 1 through August 15. Visit the Foundation’s website here to download the Opioid Resource Grant Program guidelines.

—Environmental Justice Small Grants Program Grants to support community-driven projects designed to engage, educate, and empower communities to better understand local environmental and public health issues and develop strategies for addressing those issues, building consensus in the community, and setting community priorities. Application Deadline: February 15, 2019.

–Various grants from the Laura Jane Musser fund are upcoming:

Rural Arts Deadline: March 12, 2019 – Online proposals will be accepted starting February 12, 2019.
Environmental Initiative Deadline: March 19, 2019 – Online proposals will be accepted starting February 19, 2019.

For more information go to: https://www.musserfund.org/index.asp?page_seq=1

— Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant Program Grants to eligible organizations to cover all or part of the costs associated with purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED).

TRAINING/ MEETINGS

–January 15 Opportunities for Bipartisan Tech Policy in DC and Livestreamed in St Paul. A half day event bringing together members of Congress, community leaders, and policy experts. Keynote conversations and panel discussions will work to determine key policy goals and action steps for the new Congress, with a specific focus on rural broadband, digital privacy and security, and spectrum legislation.
https://wp.me/p3if7-4U6

—January 16: St. Croix Valley Foundation Conversations of the Valley

Minnesota Compass Research Scientist Ellen Wolter will present “What the Future Holds – How our region is changing and what does that mean?” with data trends from across the region, and how to access and use Minnesota Compass resources. Learn more and register.

—January 24: Economic Development Association of Minnesota winter conference

Minnesota Compass Project Director Allison Liuzzi and James P. Shannon Leadership Institute Director Damon Shoholm will present on “Changing Demographics & the Future of Minnesota.” Learn more and register.

—Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference Location Announced Explore Minnesota is excited to announce the 2019 Tourism Conference will be held in Minnesota’s capital city, St. Paul, on February 4-6, 2019.

–AURI’s New Uses Forum will be held March 27-28 at the Minneapolis Marriott West.

–21^st Annual Minnesota Rural Health Conference June 17 – 18, 2019 in
Duluth, MN Conference Website

–Hold the Dates:

Nonprofit Leadership Conference, June 13, 2019, Minneapolis (co-hosted with the Humphrey School)
Nonprofit Fundraising Conference, July 25, 2019, Brooklyn Center (co-hosted with AFP-MN)
MCN Annual Conference, October 24 – 25, 2019, Rochester

OPPORTUNITIES

–Women’s March Minnesota (WMM) is working to better serve/promote women throughout Minnesota. Please complete the survey to help them know how they can better reach everyone with our ideals, events and ongoing communication. Entries that include email addresses will be put in a hat for a chance to win one of three $50 Visa gift cards. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RMWKPM6

—Native American Congressional Internship A summer internship for Native American and Alaska Native students who wish to learn more about the federal government and issues affecting Indian country. Application Deadline: January 31, 2019.

–2019 Charles Benton Digital Equity Champion Award Applications Open
NDIA is looking for nominations for the fourth annual Charles Benton Digital Equity Champion Award. This year, we are excited to announce that not only one award will be presented, but two. In addition to recognizing an outstanding person who has truly made a difference in the field of Digital Equity, we wish to recognize an up and coming Digital Inclusion Practitioner as well.
Eligibility for this award is limited to U.S. residents. The nomination form can be completed here: Nomination Form The deadline for nominations for this year’s award is midnight Eastern Daylight Time February 1, 2019. For more information and to see past awardees – Charles Benton Digital Equity Champion Award

—2020 Minnesota Census Jobs, United States Census Bureau

MISCELLANEOUS

—Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018: Highlights and Implications The United States addresses agricultural and food policy through a variety of programs, including commodity support, nutrition assistance, and conservation. The primary legal framework for agricultural policy is set through a legislative process that occurs approximately every 5 years.

—America’s Diverse Family Farms: 2018 Edition Ninety-eight percent of U.S. farms are family farms, and they account for 87% of production.

–Minnesota’s aging population is increasing dramatically. According to Minnesota Compass, between 2010 and 2030, our state’s 65+ population is expected to nearly double. While that projection becomes a reality, according to the AARP, available caregivers are to decline dramatically as the Boomer Generation transitions from caregivers to care recipients. Meanwhile, according to a Pew survey, “nearly half (47%) of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising a young child or financially supporting a grown child.”

This emerging group is referred to as the sandwich generation and there is little understanding surrounding the complexities and challenges of the caregiving they provide.> Click here to read more about this upcoming work.

–Energy Efficiency Potential Study: Minnesota utilities can continue to meet or exceed energy-savings goals over next decade. Minnesota utilities should be able to continue to meet or exceed their annual energy-savings goals over the next decade, according to the “Minnesota Energy Efficiency Potential Study: 2020-2029,” a study prepared for the Minnesota Department of Commerce and released on Dec. 4. The study outlines how utilities can continue their success with both existing and new energy-saving measures that benefit Minnesota households and businesses. It estimates that by 2029 utility conservation programs could decrease demand for electricity by 14% and by 11% for natural gas. Read the full study (pdf).

–A new study commissioned by the Minnesota Commerce Department finds that Minnesota could achieve 10% solar energy by 2025 at costs comparable to natural gas generation. The study’s findings also suggest that expected cost reductions for solar, wind and storage could enable Minnesota to achieve 70% solar and wind by 2050.The Solar Potential Analysis Report was prepared by Clean Power Research on behalf of the MN Solar Pathways initiative, a three-year project funded by a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office. The project focuses on strategies for meeting Minnesota’s solar energy goal of 10% by 2030.

Minnesota is on track to exceed its current Renewable Electricity Standard of 25% by 2025, and it is also close to meeting the current Solar Electricity Standard of 1.5% by the end of 2020. Read the full Solar Potential Analysis Report (pdf) or download a press release (pdf) about the report.

–Minnesota’s clean energy progress is continuing at a strong pace. Overall, renewable energy generated 24.9% of the state’s electricity in 2017 compared to 8.4% in 2007, an increase of about 300% in the past decade, according to the most recent Minnesota Renewable Energy Update from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Wind alone generated 18.2% of Minnesota’s electricity in 2017, and large increases in wind power are expected over the next three years from projects that are already approved and currently under construction or in development. Meanwhile, electricity produced in the state from coal dropped to 39% in 2017 from 59% in 2007. For the first time, renewables surpassed nuclear energy (23%) as the second largest source of electricity generated in Minnesota.

As a result of forward-looking state policies such as the Renewable Electricity Standard, along with technological advances and lower costs for renewables, Minnesota utilities are moving ahead with ambitious plans to expand their electricity generation from clean energy such as wind and solar. For specific updates on wind and solar and utility plans for expanded renewable energy, read the Minnesota Renewable Energy Update, November 2017.

—America’s Health Rankings Annual Report 2018 provides a national and state-by-state overview of population health by analyzing 35 measures to describe health outcomes in the U.S. Provides rural specific information and statistics by residence, obesity, excessive alcohol use, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes, health status, mental and physical distress. Additional links: Executive Summary

—Roundup of 2018 Approved State Telehealth Legislation summarizes telehealth legislation enacted in 2018, including some rural specific initiatives. Covers a variety of legislative topics, such as cross-state licensing, Medicaid reimbursement, network adequacy, demonstration project, online prescribing, and more.

—Rural Long-Term Care Facilities this topic guide has been updated with new information throughout, including two Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on quality initiatives and oral healthcare.

—HHS, in Partnership with Industry, Releases Voluntary Cybersecurity Practices for the Health Industry announces the release of “Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices (HICP): Managing Threats and Protecting Patients,” a four volume publication providing voluntary cybersecurity practices to help healthcare organizations of all types and sizes reduce their cybersecurity risks.

—Promoting Mental Health in Rural Areas discusses the importance of self-care to promote good mental health for farmers and ranchers and offers tips to help reduce stress.

–Couldn’t make it to the Minneapolis Fed’s Innovation in Early Childhood Development and K-12 Education event last October 23-24? Videos of the conference sessions are available for viewing here.

–Looking for more information on community development issues and best practices? Connect to hundreds of resources from the Federal Reserve System at FedCommunities.org, an online portal that can be browsed by region, resource type, or topic.

—Broadband Subscription Rate for U.S. Counties Bar chart showing average broadband subscription rates for households with incomes under $50,000 and incomes of $50,000 or more, for mostly urban, mostly rural, and completely rural counties.

December 11, 2018

MN Rural Partners Rural Roundup November 2018: Info on grants, opportunities, events

Posted by Ann Treacy under Newsletter - Rural Round Up
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DECEMBER 2018 – Volume XVI — Number 11
Compiled & edited by Deb Miller Slipek, Ann Treacy, and Jane Leonard
Also find online at: https://wp.me/pkVGJ-8t

ACROSS THE FIELD
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
TRAINING/MEETINGS
OPPORTUNITIES
MISCELLANEOUS

ACROSS THE FIELD: https://wp.me/pkVGJ-8t

This month we’re going with an opportunity that Ann Treacy is working on through Women’s March MN. We may hear from Jane next week after the Thriving by Design meeting:

MNxMN is a community of Minnesota activists and advocates working together to empower civic engagement in Minnesota. They hold an annual civic activism conference that focuses on deepening attendees’ understanding of issues, teaching them skills and tools, and connecting them with other activists as well as with activist and advocacy organizations.

It’s a great opportunity to meet other organizations and help them understand what you do. It would be nice to see representative from all of Minnesota corners of MN! Please consider joining the conference and talking about what you do and why you do it. You could:

Present a session
Have a table at the event
Sponsor an event
Endorse the event
Become a partner organization
Help promote the event
Attend the event

Last year they had more than 400 attendees, 100 presenters and trainers, and 40 sessions covering everything from Legislative Action 101, Protest Organizing 101, (there were lots of 101s), Human Trafficking/Sexual Violence, Building an Authentic Alliance with Muslims, How to set up a campaign to take on US Bank, Involving High School Students in Progressive Politics, Re-imagining relevant schools, Getting money out of politics, Building leadership for the long haul.

This year’s conference is called MNxMN2019: Beyond The Vote and is happening on Feb 24^th at Harding High School in St. Paul. Again the focus for MNxMN2019 is on issues, skills and building relationships, so that attendees can take their activism to the next level and more effectively support and add their muscle to the work of the organizations working on the frontline like yours.

Consider submitting a proposal to present!

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

—Youth Garden Grant awards funding and gardening supplies to schools and community organizations with youth-centered garden programs. Application Deadline: Dec. 17, 2018.

—DNR Seeking Applicants for $100,000 in Shooting Range Grants The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced that $100,000 in matching shooting range grants is available to improve existing five-stand, pistol, rifle, skeet or trap ranges. Due December 28^th.

–Home Depot Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 for projects that repair, modify, weatherize, or otherwise improve low-income and/or transitional housing or community facilities. Deadline to apply: 12/31/2018. Click here to review funding guidelines.

—Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDL and REDG)
Loans and grants to assist in the economic development of rural areas, including funds for healthcare facilities and equipment, telecommunications networks, and job creation projects. Application Deadline: Dec 31, 2018.

–The AMERISOURCEBERGEN Foundation is offering funding through the Opioid Resource Grant Program. The Program will provide nonprofit organizations in communities across the United States with grants ranging up to $100,000 to combat the epidemic of opioid misuse. Priority will be given to organizations addressing the following three key areas of focus: safe disposal, education around prevention, and innovative solutions. (Funding requests for treatment, recovery, or treatment-related research will not be considered.) 2019 Deadlines; letters of intent will be accepted from January 1 through February 15 and July 1 through August 15. Visit the Foundation’s website here to download the Opioid Resource Grant Program guidelines.

—Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) provides funding to small rural hospitals, through their State Office of Rural Health, to help them do any or all of the following: purchase equipment or training to attain value-based payment and care goals; join or become an accountable care organization; and purchase health information technology, equipment, or training. Application Deadline: Jan 3, 2019.

–Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is offering grants through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Planning. Planning grants designed to strengthen the capacity of multi-sector consortia to address prevention, treatment, and recovery from substance use disorder, including opioid use disorder in rural counties identified to be at the highest risk. Deadline to apply: 1/15/2019. Click here to review application guidelines and to apply.

–Various grants from the Laura Jane Musser fund are upcoming:

Rural Arts Deadline: March 12, 2019 – Online proposals will be accepted starting February 12, 2019.
Environmental Initiative Deadline: March 19, 2019 – Online proposals will be accepted starting February 19, 2019.

For more information go to: https://www.musserfund.org/index.asp?page_seq=1

–USDA is offering funding through the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program. Loans and loan guarantees will provide funds for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. Deadline: 9/30/2019. Click here for program guidelines and application materials.

–RURAL LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) created the Community Facilities Fund to provide capital to help develop and improve essential community facilities in rural areas. Rural LISC utilizes this fund to provide permanent and construction-to-permanent financing for rural community facilities, including health care centers, hospitals, educational facilities, and other nonprofit and public facilities in rural communities with populations under 20,000. Deadline: ongoing. Click here for more information.

— Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant Program Grants to eligible organizations to cover all or part of the costs associated with purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED).

TRAINING/ MEETINGS

— Learn what’s happening at Minnesota’s largest foundations on December 18. Join the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) in one of seven locations throughout Minnesota on December 18 for Minnesota Foundations 2019—annual analysis of the trends, staffing, program shifts and financial outlooks of more than 50 of Minnesota’s most active private, community and corporate foundations. This forward-looking session focuses on foundations with statewide giving priorities, as well as those with a regional focus (depending on workshop location). Participants receive a copy of MCN’s 2019 Minnesota Grants Directory.

Minnesota Foundations 2019 will be held on Tuesday, December 18 from 1 – 4:30 p.m. in St. Paul, Bemidji, Duluth, Fergus Falls, Mankato, Rochester, and St. Cloud. The workshop will also be available in Marshall on Wednesday, December 19.

–AURI’s New Uses Forum will be held March 27-28 at the Minneapolis Marriott West.

–Hold the Dates:

Nonprofit Leadership Conference, June 13, 2019, Minneapolis (co-hosted with the Humphrey School)
Nonprofit Fundraising Conference, July 25, 2019, Brooklyn Center (co-hosted with AFP-MN)
MCN Annual Conference, October 24 – 25, 2019, Rochester

OPPORTUNITIES

—All-New Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards Now Accepting Nominations Honoring the best and brightest in the Minnesota tourism industry, the reinvented Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards will be presented on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel, in conjunction with the 2019 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. Due December 14^th!

–NBCC Foundation is offering scholarships for students residing in rural areas who are currently enrolled in a master’s level counseling program and are committed to practicing in rural communities after graduation. Deadline to apply: 12/15/2018. Click here to review program guidelines.

—Bloomberg Fellows is a fellowship for individuals who want to achieve a Master’s or PhD degree in Public Health, as well as on-the-ground training and experience. The program is looking for leaders working in the areas of addiction and overdose, environmental challenges, obesity and the food system, risks to adolescent health, and violence. Application deadline is December 30, 2018.

–RFP Open Now for 2019 MCN Conferences. The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, along with our various co-hosts, welcomes your proposals for breakout sessions for three conferences coming in 2019. This is your chance to network and share your skills with your nonprofit peers!

Submit a proposal now for the following conferences:

Nonprofit Leadership Conference, June 13, 2019, Minneapolis (co-hosted with the Humphrey School)
Nonprofit Fundraising Conference, July 25, 2019, Brooklyn Center (co-hosted with AFP-MN)
MCN Annual Conference, October 24 – 25, 2019, Rochester

Want help crafting your proposal? Consider joining MCN for a FREE 1-hour virtual training starting at 1 p.m. on January 16. During this 60-minute conversation, we’ll guide you to consider ways to create a strong proposal that is likely to result in a successful conference workshop. Submissions must be completed by the end of the day, Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Find more info and submit yours on our website!

—Native American Congressional Internship A summer internship for Native American and Alaska Native students who wish to learn more about the federal government and issues affecting Indian country. Application Deadline: January 31, 2019.

—Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis 31st Annual Student Essay Contest

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is asking students in its 31st annual essay contest to use economics to describe and defend an effective immigration policy. Compass could be a great resource for student writers, especially if they are looking for trends in immigration, the economy, or the workforce. The contest is open to all high school students in the Ninth Federal Reserve District. Essays due April 19, 2019. Learn more.

—Open Positions on Explore Minnesota Tourism Council The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State released notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications.

MISCELLANEOUS

—Rural America at a Glance, 2018 Edition provides an overview of social and economic factors affecting rural America. Includes statistics and data on trends in employment, infrastructure, population, race/ethnicity, poverty, and income.

— Census 2020 – why is it important for rural Minnesota? The U.S. Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. The first census was in 1790 and to this day the goal of the census is to count every person living in the U.S. once, only once, and in the right place. Why is the census important? Here are three reasons from the Minnesota State Demographic Center:

Equal representation. Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets. After each decade’s census, state officials redraw the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts in their states to account for population shifts. It is possible that Minnesota may lose one district (it currently has 8). One less voting district means each district would have to represent about 100,000 more people.
Fair distribution of resources. The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on census data. That money is spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs. That means, for instance, that at least $1,532 per person is allocated by the federal government to Minnesota each year.
Data to make smart decisions. Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores, which create jobs. Local governments use the census for public safety and emergency preparedness. Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality–of–life and consumer advocacy.

Rural areas often face challenges in delivering an accurate census count. Let’s make sure all areas of Minnesota are accurately represented. Visit the Minnesota State Demographic Center’s Census 2020 website to learn how to support and get involved in planning for the next United State’s Census!

—New resource with regional data, key measures, and trends Northeastern Minnesota Compass Points 2018 is now available with at-a-glance key measures and trends related to housing, education, workforce, the economy, and more. The resource was developed in partnership with the Northland Foundation to highlight key demographic and wellbeing measures for the seven counties of northeastern Minnesota. See the data.

—Net Migration by Metropolitan Status: 1986-2018 Line chart showing net migration in nonmetropolitan areas compared to principal cities and other metro areas from 1986 through 2018.

—Rural Poverty, Part 1 showcases two papers from the Rural Policy Research Institute’s (RUPRI) March 2018 “Rural Poverty: Fifty Years After The People Left Behind” Conference. Covers the causes and consequences of rural poverty and discusses the evolving research agenda to address the issue to improve economic opportunities. Includes data comparing rural and urban poverty rates and includes information on rural and urban poverty rates by gender, education, marital status, and employment.

—Indicators of early childhood development in Minnesota Results from the 2018 Minnesota Early Childhood Risk, Reach, and Resilience project are now on Minnesota Compass. Explore data on 12 economic, family stability, and health measures of risks to the well-being of young children, and coverage of 11 publicly funded programs serving the early learning, health, and basic needs of young children. See the data.

–Annie E. Casey Foundation is offering 2018 Kids Count Data Book that looks at trends in child wellbeing, revealing improvements in some economic indicators. Thirteen percent of the nation’s children still live in high-poverty communities, and the Data Book can help support advocacy, agenda-setting, and fundraising efforts. Get the Data Book here.

—DEED Launches Tool to Measure and Report Broadband Access. DEED Launched a new tool that will allow Minnesotans to test, map and report various broadband internet speeds across the state.CheckSpeedMinnesota.com is a benchmarking tool designed to gather information about the high-speed internet consumer experience in Minnesota. Follow the link to take the test.

—Map to Prosperity discusses the potential of broadband’s effects on the rural economy, especially for farming operations and small businesses. Describes broadband access in rural areas. Includes rural versus urban comparisons for rural broadband access and funding and technical assistance programs to increase broadband adoption.

–A report from the Federal Reserve System “Board of Governors Explores Affordable Housing Challenges in Rural Communities” finds that high levels of rental cost burdens are a challenge for rural communities. Despite the need, the analysis reveals that resources provided by the federal government to address rental cost burdens in rural areas is at a low point compared with recent history. Additionally, the report finds that the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) is an important tool for the production and preservation of affordable housing in both urban and rural communities. Get the report by clicking here.

— Rental Housing for a 21st Century Rural America analyzes seven indicators to describe the supply, demand, and affordability of housing in rural areas by census tracts. Offers suggestions on future rural rental housing needs and policy recommendations.

–The NYU Furman Center and Abt Associates recently launched LocalHousingSolutions.org, an interactive resource dedicated to helping counties, cities, and towns create and implement strategies to increase the supply of affordable housing and promote housing affordability. The site serves as a one-stop shop for local leaders to understand the housing needs of their communities and policies effective at addressing those needs. Access the resource by clicking here.

—Adults with bachelor’s degree now largest share of Minnesota’s adults Over the last decade, we’ve seen a flip in the share of adults with lower and higher levels of educational attainment. Minnesota’s adults with a high school degree or less formed the largest share of our adult population until 2014. But starting in 2014, adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher became the largest share of our adult population. See more educational attainment

—Federal Student Loan Forgiveness and Loan Repayment Programs provides an overview of federal student loan forgiveness and repayment programs, including those administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration. Addresses program components, effects, cost, and issues for Congress to consider.

— Rural Education Levels Are Increasing, but Still Lag Behind Urban Areas Bar chart comparing rural and urban education levels for adults aged 25 and older in 2000 and 2016.

—The Health and Economic Concerns of Rural Americans presentation features a discussion on the role social and economic disparities play in the health of people in rural communities. Highlights the effect the opioid crisis has had in rural areas and discusses ways communities can use local resources to combat opioid abuse.

–Rural Health Research Gateway has published “Rural Health Research Recap: Rural Communities: Age, Income, and Health Status,” that provides a summary of key findings from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy funded Rural Health Research Centers’ most recent research on the demographics and health status of rural residents. The report features statistics comparing mortality and incidence of various health conditions in rural and urban areas, and poverty rates in the South, West, Midwest, and Northeast United States. Click here to get the report.

—Rural Pharmacy and Prescription Drugs We’ve updated our Topic Guide on Rural Pharmacy and Prescription Drugs. Check it out for new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on telepharmacy, key contacts on rules and regulations on pharmaceutical services in rural healthcare facilities, and more. Also features updated statistics throughout.

–An article in U.S. News and World Report, “Rural Pharmacies Are Closing: Where Does That Leave Patients?” discusses rural pharmacy closures and the wide-reaching impact these closures can have on their communities. The article also touches on some of the causes of closures including bigger chain pharmacies and low reimbursement rates. Click here to read the article.

–The state of Minnesota launched a new assistive technology website guide to help make sense of all the options available to people with disabilities. Assistive technology is any technology designed to help people with disabilities. Each disability can come with its own set of unique challenges and therefore requires its own unique technology to help people adapt. The Minnesota Guide to Assistive Technology exists to help people with disabilities find the specific device they may need.

–Release of a new community assessment tool that allows users to access data on the opioid epidemic in counties across the county, see the epidemic’s relation to demographic and socioeconomic factors, compare county-level data to the rest of the state and country, and track how data has changed over time.

—National Food Affordability: A County-Level Analysis explores sociodemographic factors contributing to food affordability, with emphasis on differences between rural and urban areas. Features statistics on select food-related characteristics of U.S. counties, with breakdowns by rural or urban location and by Appalachian or Delta counties and other counties.

–Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting took the first step in moving toward Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) reform. The OCC issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) on CRA that asks for input on a number of questions. The entire ANPR can be found and comments can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov by searching for “Docket ID OCC-2018-0008”.

–Fed Governor Randy Quarles gave a speech on the particular issues faced by community banks in rural areas at the Fed’s annual conference on community banking. Quarles discussed the generally positive performance of rural banks, and the impacts felt when these rural community banks fail. Continue reading here.

–Living Cities has published “Facilitator’s Guide for Continuous Improvement Conversations with a Racial Equity Lens.” The racial equity guide provides information and tools on applying a racial equity lens to projects and achieving population-level change. Click here to get the guide.

–The latest issue of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s Community Development Innovation Review presents opportunities for community development to play a role in mental health promotion; including emerging themes such as the prevalence of trauma, community resilience in the face of climate change, and the power of arts and culture to engage and activate a community. Get the publication by clicking here.

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