Save the Date!
NWCCOG Regional Economic Summit
Thursday, May 5 at the Silverthorne Pavilion
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
More details to come!
Funding & Technical Assistance

Guidebook to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
A new White House guidebook dissects the new grant programs under the bipartisan infrastructure law. The guidebook, downloadable as pdf or spreadsheet, provides a description of each program, its corresponding agency, funding mechanisms, eligible uses, and recipients. 

Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) Workforce Development Grant
COSWAP is a wildfire mitigation funding program designed to protect life, property, and infrastructure and this release of funding is specifically targeted to support workforce development throughout the state. COSWAP funds can support projects on all land ownership types in Colorado. The Workforce Development Grant has four funding opportunities associated with it. Please visit the COSWAP website for more information on Strategic Focus Areas and eligibility. The first application review will take place on Feb. 14, and DNR will review applications on a monthly basis thereafter. If you have questions or would like to set up a 15 minute meeting please send an email to both Courtney Young (courtney.young@state.co.us) and Alison Lerch (alison.lerch@state.co.us). 

Rural Business Development Grant Program
Deadline: February 28 | More info here. USDA Rural Development. Promotes economic development and job creation projects that serve rural areas. The program is designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses, meaning businesses with fewer than 50 new workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue. Additional fund uses include acquisition or development of property, buildings, and related equipment and infrastructure; rural transportation improvement; community economic development; technology-based economic development; feasibility studies and business plans; leadership and entrepreneur training; rural business incubators; and long-term business strategic planning. Grant categories include business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants.

AARP Community Challenge Grant Program
Deadline: March 22 | More info and apply here. AARP invites municipalities to submit applications for quick-action projects that can help your community become more livable for all (especially those age 50 and over), by improving public places; transportation; housing; civic engagement; diversity, equity, and inclusion; federal funding implementation; and more. Grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. The program is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities.

Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program
Deadline: April 14 | More info here. The US Department of Transportation has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. This program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. 

Colorado Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (EMAP)
More info here. This pilot program, administered by the DOLA Division of Housing (DOH), provides financial assistance on behalf of income-eligible households experiencing a financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 health crisis, by disbursing funds directly to the homeownership loan lender/servicer, land contract holder, manufactured/mobile home lender, and/or other housing provider as appropriate. Open now.

The Polaris T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant Program
Deadline: March 1 | More info here. The Polaris T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant Program for off-highway vehicle (OHV) clubs, associations, and grassroots groups. OHV riders and the trails they use are the lifeblood of the sport; therefore, Polaris Industries would like to fund programs that can help with achieving its three main objectives: To more effectively promote safe and responsible riding; To preserve and expand access for OHV clubs, associations, and organizations; To support the implementation of trail development projects, safety and education initiatives, as well as lobbying or other projects aimed at increasing and maintaining land access.

Affordable Housing Strategies Planning Grant Program (IHOP)
Fifth Funding Round Deadline: March 14 | Visit program website for more information.
The Planning Grant Program (IHOP) has over $4,000,000 left in funding available to help local governments understand their housing needs and adopt policy and regulatory strategies to qualify for the Incentives Grant Program. Planning Grants can fund data collection (e.g., housing needs assessments, code audits, and/or housing action plans. Eligible Organizations: Colorado municipalities and counties. Award Amount: No set max, but so far, awards have been made between $45,000 and $200,000. Local Match: 25% local match of the total project cost required, with option to request a reduced match after consulting with your DOLA Regional Manager. Email Christy.Wiseman@state.co.us with questions about the Planning Grant Program.

NTIA public virtual listening sessions on IIJA grant programs
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will host listening sessions on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s (IIJA) grant programs:
February 23 | 12:30 pm – 2 pm | Digital Equity Act Programs | Register here

National Park Service Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program
Deadline: Feb. 22 | More info here. The National Park Service is offering up to $750,000 to fund grant programs that support the rehabilitation of historic properties to foster economic development of rural communities. Nonprofits, state governments, local governments are eligible. Properties must be located in an area defined as rural by the US Census and listed in or determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Kessler Foundation's Signature Employment Grants
Deadline: February 22 | More info here. provide support nationally for new pilot initiatives, demonstration projects, and social ventures that lead to a generation of new ideas to solve the high unemployment and underemployment of individuals with disabilities. For the 2022 grant request for proposals, the Foundation has a special interest in projects that address the intersection of race, class, gender, disability, and poverty within the framework of helping individuals with disabilities obtain employment or re-enter the job market.

Tourism Management Grant
Deadline: March 3. The Tourism Management Grant Program provides funding to support projects that develop, enhance or better manage visitor experiences. Projects will target the technical development of tourism in Colorado and projects that develop the statewide tourism industry. The grant prioritizes projects that are new efforts and initiatives and target the technical development of tourism in Colorado. Any request needs to have a minimum funding ratio of 1-to-4 non-grant funding to grant funding. For example, if you request a grant of $10,000, you need to have at least $2,500 in other funding.

EDA American Rescue Plan Programs: Investing in America’s Communities

Renewable and Clean Energy Initiative (HB21-1253) Grants
Deadline: Rolling | More info here. Support the development and construction of renewable and clean energy infrastructure in all areas of the state especially in communities in which renewable and clean energy infrastructure is sparse. 

Great Outdoors Colorado Planning & Capacity Grants
Deadline: February 21, 2021. The Great Outdoor Colorado (GOCO) Planning & Capacity grants help our partners with planning, capacity, research, education, as well as further exploring issues and examining trends in the outdoors. Funding can accommodate a wide range of projects, including strategic plans and master plans. GOCO also invests in capacity-building and education efforts that help our partners make better informed decisions and take the appropriate actions. Through this program, GOCO also invests in research projects to share and further knowledge and facilitate learning in conservation and recreation.
Training Opportunities & Events
 
Intro to Employee Ownership
February 23 | 12pm to 1pm | Register here. The RMEOC hosts monthly employee ownership (EO) introductory webinars on the last Wednesday of every month from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Pull up a chair and bring your lunch to learn about the different types of employee ownership and their benefits. There will be time for Q&A at the end of every session. 

The Economic Importance of Managed Parking (Live Webinar)
March 2 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Offered by CML | Register here. Join this discussion about the economic importance of a well-managed parking and mobility system in your community. A well-managed parking system can boost your downtown's activity, attractiveness, and help build a story of success for your local businesses. It's an important step for your local businesses and downtown.

Downtown Colorado Inc. Annual Conference
April 12-15, 2022 in Colorado Springs | More info and Register here.
Get ready because we have been holding back for two years and we are going to bring the fun. Join us for the valuable peer-to-peer exchange, innovative plenaries, and dynamic tours and lunches. And don't forget the Challenge Studios, BID/DDA + URA Networking, and pitch sessions!

Colorado Municipal League Annual Conference
June 22-24 in Breckenridge. Registration opens soon! CML's 100th Annual Conference is sure to be one to remember. With over 40 sessions, two keynotes, and a 100th Conference celebrations on Wednesday, you won't want to miss it See you there!

NWCCOG Regional Economic Summit
Thursday, May 5 at the Silverthorne Pavilion | 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Join us for an engaging half day of discussion examining the dynamic forces at play in our mountain communities. Event will be kicked off by Elizabeth Garner, State Demographer setting the tone with demographic and economic trends in the region. Save the Date! Agenda and registration details coming soon!
Northwest Colorado Council of Governments
Economic Development District | www.nwccog.org/edd