This Month's Newsletter is the Resource Issue! |
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In this month's newsletter, we are focusing on various funding and resources that are available. Below you will find funding opportunities, educational opportunities, and technical assistance for housing, broadband, agriculture, and more.
"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month |
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Mental Health Awareness Month is observed in May every year to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. It provides an opportunity for people to learn more about mental health, seek help when needed, and support those who may be struggling with mental health issues. This month-long observance aims to promote mental wellness and encourage individuals to prioritize their mental health as an integral part of their overall well-being.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, various organizations and mental health advocates come together to spread awareness and provide support to those in need. By spreading awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for those who are struggling with mental health problems. May is an opportunity to prioritize our mental well-being and support those around us who may be going through a tough time.
Click the button below to download the Mental Health America (MHA) toolkit to learn ways you can improve your mental well-being or support someone struggling with their mental health.
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If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
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Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) Program
is Available
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BTA provides financial assistance through cooperative agreements to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training and supports the development and expansion of broadband cooperatives.
The funding will be provided through the new BTA Program. The program supports organizations, including state and local governments, with technical assistance projects such as conducting feasibility studies, completing network designs, and developing broadband financial assistance applications. Funding is also available to help organizations access federal resources, and to conduct data collection and reporting.
Applications must be submitted electronically by June 20.
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MN OBD's Broadband Expansion Program for Homes and Businesses is Available |
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The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development (OBD) is making $15 Million in grant funds available for the extension of existing broadband infrastructure to unserved locations. An unserved location is a location that does not have a wired broadband service of at least 25Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.
You can report to OBD that a wired broadband service is unavailable at your residence or business by entering information on the online application or by calling 651-259-7610 and requesting a paper application. You can also talk to someone at OBD who will complete the application on your behalf. You can learn more or apply by clicking the buttons below.
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Take the MBFFA Needs Assessment Survey |
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As part of the Mainstreet Businesses Focused on Food and Agriculture (MBFFA) grant, RNDC is conducting a needs assessment to understand if the services our organizations offer are meeting the needs of food and ag entrepreneurs in the region.
You can take this short survey by scanning the QR code with your phone, or click the button below. Thank you in advance for your input and for supporting food and ag entrepreneurs!
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USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Socially Disadvantaged Agricultural Producers and Business Owners |
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The Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant program aims to provide technical assistance to socially-disadvantaged agricultural groups. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering up to $175,000 in funds to cooperatives and Cooperative Development Centers to assist with the following:
- Feasibility studies
- Business plans
- Strategic planning
- Leadership training
The cooperative can be located in any area, but the groups assisted must be located in an eligible rural area. Matching funds are not required for this program.
The deadline to apply is May 16. You learn more and apply by clicking the button below.
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Available Grants from the MN Dept. of Agriculture |
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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has multiple funding programs available through its website. This list updates throughout the year and includes opportunities for new farmers looking for down payment assistance, disaster loans, livestock equipment loans, planning grants, and many others.
To view available state funding and learn to apply by clicking the button below.
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May 2023 South Central Minnesota Clean Energy Council Forum is Friday, May 12th |
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The event takes place at the South Central Service Cooperative at 2075 Lookout Drive, North Mankato, Friday, May 12, from 9-10 a.m. or you can attend virtually via Zoom. To attend virtually, you can register here.
All Southcentral Minnesota Clean Energy Council events are free and open to the public.
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RNDC is Looking for High School and College-Age Commissioners! Get paid to get involved! |
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Are you, or someone you know, a high school or college-aged resident from Region Nine and interested in serving your community?
RNDC is looking for a commissioner to represent high school-aged residents and one to represent college-aged residents. Commissioners receive mileage compensation and a $40 stipend per meeting. The commission meets quarterly in June, October, January, and April.
This is an excellent opportunity for younger residents to learn political and governmental processes firsthand, and gain skills that can be applied to future public, private, and non-profit careers.
Applications will be accepted until June 2, 2023. Finalists will be asked to attend the June 21, RNDC Full Commission Meeting.
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Southwest Minnesota Regional Housing Virtual Forum
Taking Place May 31st
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The 2023 Southwest MN Regional Housing Forum will be held virtually May 31,
from 9 a.m. to noon. This forum will be moderated by housing experts and will include information on the following:
- What Cities Can do to Attract Housing Developers
- Community and Developer Benefits of City/County Housing Studies
- Innovative Housing and Employer Assisted Housing Development Solutions
- Rich Legacy of Affordable Housing Initiatives and Emerging Industry Trends
- Multifamily Housing
- Single Family Housing
- Emerging Developers of Color Initiatives
- Housing and Health Equity Initiative
This event will be hosted by the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF). GMHF supports the creation of strong communities and affordable homes through strategic investments and effective partnerships. They also work to advance affordable housing in Greater Minnesota by directly funding affordable housing projects, providing technical support to local communities and businesses, and linking projects with financial resources. GMHF also helps to secure additional resources for affordable housing and uses research and program development activities to identify new ways of increasing affordable housing production.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development also has resources available for various housing issues that can be found here, https://www.hud.gov/topics.
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Public Comment and Hearing for the 2023 Housing and Community Development Action Plan |
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The State of Minnesota is developing its 2023 Housing and Community Development Action Plan and wants your feedback.
This plan reflects year two of the state’s 2022-2026 Consolidated Plan, which examines the state's housing and community development needs and sets priorities for allocating U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds.
The draft Action Plan is available for public review and comment. The state will consider any comments received in writing or at the public hearing.
Comments on the draft Action Plan will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on May 22. Written comments should be submitted to Zachary Klehr by:
Mail: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
First National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street
Attn: Basement Mail Room
St. Paul, MN 55101-1351
You can request hard copies of the Action Plan by calling 651.259.7460 or 800.657.3858.
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Available Grants from the State of MN Housing Dept. |
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The State of Minnesota Housing Department has multiple grant programs available through its website. This list updates throughout the year and contains tips for submitting grants. New or current grantees may apply for funding during their request for proposal processes when new funding is made available.
To view available state funding and learn to apply by clicking the button below.
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Interns Needed for Local Foods Week |
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RNDC is offering summer internships to help with Local Foods Week! Local Foods Week celebrates the partnerships between local farmers and restaurants by enjoying fresh, delicious food and highlighting the work of the Region Nine Grower’s Network.
During the internship, participants will create a minimum of six videos and provide demonstrations of cooking with foods available at local farmer’s markets. Interns are part of a two-person team responsible for planning and implementing all aspects of the cooking demonstrations and videos.
The ideal candidate would have knowledge of food and nutrition as well as experience cooking. Candidates interested in public relations and marketing are also encouraged to apply. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.
Internships pay $15 an hour and will be approximately 10 hours a week for 10 weeks from June 1 to mid August 2023.
The Region Nine Grower’s Network will be celebrating Local Foods Week from July 24-30.
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MnDOT is Seeking Feedback on Minnesota's State Highway System Investment |
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MnDOT completed the first round of public engagement for the Minnesota State Highway Investment Plan in Fall of 2022. During the first round of public engagement, Minnesota state highway users provided important feedback on how they want to prioritize spending on the state highway system over the next 20 years.
MnDOT used that information to develop a draft state highway investment direction. They are seeking your input to finalize the state highway investment direction and tell us how you would spend additional dollars.
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$$ Additional Grant Opportunities $$ |
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Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation is offering funding to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work. $700,000,000 in total funding is available nationally.
Deadline: May 30, 2023
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Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Grants
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for projects that buy local food primarily from socially disadvantaged and emerging farmers and distribute that food to underserved communities. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000.
Deadline: May 30, 2023
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Region Nine Development Commission takes great pride in working with and on behalf of counties, cities, townships, and schools throughout South Central Minnesota. Since 1972, being a partner for progress has led to the development of programs and identification of solutions in the areas of economic development, business development, healthy communities, transportation, community development, and leveraging regional resources. To learn more about our work and mission, visit www.rndc.org.
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Follow RNDC on social media to stay up-to-date on events, news, and more! |
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