Rural Health
Funding by Topic: Community and economic development

Community Heart & Soul Planning, Technical Assistance, and Seed Grant Program
Community Heart & Soul is a community development process that engages residents in identifying what they love about their community, the future they want for it, and how to achieve it. Activities and objectives are determined by communities, and projects have included volunteerism, healthcare access, social programs, transportation, broadband, and emergency preparedness, among others. Seed grants are offered to qualifying small cities and towns interested in implementing the Heart & Soul model.

Dakota Main Street Loan Program
Direct loans for businesses in North Dakota and Minnesota, including healthcare-related businesses, to be used for working capital, inventory, and small equipment.

Delta Regional Authority Community Infrastructure Fund
Funding for community-based and regional projects in the Delta Regional Authority service area that address basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and flood control. Broadband and access to healthcare in rural communities are program priorities.

Economic Development Assistance Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
Funding to support the implementation of regional economic development, including public works projects and job creation projects. Past projects have included funding for water and wastewater projects in hospitals and healthcare facilities and road infrastructure projects that would support the expansion of healthcare facilities. Rural, tribal, and other underserved communities are a program priority.

Economic Justice Partnership Fund
Loan funds for small and medium sized Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that have difficulty accessing sufficient capital for larger transactions. Loans may be made for affordable housing and community facilities projects across the country with a focus on smaller CDFIs, minority-led borrowers, and projects in rural areas and on native lands.

Entergy Micro Grants
Grants for projects that effectively impact arts and culture, community improvement/enrichment, economic development, education and literacy, the environment, and healthy families.

Ford Family Foundation Grants
Offers grants to small, rural communities in Oregon and parts of California for community development; technical assistance; critical needs; arts; and healthy children, youth, and families.

Foundation For the Mid South Grants
Grants for organizations in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi working in the areas of health disparities, physical health, mental health, education, financial security, and the growth and prosperity of communities.

Grants and Technical Assistance for Coal Communities Applying for Federal Funding
Funding and technical assistance to help coal communities submit competitive federal applications for community-led transition projects. Priority will be given to projects that are led by and serve low-income and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities most impacted by the transition.

Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Small Grants Program
Funding for nonprofit organizations in the Weinberg Foundation service area that are working in the areas of health, housing, jobs, education, and aging.