Community Vitality and Rural Healthcare – Funding & Opportunities

Opportunity Zone Economic Development Program
A program designed to encourage economic development and job creation in distressed communities through tax benefits. Investors may defer taxes on most capital gains up to Dec. 31, 2026 by making an eligible investment in an Opportunity Zone.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide and U.S. territories
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsors: Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Internal Revenue Service

Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program
Funding that provides communities with a source of financing for economic development, housing rehabilitation, public facilities, and physical development projects, including improvements to increase resilience against natural disasters.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program
Direct USDA loans and/or grants to purchase, construct, enlarge, or improve essential community facilities for healthcare, public safety, education, and public services in rural areas.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Rural Development

USDA Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program
Loans from eligible private lenders, guaranteed by USDA, to help build essential community facilities in rural areas.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Rural Development

Community Economic Development Planning Grants Inactive
Funding for community development corporations to build administrative capacity to design a sustainable business project and package a competitive grant application. An application should be submitted in a Community Economic Development competition within 12 months of the end of the project period. Applications from rural areas, persistent poverty counties, and Native American communities are encouraged.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jul 2, 2024
Sponsors: ACF Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDL and REDG) Inactive
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.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Jun 30, 2024
Sponsors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Rural Development

Delta Regional Authority States Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) Inactive
Grants to help Delta communities create jobs and improve infrastructure. Funds may be used for basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, broadband, and business development including entrepreneurship and workforce training.

Geographic coverage: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.
Application Deadline: Jun 25, 2024
Sponsor: Delta Regional Authority

Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization in Coal-Affected Appalachia (POWER) Inactive
Funding for workforce and economic revitalization activities in communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries. Priorities include strengthening the healthcare sector, educational attainment, and broadband access.

Geographic coverage: Available in all of West Virginia and parts of 12 other states.
Letter of Intent (Required): Mar 1, 2024
Application Deadline: Apr 17, 2024
Sponsor: Appalachian Regional Commission

Rural Business Development Grants Inactive
Supports targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1,000,000 in gross revenues.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Feb 28, 2024
Sponsors: U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Rural Development

Appalachian Investments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative Inactive
Funding to assist in moving individuals in the Appalachian region from substance use disorder treatment to recovery to employment, with a focus on support services that enable and support individual successful entry or reentry into the workforce.

Geographic coverage: Available in specific counties in 13 states.
Letter of Intent (Required): Feb 16, 2024
Application Deadline: Mar 8, 2024
Sponsor: Appalachian Regional Commission