Federal, State, and Other Programs
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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
This program, administered by HUD, provides formula grants to states, cities, and counties. States then award grants to non-entitlement areas (cities with populations less than 50,000 and counties with populations less than 200,000) for activities like infrastructure, economic development, public facilities, housing rehabilitation, and public services.
Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)
The USDA offers grants for various business and community projects serving rural areas. Public bodies, Indian tribes, and non-profit entities are eligible applicants.
Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Grants
These USDA grants support nonprofit housing and community development organizations, low-income rural communities, and federally recognized tribes in improving housing, community facilities, and economic development projects. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and require matching funds.
Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Programs
These USDA programs provide funding for rural projects through local utility organizations, Rural Electrification Act-eligible non-profits, and current/former USDA Rural Utilities Service Electric or Telecommunication borrowers.
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
This USDA initiative helps create essential facilities like healthcare, public safety, and public service buildings in rural areas and towns with populations up to 20,000.
TIFIA Rural Project Initiative (RPI)
The USDOT's Build America Bureau offers loans with favorable terms for eligible rural transportation projects between $10 million and $100 million. This includes roads, bridges, and tunnels.
Trust for Civic Life
This philanthropic organization, launched in 2024, focuses on enhancing civic participation in rural areas and small towns. It supports projects like entrepreneurial initiatives, cultural centers, and public venues.
Louisiana Small Community Support
Louisiana offers various state and federal programs administered by state agencies aimed at supporting small communities in various aspects of development and recovery. Here's a breakdown of some key funding sources:
Office of Community Development
The Louisiana Office of Community Development (OCD) plays a crucial role in administering grants to improve the quality of life in Louisiana communities, especially in low- to moderate-income areas.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
This program, funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides resources to address a wide range of community development needs, including public infrastructure projects like sewer and potable water improvements. The OCD-LGA surveys communities every two years to identify priorities for funding, with infrastructure consistently ranking as a top need.
Louisiana Government Assistance Program (LGAP)
Designed to fill gaps not covered by federal or other state funds, LGAP provides assistance to local governments for high-priority needs.
Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF)
This fund assists local governments in rehabilitating, improving, and constructing community water systems to ensure safe drinking water.
Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative
This initiative, run by the Louisiana Growth Network, supports second-stage small businesses in rural areas with resources and expertise for growth and expansion.
Louisiana Development Ready Communities Grant
This program awards $10,000 grants to parishes and municipalities for community development expenses like marketing, infrastructure improvements, grant writing, and matching funds.
Other Relevant Programs and Initiative
Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)
ThiThough technically a federal program administered by the USDA, these grants support various business and community projects in rural areas, including technical assistance, facilities, and equipment.
Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program (REDLG)
Another USDA program, REDLG offers zero-interest loans to local utilities that they then pass through to local businesses for projects that create and retain jobs in rural areas.
A Healthy Communities Grant — Keep Louisiana Beautiful
This grant provides funding for local projects and programs that aim to improve the appearance of communities by focusing on litter removal, prevention, education, and waste management practices.
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