USDA RD Nevada held a Rural Partners Network (RPN) forum focused on bringing together rural communities and targeted federal and civic partners. This event, called the Rural Partners Network Federal Partners Forum, was among the first of its kind in the nation. Speaking at the event were Assistant to the President Neera Tanden, RPN Executive Director Lee Jones, Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andy Berke, as well as USDA Nevada Rural Development State Director Lucas Ingvoldstad.
USDA RD program staff has been promoting RD funding programs at conferences around the state. Below are some of the available funding programs.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
For: Ag Producers and Small Businesses in Eligible Areas
Guaranteed loan and grant funding for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency upgrades. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficiency equipment and new system loans to support agricultural production and processing. Past recipients have been farms looking to upgrade energy efficiency and small businesses using the investment to purchase new batteries or solar panels. Application deadlines 12/31/2023, 3/31/2024, 6/30/2024, and 9/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact (775) 443-4764.
Solid Waste Management Grants
For: Public Bodies, Nonprofits, Tribes, Academic Institutions in Eligible Areas
This program reduces or eliminates pollution of water resources by providing funding for organizations that offer technical assistance or training to improve the planning and management of solid waste sites. Application window 10/01/2023 to 12/31/2023.Submit applications via Grants.gov by 9:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, 12/31/2023. For more information about the program, call (775) 443-4752.
Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants
For: Qualified Nonprofits in Eligible Areas
This program helps qualified, private nonprofits provide technical assistance and training to identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste problems, helps applicants prepare applications for water and waste disposal loans/grants, and helps associations improve operation and maintenance of water and waste facilities in eligible rural areas. Application window 10/01/2023 to 12/31/2023. Submit applications via Grants.gov by 9:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, 12/31/2023. For more information about the program, call (775) 443-4752.
Water & Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants
For: State and Local Govt, Nonprofits, Tribes in Eligible Areas
This program helps eligible low-income communities plan and develop applications for proposed USDA Rural Development water or waste disposal projects. At least 25 percent of the project cost must come from the applicant or third-party sources. In-kind contributions do not count toward this minimum. Application window is year-round. For more information about the program, call (775) 443-4752.
Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households in Nevada (SEARCH)
For: State and Local Govt, Nonprofits, Tribes in Eligible Areas
This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities with predevelopment feasibility studies, design and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects. Application window is year-round. For more information about the program, call (775) 443-4752.
Intermediary Relending Program
For: Nonprofits, Cooperatives, Tribes, Public Agencies in Eligible Areas
Low-interest loans available to local lenders known as intermediaries, who then re-lend the funds to businesses to improve economic conditions and create new opportunities in rural communities. Application deadlines 12/31/2023, 3/31/2024, and 6/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact (775) 443-4756.
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
For: Nonprofits, Tribes, Higher Ed, Businesses with less than 10 employees
Funding for non-profits, Tribes, colleges, and universities to create revolving loan fund programs and support training and technical assistance for rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises. Application deadlines 12/31/2023, 3/31/2024, and 6/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact (775) 443-4756.
Single Family Housing Loans & Grants
For: Homeowners or Applicants Without Decent, Sanitary, Safe Housing
Single Family Housing Programs offer a variety of loans & grants available all year. These include Direct Loans, to purchase or build a house with no money down in eligible rural areas, and available to low-income applicants, Guaranteed Loans, to purchase or build a house with no money down in eligible rural areas as a moderate-income applicant, and Home Repair Loans & Grants, available for low-income applicants in eligible rural areas to repair, improve, or modernize their home. The application window for these programs are all year. For more information contact (775) 443-4767.