Building back better means investing in projects that will promote equity and develop local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks and climate change. Through the Statewide Planning, Research & Networks program, the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) is supporting states in planning efforts by allocating $31 million for Research and Networks Grants to invest in research that assesses the effectiveness of EDA’s programs, and provides support for stakeholder communities around key EDA initiatives.
RESEARCH AND NETWORKS GRANTS
Eligible applicants for EDA’s Communities of Practice and Research Grants include a(n):
* District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District
* Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes
* State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions
* Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education
* Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State
Under the American Rescue Plan, EDA was allocated $3 billion in supplemental funding to assist communities nationwide in their efforts to build back better by accelerating the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and building local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks. American Rescue Plan funding enables EDA to provide larger, more transformational investments across the nation while utilizing its greatest strengths, including flexible funding to support community-led economic development. With an emphasis on equity, EDA investments made under the American Rescue Plan will directly benefit previously underserved communities impacted by COVID-19.
EDA is making a Coal Communities Commitment, allocating $300 million of its $3 billion American Rescue Plan appropriation to ensure support for these communities as they recover from the pandemic and create new jobs and opportunities, including through the creation or expansion of a new industry sector. This commitment will be fulfilled through $100 million in Build Back Better Regional Challenge grants and $200 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants.
EDA is proud to make this funding available through a series of six innovative challenges, with an informational webinar scheduled for each challenge. Learn more at www.eda.gov/ARPA
Build Back Better Regional Challenge Webinar
Monday, August 2 – 2 p.m. EDT
Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Webinar
Tuesday, August 3 –2 p.m. EDT
Coal Communities Commitment Webinar
Thursday, August 5 – 2 p.m. EDT
Research & Networks Webinar
Friday, August 6 – 2 p.m. EDT
Economic Adjustment Assistance Webinar
Monday, August 9 – 2 p.m. EDT
Indigenous Communities Webinar
Tuesday, August 10 – 2 p.m. EDT
Good Jobs Challenge Webinar
Thursday, August 12 – 2 p.m. EDT