Rules Need Changing If Stimulus Money to Find Rural America
Will federal stimulus funds reach small communities and help revitalize the rural economy? It depends on whether the money is accessible to typical small towns that can’t afford a staff of grant writers. USDA has many dedicated and helpful staff in state offices. But that’s not always enough for communities that rely on the efforts of volunteers.
The Center for Rural Affairs has offered USDA two suggestions to ease the burden.
First, help small communities work together to submit one larger proposal to benefit several towns undertaking similar projects. It would take some rule changes in Washington, but the payoff could be significant.
Grant writing is often complex and frustrating, even for experienced professionals. It can be daunting for volunteers. Helping communities with similar needs work together on grants would make it more affordable to get the assistance of consultants and partner organizations to successfully compete for funding.
Second, a small percentage of rural development grant funds should be set aside to fund organizations to assist small towns in applying for grants. That approach has been used in USDA water and sewer programs for years. And it has worked. It should be expanded to grant programs for community facilities, broadband and value-added agriculture.
Contact: Chuck Hassebrook, chuckh@cfra.org or 402.687.2103 x 1018 with your ideas.
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