Lindsay Mouw, senior policy associate, lindsaym@cfra.org, 402.687.2100, ext. 1028; or Teresa Hoffman, senior communications associate, teresah@cfra.org, 402.687.2100, ext. 1012
LYONS, NEBRASKA – While the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act offers an unprecedented amount of funding to rural communities for infrastructure, energy, and conservation projects, applying for the grants can be challenging.
“Rural communities have the desire and the need to make improvements,” said Lindsay Mouw, senior policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “But, the application process can sometimes be an intimidating and time-consuming process for communities that have limited staff, time, or expertise.”
A new resource from the Center for Rural Affairs seeks to demystify the process by walking community leaders through the various stages of federal grant application.
The new “Grant Application Guide for Rural Communities” provides tips and information for identifying grant opportunities, preparing to apply, setting a timeline, and writing and submitting an application. The guide also lists commonly used terms and phrases associated with grant application processes.
Mouw said it’s important that rural communities don’t miss out on funding opportunities through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. She hopes the guide serves as a valuable tool in their planning efforts.
“Communities that invest in themselves can better keep and attract the people who energize communities and create new businesses,” she said.
Mouw said the Center plans to host a webinar to walk communities through the guide and answer questions they may have concerning grant applications. Information on the webinar will be available at cfra.org when details are finalized.
To learn more, view and download “Grant Application Guide for Rural Communities” at cfra.org/publications.
