[MainstreetTowns] Funding, Learning, and Publications

Mon Dec 9 10:20:46 CST 2019

As always, not everything may pertain to you directly and your program, but you may know someone who could benefit from the information.
FUNDING

1.       Endowment Offers up to $100K through 'Grants for Arts Projects' The National Endowment for the Arts is offering grants ranging between $10,000 and $100,000 through its Grants for Arts Projects funding category. Grants in this category support artistically excellent projects that celebrate creativity and cultural heritage, invite mutual respect for differing beliefs and values, and enrich humanity. The deadline for the first round of Grants for Arts Projects is February 13. Go to the National Endowment for the Arts website<https://www.arts.gov/grants/apply-grant/grants-organizations?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Visit%20the%20NEA%20website&utm_campaign=Newsletter-%28December-2019%29> for more information.
2.       Fellowship Offers Chance to Explore Woody Guthrie's Influence Up to $5,000 in support is available to individuals to perform research on the life and legacy of one of America's most influential musicians, Oklahoma's Woody Guthrie. The BMI Foundation and the Woody Guthrie Center have partnered to make possible the Woody Guthrie Fellowship program, providing annual awards for scholarly research at the extensive Woody Guthrie Archives in Tulsa. The archives feature the largest collection in the world of primary resource material on Guthrie. The project should require at least two weeks of research at the Woody Guthrie Archives. Applications<https://bmifoundation.org/applications/rules/woody_guthrie_fellowship_rules?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Applications&utm_campaign=Newsletter-%28December-2019%29> must be submitted no later than January 31, 2020.
3.       Economic Opportunity Challenge Through the Economic Opportunity Challenge<https://www.economicopportunitychallenge.org/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Economic%20Impact%20Challenge&utm_campaign=Newsletter-%28December-2019%29>, proposals for improving economic opportunity, security, and/or mobility for individuals in the United States may earn grants of $100,000. A $10 million grant will be awarded to one finalist to scale their proposed solution aimed at improving financial health of low-income families. The aim of the challenge is to build a more vibrant economic ecosystem through impactful, evidence-based solutions.
4.       Community/Artist Partnership Grant Offered by OVAC Through the Community/Artist Partnership Grant program, the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) offers grants of up to $1,200 to artists who initiate community-based projects leading to the creation of new work. Application deadlines occur four times throughout the year: January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15. Learn more by visiting the OVAC website<https://www.ovac-ok.org/grants-for-artists?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=OVAC%20website&utm_campaign=Newsletter-%28December-2019%29>.

  1.  RURAL LISC (Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation) created the Community Facilities Fund to provide capital to help develop and improve essential community facilities in rural areas. Rural LISC utilizes this fund to provide permanent and construction-to-permanent financing for rural community facilities, including health care centers, hospitals, educational facilities, and other nonprofit and public facilities in rural communities with populations under 20,000. Deadline: ongoing. Click here for more information.<https://www.lisc.org/media/filer_public/e1/cc/e1cc38a3-07be-4899-aa1e-7a3689d98c70/community_facilities_fund_8-15-18.pdfhttps:/www.lisc.org/media/filer_public/e1/cc/e1cc38a3-07be-4899-aa1e-7a3689d98c70/community_facilities_fund_8-15-18.pdf>
  2.  THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CHALLENGE is a public competition to award $10 million to scale a game-changing solution aimed at improving the financial health of low-income families in the United States. The Challenge will fund the most transformative evidence-based solutions to address barriers to improved economic opportunity, security, and mobility for individuals and families. The focus is on proven, data-driven solutions ready to serve as a model for implementation across the country. Deadline: the registration deadline is 1/28/2020; applications must be submitted by 2/18/2020. More information about the funding guidelines and application process is available on the Challenge's website here.<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Frurallisc.cmail19.com%2Ft%2Fr-l-jdirdja-jyhjmudc-d%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cdave.shideler%40okstate.edu%7Cfc890d325b6a448de5a708d75ec317a8%7C2a69c91de8494e34a230cdf8b27e1964%7C0%7C0%7C637082064321500050&sdata=RBrmasM1vtO1LkOZDPUeiNUJTMzWmX0DXcG9bpp3w8Y%3D&reserved=0>
  3.  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES is offering grants to nonprofits and public agencies to support the development and/or expansion of local implementation of a community infrastructure that integrates substance use disorder treatment, housing services, and other critical services for people experiencing homelessness.  Deadline:  12/16/2019
  4.  Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.qaXA8enJ1QH1vIFPp5R82--tm0HN4TovK9ElfMy6SCE%2Fbr%2F70759332750-l&data=02%7C01%7Cdave.shideler%40okstate.edu%7C350b6ba631b24e0b048a08d75e0a2390%7C2a69c91de8494e34a230cdf8b27e1964%7C0%7C0%7C637081269962258076&sdata=onpgXSQ6vapsJtVRgr9Vqps00se3Msq93pWNzRg74gE%3D&reserved=0>  USDA grant program assists communities with water or wastewater systems through free technical assistance and/or training provided by the grant recipients. Application Deadline: December 31, 2019
  5.  Solid Waste Management Grant Program<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.3CGw1ycXeK-Yrr9qIEESC6NcV4U1vkBfjpOHJaBreJE%2Fbr%2F70759332750-l&data=02%7C01%7Cdave.shideler%40okstate.edu%7C350b6ba631b24e0b048a08d75e0a2390%7C2a69c91de8494e34a230cdf8b27e1964%7C0%7C0%7C637081269962268068&sdata=Q5vsociM0xOKLtEH80si5btOs3ngI%2FNfi5CQL4gC7vA%3D&reserved=0>  USDA grant program assists communities through free technical assistance and/or training provided by the grant recipient to reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources and improve planning and management of solid waste sites in rural areas. Application Deadline: December 31, 2019
  6.  2020 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs <https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxOTEwMzEuMTIyNjM2NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5ncmFudHMuZ292L3dlYi9ncmFudHMvdmlldy1vcHBvcnR1bml0eS5odG1sP29wcElkPTMyMTY5NSJ9.kc2ysdj2DaADvLlcEtvZPTRb6db7rn-QAVvqkecS658%2Fbr%2F70759332750-l&data=02%7C01%7Cdave.shideler%40okstate.edu%7C350b6ba631b24e0b048a08d75e0a2390%7C2a69c91de8494e34a230cdf8b27e1964%7C0%7C0%7C637081269962288053&sdata=%2FXHC%2Bq3m6Q4xLnOIjafDRD7sv%2FCmIs%2BRIJPyLlJ8sr4%3D&reserved=0>  U.S. Economic Development Administration solicits applications for construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects. Application Deadline: Ongoing
  7.  2020 Farm to School Grant Program<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxOTEwMzEuMTIyNjM2NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mbnMudXNkYS5nb3YvY2ZzL2Z5LTIwMjAtZmFybS1zY2hvb2wtZ3JhbnQifQ.BqKoFWuVqW4NkOUT0gr7zcKs9n4bw9zFtTgpYgEor8A%2Fbr%2F70759332750-l&data=02%7C01%7Cdave.shideler%40okstate.edu%7C350b6ba631b24e0b048a08d75e0a2390%7C2a69c91de8494e34a230cdf8b27e1964%7C0%7C0%7C637081269962318034&sdata=MvOfvCtaUiUJWsCadhCaolsb1ia8qHGaxA9Ba%2F7YCe4%3D&reserved=0>  USDA Farm and Nutrition Service supports local communities through a variety of activities, including taste tests, farm visits, local purchasing, food and agriculture education, and farmer and producer training. Application Deadline: December 13, 2019
  8.  Agriculture Innovation Demonstration Center Grants <https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxOTEwMzEuMTIyNjM2NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5yZC51c2RhLmdvdi9wcm9ncmFtcy1zZXJ2aWNlcy9hZ3JpY3VsdHVyZS1pbm5vdmF0aW9uLWNlbnRlci1wcm9ncmFtIn0.kqynAeiSpbLsDu8c23OBkyjiQdz3b6hHvlJvueS4aN4%2Fbr%2F70759332750-l&data=02%7C01%7Cdave.shideler%40okstate.edu%7C350b6ba631b24e0b048a08d75e0a2390%7C2a69c91de8494e34a230cdf8b27e1964%7C0%7C0%7C637081269962328027&sdata=uCmpyX0WlqSgM4TW9zyT5yBa4oMsTo1QxzgSoq41l9s%3D&reserved=0>  USDA Rural Development offers a grant to establish and operate Agricultural Innovation Centers that will provide technical assistance<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxOTEwMzEuMTIyNjM2NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb3ZpbmZvLmdvdi9jb250ZW50L3BrZy9GUi0yMDE5LTEwLTE2L3BkZi8yMDE5LTIyNTUxLnBkZiJ9.R1VsTQ9znu356Iop177evHQEWnIJt-gx4ZCqMLtlPOc%2Fbr%2F70759332750-l&data=02%7C01%7Cdave.shideler%40okstate.edu%7C350b6ba631b24e0b048a08d75e0a2390%7C2a69c91de8494e34a230cdf8b27e1964%7C0%7C0%7C637081269962328027&sdata=ohdNwLhZ7rejaHpdOIIAgaLKz%2Be5VEOLSAnCDXr%2BU7w%3D&reserved=0> to help rural businesses market value-added agricultural products. Application Deadline: March 20, 2020
  9.  Innovative Schools Program - the Walton Family Foundation This program is designed to support schools that look and feel truly different, achieve unprecedented outcomes, serve high-need students, and embrace analysis of their successes and challenges to share with other schools. Grants of up to $325,000 will be provided to new schools, opening in 2019 and beyond, anywhere in the United States. Visit the Foundations website by clicking here<https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/innovative-schools-program>. Deadline: online pre-applications are due 1/15/2020.
  10. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH) provides funding for research to better understand challenges faced by rural population groups and develop evidence-based interventions that can reduce the health risks faced by rural Americans. Click here for program guidelines<https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=321491>. Deadline: 12/13/2019.
  11. AMERICORPS is offering state and national grants for FY 2020.  The Corporation for National and Community Service seeks to prioritize the investment of national service resources in economic opportunity, education, healthy futures, veterans and military families, rural intermediaries and faith-based organizations. Visit the website by clicking here<https://www.nationalservice.gov/build-your-capacity/grants/funding-opportunities/2020/americorps-state-and-national-grants-fy-2020> to review application guidelines. Deadline: 1/8/2020.
  12. THE BOB WOODRUFF FOUNDATION is offering grants to nonprofit organizations that provide programs for post-9/11 impacted veterans, service members, their families, and caregivers. Grants are provided in the following three core areas: Education and Employment, Rehabilitation and Recovery, and Quality of Life. Visit the Foundation's website by clicking here<https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/grants/> to review the funding guidelines. Deadline: 12/19/2019.
  13.  The Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation invites application for Community Grants. Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to organizations serving rural Oklahoma Communities (populations less than 6,000) in support of a new (or significant expansion of a current) effort that positively impacts the community in the areas of arts, culture, history, libraries, and literacy. More information can be found here<http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/rfps/rfp10629-carolyn-watson-rural-oklahoma-community-foundation-invites-applications-for-community-grants>. Deadline: January 31, 2020
  14. Tribal Behavioral Health Grant Program (Native Connections) U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) grant designed to prevent suicide and substance misuse, reduce the impact of trauma, and promote mental health among American Indian/Alaska Native youth through the age of 24 years. More information can be found here<https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sm-20-002>. Application Deadline: December 10, 2019
  15. Water Management Funding Opportunity for Indian Tribes The Bureau of Reclamation funding provides technical assistance to federally recognized tribes in the 17 western states to assist them in developing, managing and protecting water resources. More information can be found here<https://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/newsrelease/detail.cfm?RecordID=68523>.  Application Deadline: January 8, 2020
  16. Tribal Energy Infrastructure Development Department of Energy's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs provides funding to support Indian Tribes, including Alaska Native Regional Corporations and Village Corporations, Intertribal Organizations, and Tribal Energy Development Organizations, interested in developing their vast energy resources. More information can be found here<https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaIdfe5dcfa3-2786-4c03-ae29-e77926e46f35>. Application Deadline: February 6, 2020
  17. Notice of Funding Availability for the Indian Community Development Block Grant Program (ICDBG) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will award up to $65 million to tribal programs through the ICDBG to develop viable Indian and Alaska Native communities by creating decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities primarily for persons with low- and moderate- incomes. More information can be found here<https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=ICDBG>. Application Deadline: February 3, 2020.

PUBLICATIONS

  1.  Download TestIT, the Rural Broadband Mapping App. A mobile app has been developed to allow individuals to accurately identify areas with low or no internet connectivity. This data is aggregated to identify gaps in broadband coverage, help guide advocacy for adequate funding, and inform decision-making at federal, state, and local levels. More information can be found here<https://www.naco.org/sites/default/files/documents/TestIt%20Mobile%20Launch%20v3.pdf>.
  2.  With Cottage Food on Their Plate, States Serve Up Legislative Changes. An overview of new state laws that address the production, sale, and regulation of cottage foods. Full article here<https://www.astho.org/StatePublicHealth/With-Cottage-Food-on-Their-Plate-States-Serve-Up-Legislative-Changes/11-25-19/?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Informz>.
  3.  Rural America at a Glance, 2019 Edition. This report highlights recent social and economic conditions in rural America, focusing on trends in population, employment, poverty, and income. The full publication and related webinar can be found here<https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details/?pubid=95340>.
  4.  First Meeting of the Precision Agriculture Task Force. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced the membership and first meeting date of the new task force assigned to explore ways to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the nation's farms and ranches through broadband-based technologies-a concept known as "precision agriculture." The full press release can be found here<https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-360889A1.pdf>.
  5.  Ancient Aztec farming technique could aid urban ag, study finds.An Aztec farming technique involving raised fields on freshwater lakes could help modern-day cities. Full article here<https://www.freshfruitportal.com/news/2019/11/19/ancient-aztec-farming-technique-could-aid-urban-farming-study-finds/?pk_campaign=0cbc4c1ebf&pk_source=mailchimp&pk_medium=email&pk_content=337388&pk_cid=df03261668&utm_campaign=0cbc4c1ebf&utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_content=337388&utm_term=df03261668>.
  6.  Investors back global online market-place for ethical, green farmers. A former investment banker has raised more than $10 million to expand a startup that helps developing-nation farmers who are using green and ethical methods to earn more by linking them directly with food buyers around the world. Full article here<https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-food-internet/investors-back-global-online-market-place-for-ethical-green-farmers-idUSKBN1XT16X>.
  7.  6 Tips for Switching to No-Till. Tips for transition to no-till from famers who have made the switch. Full article here<https://www.farmers.gov/connect/blog/conservation/6-tips-switching-no-till?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery>.
  8.  Innovations in Biochar. By baking biomass (tree wood, plants, manure, etc.) without oxygen, a long-lasting charcoal is created that can return carbon to the soil. Full article here<https://nrcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=1ca4e544cf8b4e1fac1fcde6d0e26f91>.
  9.  Gotham Greens Opens Its Second Urban Greenhouse in Chicago.US urban agriculture company Gotham Greens has opened a new facility in Chicago to help it deliver a year-round supply of fresh produce to customers. Full article here<https://www.foodbev.com/news/gotham-greens-opens-its-second-urban-greenhouse-in-chicago/>.
  10. Indoor aquaponics farm to bring jobs (plus fresh fish and veggies) to Duquesne. A new indoor aquaponics facility is planned to open on a riverfront near Pittsburg. Full article here<https://www.nextpittsburgh.com/city-design/indoor-aquaponics-farm-to-bring-jobs-plus-fresh-fish-and-veggies-to-duquesne/>.
  11. What It's Really Like to Grow Hops. Production of hops in the U.S. continues to climb, with a record high of 107 million pounds harvested last season, according to figures from the USDA. While this growth is still nothing compared to the tree fruit industry overall in the U.S., interest in hops as an alternative crop - especially among fruit growers - continues to brew. Full article here<https://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/what-its-really-like-to-grow-hops/?e=Alan.shannon@fns.usda.gov&utm_source=realmagnet&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=gpweeklynews11162019>.

EVENTS/LEARNING

  1.  Oklahoma Arts Council to Visit Shawnee and Tulsa The Oklahoma Arts Council Cornerstone Conversations tour is designed to empower Oklahomans representing all communities to partner in creating shared goals for using the arts to meet needs in communities and schools across our state. A building block in the creation of the Oklahoma Arts Council's 2021-2025 strategic plan, the tour will allow the Oklahoma Arts Council to listen, learn, and dream with Oklahomans for what is possible for the state through the arts. There is no cost to attend, however RSVPs are requested. Send an email to heidi.costello at arts.ok.gov<mailto:heidi.costello at arts.ok.gov> or call (405) 521-2040 to reserve your seat.

     *   Shawnee: December 10, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art
1900 W. MacArthur St.
Shawnee, OK 74804
     *   Tulsa: December 16, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Ahha Tulsa
101 E. Archer St.
Tulsa, OK 74103

  1.  Apply for the Oklahoma Teaching Artist Roster The Oklahoma Arts Council is now accepting applications for its Oklahoma Teaching Artist Roster. The roster is a resource used by schools and organizations statewide seeking qualified teaching artists for residencies and programs. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in their discipline and an ability to provide instruction. Artists must be current Oklahoma residents. Artists representing cultural traditions are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Apply for the Oklahoma Teaching Artist roster<https://arts.ok.gov/Oklahoma_Teaching_Artists/Oklahoma_Teaching_Artists_Application.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Apply%20for%20the%20roster&utm_campaign=Newsletter-%28December-2019%29>.
  2.  Nominate an Inspiring Teacher for a Sondheim Award To celebrate the role of teachers and their ability to inspire success, The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards presents $10,000 to select teachers in any subject area who have made a difference in their students' lives. Eligible teachers must teach or have taught in a K-12 school or university in the United States. Stories should detail a specific personal interaction with the teacher that had a significant impact. An example of an interaction is provided here<https://education.kennedy-center.org/education/sondheim/verbena_article.cfm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=example%20provided%20here&utm_campaign=Newsletter-%28December-2019%29>. Nominate a teacher<https://education.kennedy-center.org/education/sondheim/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=The%20Kennedy%20Center/Sondheim%20Inspirational%20Teacher%20Awards&utm_campaign=Newsletter-%28December-2019%29> by January 31.
  3.  VSA Playwright Discovery Program Through the VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competition, students with disabilities in grades 6-12 can submit original works of writing to earn the chance for exclusive access to industry professionals and the opportunity to participate in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Washington, D.C. Open to young writers with disabilities and collaborative groups that include students with disabilities, the program accepts submissions of scripts, videos, screenplays, musical theater works, and other performance works. Applications are due<https://education.kennedy-center.org/education/vsa/programs/about_playwright_competition.cfm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Click%20here%20to%20learn%20more%20%28VSA%20Playwright%29&utm_campaign=Newsletter-%28December-2019%29> January 2, 2020
  4.  Webinar: Community Eligibility - A Strategy to Improve Public Health, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. ET Hear from the authors of a new study published in the Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition that finds significant benefits for students attending schools that participate in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a program which allows schools in high-poverty areas to offer school meals at no cost to all students. The study finds that students and families are two and a half times less likely to experience food insecurity if they attend a CEP school, as compared to students attending similar schools that are eligible but not participating in the CEP program - even after adjusting for race/ethnicity and education level of the parent. The research also found that students had higher attendance rates in CEP schools, and more students advanced beyond 10th grade. The webinar will review the study and its findings as well as strategies for advocating for CEP as part of a broader strategy to improve education outcomes and public health. To register, click here<http://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/webinars/community-eligibility-strategy-improve-public-health-not-just-school-meal-funding-option>.
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