FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Act Build Back Better Regional Challenge

Deadline: 10/19/2021

Amount: $200,000–$500,000

Website: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=334735

Description:

Through this American Rescue Plan Act Build Back Better Regional Challenge Notice of Funding Opportunity (ARPA BBBRC NOFO), EDA aims to assist communities and regions impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has caused, and continues to cause, economic injury to U.S. communities and regions in devastating and unprecedented ways. This ARPA BBBRC NOFO is designed as a two-phase competition to (1) help regions develop transformational economic development strategies and (2) fund the implementation of those strategies that will create and grow regional growth clusters. Such efforts will help regional economies recover from the pandemic and build economic diversity and resiliency to mitigate impacts of future economic disasters.

In Phase 1, EDA will provide technical assistance grants to approximately 50-60 coalitions (through a lead institution). These coalitions will be considered “finalists” and the grants will be used by the finalists to prepare more detailed applications for transformational projects that benefit their respective geographic regions and are aligned around a holistic approach to building and scaling a strategic industry.

In Phase 2, EDA will award each of the 20-30 finalist coalitions $25-75 million (and potentially up to $100 million) to fund the collection of projects they identified. The projects will be funded through grants to coalition members.

This particular Funding Opportunity is for Phase 1 Concept Proposals ONLY.

Eligible applicants:

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Special district governments

Private institutions of higher education

County governments

Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification)

State governments

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education