Category Archives: Grants

From the Nebraska Department of Economic Development:

DED Publishes CCCFF Program Application Guidelines for 2020

CCCFF Supports Projects that Enhance Quality of Life, Promote Economic Development and Foster Thriving Places

August 15, 2019 (LINCOLN, NEB.) – The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has published application guidelines for the Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF) 2020 program year. The guidelines are available at https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2020-CCCFF-Application-Guidelines.pdf. They can also be accessed by visiting DED’s CCCFF webpage.

Eligible to municipalities, the competitive CCCFF program provides financial assistance for the planning and development of civic, community and recreation centers, such as libraries, wellness facilities, convention centers, town squares, cultural centers and more. Through CCCFF, communities can cover up to 50% of total eligible project costs.

The 2020 application guidelines detail a number of changes to the CCCFF program that occurred during the 2019 Legislative Session. Notably:

• Project ownership can now be shared with an eligible political subdivision, so long as the municipality’s ownership stake is at least 50%.
• Projects may now be located within a municipality or its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
• Eligible historic buildings must now be owned by the applying municipality. State Preservation Historic Office (SHPO) determination is required.
• The term “community center” has been replaced with “public space.”

Since 2004, communities across the state have benefited from the CCCFF program by way of 91 civic centers, 34 recreation centers and six public spaces including over 45 community centers and nearly 20 libraries.

DED will begin accepting applications to the CCCFF program on January 15, 2020. A sample 2020 application form is currently available online, but the online application portal will not be available until Jan. 15. Note that to be considered, applicants must provide a letter of intent (due Jan. 15, 2020) and apply online. Letters of intent may be submitted to the CCCFF Program Coordinator starting now. The application portal is open from Jan. 15 until the February 15, 2020 application due date. The anticipated award date is March 30, 2020.

For more information about CCCFF, visit the DED website or contact Jenny B. Mason, CCCFF Program Coordinator, at jenny.mason@nebraska.gov or 402-471-6280.

From the Nebraska Department of Economic Development:

DED Announces Open Cycle for New CDBG Category

Emergent Threat Funding will Assist Communities Impacted by Disasters

July 23, 2019 (LINCOLN, NEB.) – The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced a new funding source to assist communities impacted by disasters and/or emergent threats to public health, safety or welfare.

In a direct response to the recent flooding events , DED is now accepting applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding under the newly-created Emergent Threat (EM) category.

“CDBG is an agile program that has supported a wide array of community and economic development activities in Nebraska throughout its history,” said DED Director Dave Rippe. “Today, that flexibility has allowed the Department to mobilize a new source of funding to assist our communities in recovering from significant and tragic events.”

Under the EM category, local governments can apply for up to $450,000 to respond to emergent threats to public health, safety or welfare in the wake of disasters such as flooding, fire, tornados or other natural or man-made events. Matching funds are not required.

Eligible activities under the new category include improvements to infrastructure and facilities — e.g., community centers, senior centers, libraries, fire/rescue buildings, tornado safe shelters, street improvements, flood control and drainage improvements, etc. — that have been impacted by a disaster or when an emergent threat to public health, safety or welfare is present.

To the greatest extent feasible, EM funds are to be used as gap financing. Application criteria include the requirement to meet at least one CDBG national objective, including benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, aiding in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight in the affected areas, or urgent need.

Applications for EM funding are currently being accepted through an open cycle. A pre-application is required.

Today’s announcement represents DED’s most recent effort to support communities impacted by flooding in 2019. In April, the agency announced an open cycle for CDBG planning grants focused on disaster recovery. The following month, it made available disaster recovery housing funds through the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Because EM funding is limited, potential applicants are encouraged to submit their applications promptly using the 2019 Emergent Threat Application Guidelines and Form.

DED will review EM applications on a quarterly basis as funds remain available. The next quarterly application deadline occurs September 30.

Pre-applications can be submitted at any time to verify eligibility. Having been impacted by a recent flooding event or receiving a disaster declaration is not a threshold requirement for eligibility.

Application guidelines and more information about the CDBG program can be obtained at www.opportunity.nebraska.gov/CDBG or by contacting Steve Charleston, CDBG Program Manager, at 402-471-3757 or steve.charleston@nebraska.gov.

Guidelines relaxed; multi-year grants available

More than $400,000 has been granted in the past seven years to small-town libraries in Nebraska. The program is funded through the Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation.

The Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund is currently accepting grant applications. Grants will be made to libraries located in communities with a population under 3,000. There are three different areas of support available; each grant requires a one-to-one match in local funding.

Planning for Accreditation Grants

The fund advisory committee encourages all eligible, unaccredited libraries to view the recently updated grant guidelines. A number of additional activities and expenses are now eligible for funding through a “Planning for Accreditation Grant.”

Enhancement Grants

Accredited libraries may apply for program support leading to the creation or improvement of library services and/or outreach. In-kind services or products may fulfill 50 percent of the local match requirement in this area.

Facilities Grants

Accredited libraries may request funding for new facilities or the renovation, restoration or rehabilitation of current libraries. Guidelines for this type of grant have been relaxed to allow libraries to apply for grants in multiple years for a total not to exceed $20,000.

Libraries that previously received facility grants less than $20,000 are allowed to apply for additional funding in this grant area.

There are approximately 100 eligible communities in Nebraska with non-accredited libraries. Libraries working toward accreditation may apply for grants over the course of multiple grant cycles. For instance, Walthill Public Library received two grants in two separate years to help with salary support for the director to spend additional hours working on the accreditation requirements. Once accredited, the library was eligible for larger grants from a variety of sources, including the state of Nebraska.

Grant applications are simple to complete. A short-form proposal is due October 1, 2019, and a full proposal is due in January 2020. Grant seekers may review and download the guidelines and application procedures on the Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund website.

For more information, contact Kristine Gale, Community Impact Coordinator, 402.822.0466 or kgale@nebcommfound.org.

Seven Nebraska public libraries recently received project funding, thanks to the generosity of a lifelong educator, the late Shirley Kreutz Bennett of Lincoln. Each year, the Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF), accepts proposals for matching grants for public libraries in communities with populations under 3,000.

This year grants were awarded to libraries in Axtell, Crawford, Genoa, Randolph, Paxton, Sutton, and Yutan.

Following Ms. Kreutz Bennett’s wishes, a Fund Advisory Committee composed of her nieces and nephews recommends grants in three areas: planning for accreditation grants to support steps taken toward gaining accreditation; enhancement grants to improve library services; and facilities grants for new construction or the renovation, restoration, or rehabilitation of current libraries.

All grants require a one-to-one match in local funding and evidence that the project has broad community support. Approximately $80,000 in grant funding is available each year. Grant seekers are encouraged to review the Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund guidelines and application procedures.

The Fund Advisory Committee encourages all eligible, unaccredited libraries to view the recently updated grant guidelines. A number of additional activities and expenses are now eligible for funding through a “Planning for Accreditation Grant.” Libraries working toward accreditation may apply for grants over the course of multiple grant cycles. For instance, Walthill Public Library received two grants in two separate years to help with salary support for the director to spend additional hours working on the accreditation requirements. Once accredited, the library was eligible for larger grants from a variety of sources, including the state of Nebraska.

Grant applications are simple to complete. A short-form proposal is due October 1, 2019, and a full proposal is due in January 2020.

For more information, contact Kristine Gale, affiliated fund development coordinator, 402.822.0466 or kgale@nebcommfound.org.

The following libraries received grants in 2019:

Axtell Public Library

This library is raising local funds to update its library which is located in the heart of downtown. Planned improvements include installation of more effective lighting and renovating the restrooms to be accessible to all library patrons. The Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund awarded a $20,000 grant, contingent on the library’s success in raising matching funds within one year.

Crawford Public Library

This newly accredited library received a grant of $700 to continue its efforts in meeting the goals articulated in its Community Needs Response Plan. Activities include website updates, policy planning, and summer programming.

Genoa Public Library

The committee has awarded grants over several years to enhance this library’s services. This summer Genoa Public Library will launch a program that teaches computer coding to elementary students. Eight sessions will be offered, and the program will continue throughout the year to serve additional groups of students and adults. The Fund provided a grant of $1,000 to help with implementation.

Lied Randolph Public Library  

An improved public meeting space is the goal of this project.  A grant of $2,900 will match local funds for the purchase of new audio/visual equipment and chairs. In addition to community meetings, the new space will be used to present movies with quality sound and picture, allowing residents to “stay local.”

Paxton Public Library

Flooding in the summer of 2018 caused extensive damage to this facility. As a result, the library was closed for several months, but continued to offer online services to patrons. A grant of $10,000 will assist with interior and exterior repairs. Additional purchase of tables and chairs for preschool children are also planned. This project receives local support from the Keith County Foundation Fund, another affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation.

Sutton Memorial Library

The computers in this library are over 14 years old, and software programs are outdated and continue to fail as demand increases. The library’s Community Needs Response Plan indicated citizens believed that updates were essential. Many library patrons do not have access to a computer in their homes. Providing free access to the Internet is a core requirement for Nebraska libraries. The Fund awarded a grant of $6,767 for the purchase of seven computers and software.

Yutan Public Library

This library has set a goal to be accredited at the gold (highest) level, which will make it eligible for increased state funding. To do this the library needs to expand its collection by seven percent to be compatible with its peer libraries.  A matching grant of $1,000 will help purchase more materials and books.

The Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund has provided over 50 grants to Nebraska libraries since it began annual grantmaking in 2012. Christa Porter, Nebraska Library Commission Director of Library Development, said this grant program is perfect for libraries that are not yet accredited. “Libraries can use grant funding to gather information for their Community Needs Response Plan. This might include providing salary or stipend support for additional staff hours,” Porter said.

Other possibilities for non-accredited libraries may include one-time, or first time, costs that will help libraries earn points on the Accreditation Application. For example, subscriptions to online library databases, joining regional or statewide consortia, and expenditures for start-up technology purchases and services.

“Gaining accreditation is critical to our libraries. It opens the door to other outside funding,” said Jeff Yost, NCF president and CEO.  “In many small towns, the library serves as a public meeting space, a place for students to conduct research and do homework, and it offers Internet access to people who may not have it at home. We are honored to help the family of Shirley Kreutz Bennett carry out her legacy and passion for learning,” said Yost.

About Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.

Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving 257 communities.

In the last five years, 41,776 contributions have been made to Nebraska Community Foundation and its affiliated funds. Over the past 25 years, Nebraska Community Foundation has reinvested $323 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

The American Library Association (ALA) and Dollar General Literacy Foundation invite public libraries to apply for grants to expand services for adult English language learners or adults in need of basic education and workforce development.

Up to 16 grants of $10,000 each will be awarded. Public libraries are eligible if they serve adult English language learners and are located within 20 miles of a Dollar General Store, distribution center or corporate office. Visit the Dollar General Store Locator to check eligibility.  

Read the project guidelines and apply online by Dec. 14, 2018.

ALA will host a free webinar at 1 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, Oct. 24, for people interested in learning more about the American Dream grants. Register for the webinar here. (Note that the webinar will be recorded and available for free viewing on ALA’s Programming Librarian website.)

The American Dream Literacy Initiative strives to develop tools and resources for libraries and library staff to provide effective literacy services to adult English language learners in their communities and across the country.

Since 2008, 188 libraries in Dollar General communities have initiated or expanded literacy services for adult English language learners. The grants allow libraries to augment their print and digital English as a second language (ESL) collections; increase computer access and training; provide job training; hold English language learning (ELL), general educational development (GED) and citizenship classes; and raise the visibility of services for immigrant populations.

American Dream libraries build replicable programs, develop coalition-building strategies, and provide annotated lists of vetted resources for libraries across the country. ALA shares the libraries’ successes and strategies through the website, on webinars, and at state, regional and national conferences.

The American Dream Literacy Initiative is made possible through the generous support of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. It is administered by ALA’s Public Programs Office and Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services.