Resources

 

We have several resources available in the .pdf file format to assist with community development and economic development projects.

 

Statewide

Small Cities Development Grant. This program provides grants for a wide range of community projects, including utility improvements, housing repair, commercial building repair, downpayment assistance, and more.

• Review this report from the State of Minnesota on the economic and community impact of the Small Cities Grant Program.

State Revolving Fund. This loan program is one of the primary tools for communities to improve or expand their sanitary sewer systems.

 

Drinking Water Revolving Fund. This loan program can finance municipal water treatment and distribution projects.

 

Outdoor Recreation Grants. The Department of Natural Resources provides grants for a variety of park and recreation improvements for cities and counties.

Federal

USDA Utilities Funds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes loan and grant assistance available for the improvement of municipal water and sanitary sewer systems.

 

USDA Community Facilities. USDA also makes loans and grants available for the construction of important community facilities such as fire halls, fire department vehicles, ambulances, and community centers.

 

USDA Renewable Energy. USDA makes grants and loans to support businesses, farmers, and community projects in carrying out energy-efficiency or alternative energy projects.

Web Site Links

 

The internet provides a wealth of information that can assist your community, your development group or your business.

 

Statewide

Department of Employment & Economic Development. DEED is one of the primary state agencies for economic development and community development assistance.

 

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Housing is a key factor in community well-being and MHFA is a key source for accessing housing funds.

 

Minnesota Fire Service. This informative source is very helpful in securing funds for fire department projects.

 

Minnesota Grantmakers. This website is from the Minnesota Council on Foundations and lists scores of grant sources in the non-profit sector.

 

Minnesota Rural Water Association. Not only does the Association provide expert technical assistance, but they also have financing sources available for utility projects.

 

Minnesota WorkForce Center. Look to this site for information on employment data, posting a job opening, employment training programs, and more.

 

Office of Geographic & Demographic Analysis. This is a source of statistical iformation that can be invaluable for many development projects.

 

Other Useful Links. Many helpful web sites can be accessed through the Center for Rural Policy & Development.

Federal

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Use this database to search for financial aid programs that could benefit your project or community.

 

Demographic Profiles. This link gives you quick access to U.S. Census profiles for any city, county, township, etc.

 

USA.gov. A web portal that leads you to just about anything under the sun that involves the federal government.

 

GPO Access. Another comprehensive source of links to web sites pertaining to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal government.

 

HUD's Office of Community Planning & Development. The home page for various programs of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.

 

USDA Rural Development. A web site which accesses many of the community and business development programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 

Small Business Administration. The federal government's primary agency seeking to assist small business.

Regional

Southwest Initiative Foundation. Headquartered in Hutchinson, the Foundation provides a variety of services to improve and strengthen the 18 counties of southwestern Minnesota.

 

Small Business Development Center. The SBDC is a resource for new and existing businesses to access inportant assistance when it comes to start-up and expansion.