The North Carolina Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for the FY2015 Economic Development Competitive Grant Program for Underserved and Limited Resource Communities (ULRC). This program provides grants to local governments and non-profits totaling up to $1.75 million. The purpose of the ULRC Program is to encourage economic development activities, services or projects that benefit underserved populations and limited resource communities across the state. The program is administered by the Rural Economic Development Division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The deadline for applications is December 19th.
“These grants enable North Carolina’s rural communities to plan for economic development, enhancement, increased health care services and other projects to help the local economy,” said Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker. “By making these funds available, North Carolina is working to ensure that our rural areas have the resources necessary to make a significant difference in their communities.”
There are six project categories funded by the program: agriculture, health care, cultural & performing arts, small business development, planning and coastal projects.
Eligible applicants are units of local government (defined as “city, county, or consolidated city-county” NC GS 160A-470) or 501(c) 3 non-profits located in either a Tier 1 or Tier 2 county, or a rural census tract in a Tier 3 county. The ULRC Program gives priority to organizations that:
1. Demonstrate established business involvement and community partnership
2. Match funds and/or have at least one other significant source of funding
3. Demonstrate independent fundraising to achieve financial sustainability
4. Plan to use award funds to engage in activity that improves/enhances an aspect of a local economy
The North Carolina Rural Economic Division administers these grants. The ULRC Solicitation/Application as well as program information, application instructions, and supporting materials are posted on the N.C. Commerce website at www.nccommerce.com/rd. Completed applications must be postmarked by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2014. Awards will be announced Friday, January 16, 2015 by 5:00 p.m.