Funder: Department of Commerce
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted on a continuing basis until superseded or funds are expended)
Funding Amounts: Up to $300,000 per award; typical awards: $70,000 (Planning), $100,000 (Local Technical Assistance); duration 12–36 months
Summary: Supports planning and technical assistance projects that foster economic development, job creation, and private investment in economically distressed U.S. regions.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted via the EDGE platform (sfgrants.eda.gov); Grants.gov submissions are no longer accepted.
Description
This funding opportunity from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), part of the Department of Commerce, supports projects that advance economic development, job creation, and private investment in economically distressed areas. Funding is available for two main program areas:
- Planning: Includes Partnership Planning (for EDA-designated District Organizations and Indian Tribes), Short-Term Planning, and State Planning awards. These support the creation, implementation, and revision of regional economic development strategies (CEDS) to build capacity and guide economic prosperity and resiliency.
- Local Technical Assistance: Strengthens the capacity of local, regional, or state organizations and institutions to undertake and promote effective economic development programs. Eligible projects include feasibility studies, impact analyses, disaster resiliency plans, and project planning.
The program is designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of regions facing economic challenges, with a focus on supporting high-quality job creation and retention, particularly for the unemployed and underemployed.
Due Dates
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- There is no fixed deadline; the opportunity remains open until a new NOFO is published, the current NOFO is cancelled, or all available funds are expended.
Funding Amount
- Award Ceiling: $300,000 per project.
- Typical Award Amounts:
- Planning (Partnership/Short-Term/State): Median ~$70,000; duration typically 1–3 years.
- Local Technical Assistance: Median ~$100,000; duration usually 12–18 months (up to 3 years possible).
- Cost Sharing/Matching: Required. Federal share generally may not exceed 50% of total project cost, but can be increased up to 80% (or, in rare cases, 100%) based on regional economic distress and other factors.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- District Organizations of EDA-designated Economic Development Districts
- Federally recognized Indian Tribes or consortia of Tribes
- State, county, city, or other political subdivisions (including special purpose units of government)
- Institutions of higher education (public or private) or consortia thereof
- Public or private non-profit organizations or associations acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision
Note:
- Only EDA-designated District Organizations and Indian Tribes are eligible for Partnership Planning awards.
- Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible.
Application Process
- Platform: Applications must be submitted through the Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE) platform. Grants.gov submissions are no longer accepted.
- Required Documents:
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424A (Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs)
- Budget Narrative
- Documentation of matching share (commitment letters, etc.)
- ED-900 (General Application for EDA Programs)
- CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying)
- SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable)
- Indirect cost rate agreement (if claiming indirect costs)
- Registration: Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and EDGE.
- Consultation: Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their EDA regional representative before applying to discuss project alignment and requirements.
Additional Information
- Matching Funds: The competitiveness of applications is influenced by the availability and commitment of matching funds. In-kind contributions may be used if properly documented.
- Investment Priorities: Projects must align with at least one of EDA’s Investment Priorities.
- Reporting: Awardees must submit regular financial and performance reports.
- Non-Relocation Policy: Funds cannot be used to induce the relocation of jobs from one U.S. jurisdiction to another.
- Audit Requirements: Entities expending $750,000 or more in federal awards per year must comply with federal audit requirements.
External Links
Contact Information
| Office/Region | Contact Name/Title | Address | Phone |
|---|
| Chicago Regional Office | Susan Brehm, Regional Director | 230 South Dearborn Street, Suite 3280, Chicago, IL 60604-1512 | (312) 353-8143 |
| EDA General Contact | - | EDA Contact Page | - |
| Department of Commerce | - | 1401 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20230 | (202) 482-2000 |
For technical issues with EDGE: email GrantHDSupport@eda.gov