Main Street Arkansas Update - August 29, 2011

Downtown Walnut Ridge

Destination Downtown September 12-14; Tupelo, MS


Main Street Arkansas Calendar August 29 – September 2, 2011
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MONDAY Susan – Russellville (merchant visits); Samantha – annual leave
TUESDAY Susan – Osceola (merchant visits)
WEDNESDAY Cary – annual leave
THURSDAY Cary – annual leave
FRIDAY Cary – annual leave
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IN THIS ISSUE:

Downtown Walnut Ridge Press
Main Street Russellville on YouTube/Press
Main Street Helena Receives Grants
No Cost Trainings for Non Profits in AR
Greening the Capitols – Little Rock
Tiger II Grant Webinar

Downtown Walnut Ridge Press
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aID=127875

Main Street Russellville’s Betsy McGuire Featured in Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWlcbANFnvk
& more MSR press
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2011/aug/18/main-street-russellville-keeps-busy-20110818/

Main Street Helena Receives Grants
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2011/HUDNo.11-173

www.arkansasarts.org/grants/recipients.aspx.

No Cost Trainings for Non-Profits Throughout AR
The DHS – DCSNS – Arkansas Service Commission is providing training on five different days at three locations throughout the state. Some of the topics that will be covered (depending on location) are Getting the Grant, Community Mapping, Team Building, Putting Together a Successful Community Event, and Keys to a Successful Volunteer Program.

The training is open to the public. Online registration is required. Each location has a separate registration form so please access the correct survey through the links below.

Monticello Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22CYJMKRBTS
Springdale Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22CYJJPRA3L
Ferndale Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22CYJT9RFAW

Dates and locations for the trainings are below. Please note the registration deadline differs for each location.

Date Location Online Registration Deadline
• Sept. 29, Thursday Monticello Must register online by Sept. 7
• Sept. 30, Friday Monticello Must register online by Sept. 7
• Oct. 11, Tuesday Springdale Must register online by Sept. 19
• Nov. 1, Tuesday Ferndale (Ctrl. Ark.) Must register online by Oct. 7
• Nov. 2, Wednesday Ferndale (Ctrl. Ark.) Must register online by Oct. 7

Greening the Capitols – Little Rock
http://epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/GAC_LittleRock.pdf

Tiger II Grant Webinar
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced a new grant opportunity for rural communities across the country. The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program is a great opportunity for rural communities to leverage federal funds for local transportation projects. To help communities apply to these very competitive grants, the American Public Transportation Association, the National Association of Development Organizations, the National League of Cities, PolicyLink, Reconnecting America, Rural Assembly, Smart Growth America, and Transportation for America have joined together to encourage rural communities to submit superior applications for this funding.

If you plan to apply for this year’s round of TIGER grants or wish to learn more about the program and the application process, join us for a webinar on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 2:00 PM EDT. The webinar will build on the overview provided by our first webinar in this series, which took place earlier in August, by exploring in-depth the various aspects of the TIGER application process.

Presenters on next week's webinar include grant writers who have been successful in getting TIGER funds in the past, an expert in benefit-cost analysis from the funding source, and a leader in the transportation field who has years of experience getting projects both funded and completed.
What: "TIGER Grants and Rural America, Part II"
When: Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 2:00 PM EDT
Where: Webinar information will be sent to registrants
RSVP: Click here to register.

Main Street Arkansas Update - August 22, 2011

Destination Downtown September 12-14; Tupelo, MS


Main Street Arkansas Calendar August 22 - 26, 2011
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MONDAY Cary – AR Economic Developers Conference; Mark & Susan – Osceola & Blytheville
TUESDAY Cary – AR Economic Developers Conference; Mark & Susan – Osceola & Blytheville
WEDNESDAY Cary – AR Economic Developers Conference; Mark & Susan - SoMa
THURSDAY Cary - Winrock
FRIDAY Samantha – off
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IN THIS ISSUE:

Downtown Eureka News
Main Street Russellville Master Plan News
Study – Dense Downtowns = Higher Tax Yield
Linking American Individualism to Transportation Planning
Restaurants Report Mixed Results from Groupon, Imitators
2 Grant Opportunities

Downtown Eureka Springs Press
http://www.arts.gov/about/NEARTS/storyNew.php?id=06-yourtown&issue=2011_v2

Main Street Russellville Lead Downtown Master Plan Efforts
http://www.couriernews.com/story.php?ID=28743

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2011/aug/18/main-street-russellville-keeps-busy-20110818/?news-arkansas

Study: Dense Downtowns = Higher Tax Yield
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20110712/VALLEYNEWS/110719986/1083&ParentProfile=1074

Linking American Individualism to Transportation Planning
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/opinion/sunday/the-dutch-way-bicycles-and-fresh-bread.html

The Importance of On-Street Parking
http://www.originalgreen.org/blog/the-importance-of-on-street.html

Restaurants Report Mixed Results from Groupon, Imitators
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=127804

ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY PARTNERS (OPEN)
Enterprise Green Communities, an initiative of Enterprise Community Partners, is the first national green building program developed for affordable housing. The Program focuses on the use of environmentally sustainable materials, reduction of negative environmental impacts, and increased energy efficiency. In addition to loans and other funding options, Green Communities awards grants for Charrettes and Sustainability to help cover the costs of planning and implementing green components of affordable housing developments, as well as tracking their costs and benefits. Charrettes grants of up to $5,000 assist housing developers with integrating green building systems in their developments and engage in a serious discussion of green design possibilities. Grants will be awarded to affordable housing developers to coordinate a green design charrette, an intense working session that brings together a diverse group of housing development professionals along with residents, technical experts, funders, policy makers, and community stakeholders. These charrettes seek to integrate green design principles into affordable housing developments. Sustainability grants of up to $5,000 each are provided for affordable housing developers to maximize the health, economic, and environmental benefits of green development throughout a project’s life cycle. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, tribally designated housing entities, and for-profit entities participating through joint ventures with qualified organizations. Additional information including a list of Enterprise representatives is available on the Web site. | Avg. Grant: $5,000 | Contact Info: ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY PARTNERS, 10227 Wincopin Circle, Suite 500, Columbia , MD, 21044, Ph: 410-964-1230, Visit Website

THE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (05/15/12)
The Foundation exists to help people of the developing world in their endeavors to solve some of their problems, to attain a better standard of living, and to obtain a reasonable degree of self-sufficiency. The Foundation funds only projects of nonprofit philanthropies based in the United States. The Foundation does not set geographical boundaries for its grants except that it gives priority to needs outside of the United States. Grants are made in five areas: agriculture, health, education, social development, and environment. To be considered for funding for the current year, proposals should be received no later than mid-May of that year. Additional information can be found on the Web site. | Grant Range: $5,000 To $25,000 | Contact Info: THE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION, 1700 Route 23 North, Suite 300, Wayne, NJ, 07470, Ph: 973-406-3970, Fax: 973-406-3969, Send Email, Visit Website

Main Street Arkansas Update - August 15, 2011

Our newest Main Street program, Siloam Springs


Destination Downtown September 12-14; Tupelo, MS


Main Street Arkansas Calendar August 15 - 19, 2011
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MONDAY
TUESDAY Susan & Mark – Rogers (merchant site visits); Samantha – AEDC
WEDNESDAY Susan & Mark – Rogers (merchant site visits)
THURSDAY
FRIDAY Cary – Governor’s Volunteerism Commission
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IN THIS ISSUE:

Jackie Wolven, Downtown Eureka Springs Praised
HistoryPin
Fundraising Methods that Worked in 2010
Creating 3rd Places
Embrace the Smart City
2 Grant Opportunities
AR Shine Awards

Jackie Wolven of Downtown Eureka Springs Praised:
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=127736

HistoryPin Mashes Up Historic Photos With New Photos
http://www.good.is/post/historypin-app-uses-augmented-reality-to-visualize-the-past/

Free Report – Fundraising Methods that Worked Best in 2010 & What Could Work in 2011
http://www2.guidestar.org/rxg/news/publications/fundraising-methods-worked-best-2010.aspx

Creating 3rd Places (pdf)
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cced/downtowns/ltb/documents/DE1210.pdf

Embrace the Smart City
http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2011/0726_cities_katz.aspx

Grant Opportunity
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced the release of the FY 2011 Request for Applications (RFA) for the People's Garden Grant Program (PPGP). The program is designed to facilitate the creation of produce, recreation, and/or wildlife gardens in urban and rural areas, which will provide opportunities for science-based informal education. This program is a joint initiative supported by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Food and Nutrition Service, Forest Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service, in addition to NIFA. Successful applicants will provide micro-subgrant support to smaller local projects.
Deadline for applications must be received by Grants.gov by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, August 26, 2011. The funding opportunity number is: USDA-NIFA-OP-003503.
Interested potential applicants can participate on a teleconference to get details about the People’s Garden Grant Program on Aug. 4, 2011 at 1 p.m., EDT. To participate, call toll-free (888) 858-2144; the access code is 1059897. For those unable to participate in the call, NIFA will post a summary of the questions and information provided to our website.
For more inforamtion about this grant, please visit http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/peoplesgardengrantprogram.cfm.

HUD Announces $95 million for Regional and Community Challenge Grants
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development recently announced that $95 million is available in Regional and Community Challenge grants to support local efforts to build more livable and sustainable communities. The programs work to expand housing choices, improve connections between employment centers and homes, and reduce barriers to achieving affordable, economically vital, and sustainable communities.
Pre-applications for the Regional Planning Grant Program are due August 25, 2011.
Community Challenge Planning grant program applications are due September 9, 2011

2011 ARKANSAS SHINE AWARDS
Entries now being accepted; due Sept. 15
Statewide program recognizes 'Clean & Green' communities

Entries are now being accepted for the fourth annual Arkansas Shine Awards which honors communities across the state that have adopted a comprehensive approach to keeping their hometowns clean and green. The entry deadline is Sept. 15.

New to this year's awards program is the Arkansas Shine Superstar Award, which will be given to one community that has previously won two or more Arkansas Shine Awards, regardless of population size.

There is no fee to enter the Arkansas Shine Awards

Main Street Arkansas Update - August 1, 2011

Downtown Little Rock Surface Parking Lots


Destination Downtown September 12-14; Tupelo, MS

Sam – CDI all week

Main Street Arkansas Calendar August 1 - 5, 2011
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MONDAY Susan – Searcy & Heber Springs
TUESDAY Susan – Osceola & Blytheville; Mark, Monticello
WEDNESDAY Susan – Osceola & Blytheville ;Cary – CDI
THURSDAY Cary – Jonesboro (Johnny Cash Dyess Home Benefit)
FRIDAY Greg & Cary – off
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IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street Texarkana Issues 1st Revolving Loan Check
Old Windows Find a New Following
Rural America Disappearing? Population Hits a New Low
NW AR New Regional Tourism Effort
14 (yes 14) Grant Opportunities

Main Street Texarkana Issues First Revolving Loan Check
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/2011/07/26/main-street-texarkana-issues-first-revol-624158.php

Old Windows Find A New Following
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/28/garden/old-windows-find-a-following.html?_r=4&pagewanted=1&emc=eta1

Rural America Disappearing? Population Hits a New Low
http://www.kait8.com/story/15165671/rural-us-disappearing-population-share-hits-low

NW AR Developing New Regional Tourism Effort
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=127534

14 Grant Opportunities

Open Spaces Sacred Places National Awards
The Open Spaces Sacred Places (OSSP) National Awards highlights the importance of nature in urban settings. The grants seek to support research that shows the many benefits of green spaces as a civil amenity and investment. Grants will be awarded from a pool of $5 million to plan, implement, and execute a planned natural environment. Grant proposals for up to $50,000 will be accepted.
Application deadline: September 1, 2011

Public Works, Economic Adjustment, and Global Climate Change Mitigation Grants
This U.S. Department of Commerce grant program supports projects that foster economic competitiveness while enhancing environmental quality. These funds will be used to advance the green economy by supporting projects that create jobs through - and increase - private capital investment in initiatives to limit the nation's dependence on fossil fuels, enhance energy efficiency, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and protect natural systems. Available funding is likely to be near $25 million.
Application deadline: September 15, 2011

Smart Growth Action Grants - National Association of Realtors®
The Smart Growth Action Grants program of the National Association of Realtors® supports a wide range of land-use-related activities. Each year $120,000 is distributed to state and local Realtor® associations to support smart growth activities. Applications for $1,000 grants to host smart growth speakers or cosponsor events are available year-round. Larger grants of $5,000 to $15,000 are available twice a year for local community engagement and more in-depth smart growth projects.
Application deadline: First Friday in April and October for larger grants; smaller grants accepted year-round.

Hope VI Main Street Grants
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/administration/grants/nofa11/HOPE%20VI%20Main%20Street

Community Challenge Planning Grant
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=108994

The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Challenge Planning Grant Program fosters reform and reduces barriers to achieving affordable, economically vital, and sustainable communities. Such efforts may include amending or replacing local master plans, zoning codes, and building codes, either on a jurisdiction-wide basis or in a specific neighborhood, district, corridor, or sector to promote mixed-use development, affordable housing, the reuse of older buildings and structures for new purposes, and similar activities with the goal of promoting sustainability at the local or neighborhood level. This Program also supports the development of affordable housing through the development and adoption of inclusionary zoning ordinances and other activities to support planning implementation.

HUD Regional Planning Grant
http://blogs.planning.org/policy/2011/07/28/hud-funding-for-sustainable-communities-grants/

Bikes Belong Announces Special Grant Round for Community Collaborations to Promote Bicycling
http://www.bikesbelong.org/grants/apply-for-a-grant/
Bikes Belong, which provides grants to organizations and agencies within the United States that are "committed to putting more people on bicycles more often," is accepting applications for Community Partnership Grants, which are designed to foster and support partnerships between city or county governments, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses working to improve the environment for bicycling.


Arkansas Department of Rural Services Rural Community Development and Rural Community Fire Protection Grants
08/19/11
12/09/11
03/16/12 Enhance quality of life - assist rural communities with improvement of local fire protection & related emergency services & construction, development and improvement of local facilities Incorporated cities and towns and unincorporated communities in RURAL areas of less than 3,000 in population; up to $15,000 award available; match required; number available will vary RCGP Grants Coordinator
101 East Capitol, Suite 202
Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 682.6011
888.787.2527 Toll Free
Email: Rural.Arkansas at arkansas.gov
www.arkansas.gov/drs


Bikes Belong Coalition
Community Partnership Grants 08/26/11
02/29/12
06/29/12 Designed to foster and support partnerships between city or county governments, non-profit organizations, and local businesses to improve the environment for bicycling in the community Non-profit organizations, public agencies and departments; max award up to $10,000; an average of 20 awards made annually Elizabeth Train, Grants and Research Director
303-449-4893 ext. 3
http://bikesbelong.org/grants


Verizon Foundation
10/16/11 Improving lives in literacy, knowledge and a readiness for the 21st Century 501c3 non-profit organizations; award range $5,000-$10,000; number available is unknown http://foundation.verizon.com/grant/guidelines.shtml

AR Department of Parks and Tourism Trails for Life Grant
10/28/11 To construct trails or other facilities that encourage physical exercise for health
reasons Incorporated city & county governments; max award $70,000; number available will vary; cash match is not required 501-682-1301
http://www.outdoorgrants.com


Institute of Museum and Library Services Museums for America
11/01/11 Supporting projects and ongoing activities that build museums’ capacity to serve their communities Unit of state or local government or private nonprofit museums; award range $5,000-$150,000; 1:1 cost sharing is required; number available will vary http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/forAmerica.shtm
Sandra Narva, Senior Program Officer
Phone: 202/653-4634
E-mail: snarva at imls.gov


Arkansas Department of Rural Services General Improvement Fund Grant Program – Community Enhancement Cycle 1 11/18/11 Enhance Arkansas’ quality of life by assisting rural communities with development/improvement of local facilities
Incorporated cities or unincorporated communities of less than 20,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas; max award $150,000; match required GIF Community Enhancement Grant Coordinator
101 East Capitol, Suite 202
Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 682.6011
888.787.2527 Toll Free
Email: rural.arkansas at arkansas.gov
www.arkansas.gov/drs


USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program
OPEN Finance & facilitate development of essential community facilities servicing rural areas & maximize job creation & economic benefit Hospitals, medical clinics, elderly care facilities, police stations & vehicles, fire & rescue stations & vehicles, vocational/medical rehabilitation centers, educational facilities; amounts will vary; number of awards available will vary; cost sharing not required USDA Rural Development State Office,
700 West Capitol Avenue, Room 3416,
Little Rock, AR 72201–3225 501-301–3200
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HCF_CF.html