Community Vitality and Rural Healthcare – News

RBS: Amended Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2025 Federal Register

Nov 21, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) amending the amount of loan funding available for the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program. The maximum amount per award available for Second, Third, and Fourth Quarter application periods has been reduced from $2 million to $1 million.

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TREAS: Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Federal Register

Nov 21, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Treasury Department of funding allocations made through the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund), New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program for calendar years 2024-25. This program allows community development entities (CDEs) to offer a tax credit incentive to investors to stimulate private investment capital for economic and community development in low-income communities. Provides details about changes to the previous allocation round, as well program eligibility details. Applicants are required to complete the Application Registration section of the NMTC Allocation Application by December 5, 2024 in order to be able to submit the remaining application sections by January 29, 2025.

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Texas' Uneven Population Boom Is Creating Ghost Towns in Many Rural Counties

Nov 14, 2024 - Highlights population migrations trends in Texas and the impact on rural communities including housing, infrastructure, and small businesses. Discusses community vitality, noting that hospital closures impact the economies of rural communities.

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Washington's Rural Maternity Wards Are Struggling to Stay Afloat

Nov 11, 2024 - Highlights challenges for rural Washington healthcare facilities in offering labor and delivery services. Discusses challenges with maintaining healthcare quality, maternal care deserts, financial challenges and sustainability, and the impact of labor and delivery services on community vitality.

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Northern Forest Center Focuses on Rural Middle-Income Housing Needs

Oct 23, 2024 - Highlights the work of the nonprofit Northern Forest Center to fund workforce housing development in rural Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. Notes that housing shortages have contributed to recruitment challenges for local businesses, including healthcare organizations. Describes their "capital stack" funding approach and the potential for replication in rural communities elsewhere in the country.

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RBCS: Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Business Development Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2025 Federal Register

Oct 18, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) is accepting applications for grants under the Rural Business Development Grant Program for fiscal year 2025. Applications that will help rural communities recover economically; ensure all rural residents have equitable access to USDA Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD funded projects; and reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support are encouraged. Applications are due by February 28, 2025.

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