The Texas Workforce Commission approved an additional $1 billion in direct support for the Texas child care industry, increasing available funds for the 2022 Child Care Relief Fund (CCRF) to a total of $3.4 billion — with an estimated average award of over $250,000 per provider. In addition to the $1 billion approved for CCRF, the Commission approved an additional $75 million aimed to defray startup costs for new child care providers across the state.

The 2022 CCRF is intended to help child care providers address the impacts of COVID-19. Eligible providers may use these funds in a variety of ways to support their program’s operating costs. For more information and to check eligibility, visit https://www.childcare.texas.gov or email [email protected]. 

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has posted the first 10 fact sheets for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This first batch of fact sheets covers the legislation’s “legacy” formula programs, plus the new Bridge Formula Program. For a full list of covered programs, click here. 

Information regarding other competitive grant opportunities associated with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is expected to be released to the public soon. For a general overview of all programs included in the legislation, the U.S. Department of Transportation has provided a general fact sheet for the public.

Follow this biweekly update, along with our monthly Economic Development Digest, for the latest information regarding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Learn more.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making up to $10 million available to help people living in rural towns develop community renewable energy projects that will help them cut their energy costs and contribute to the nationwide effort to reduce pollution that contributes to climate change. These funds will be released through the USDA’s Rural Energy Pilot Program, targeted to help people who live in communities that have been historically underinvested and disinvested. Applications are due no later than July 18, 2022, at 10:59 p.m. Central. Learn more. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. 

Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program (Ongoing) 

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (Ongoing)  

Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (Ongoing)

Economic Adjustment Assistance (March 15, applications reviewed on a rolling basis)  

Indigenous Communities (March 15, applications reviewed on a rolling basis) 

Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation (March 15, applications reviewed on a rolling basis) 

Build Back Better Regional Challenge (Phase 2: March 15) 

Rural Energy Pilot Program (Letter of Intent: On or Before April 19, 2022 | Completed Applications: July 18, 2022) 

U.S. Department of Agriculture grants to offer financial assistance for rural communities to further develop renewable energy. Rural Energy Pilot Program (REPP) applicants must be Rural Energy Community Partnerships, as defined in the REPP Notice of Funding Opportunity.

February 24 | Grant Writing, The Right Way: Keys to Achieving a Higher Success Rate | Foundant Technologies 

Foundation and federal grants accounted for over half a trillion dollars last year. Are you getting your share? Join Foundant Technologies for a free webinar on grant writing. In this webinar, presenters Darian Rodriquez Heyman and Tammy Tilzey will help attendees strengthen their grant writing acumen, including how to write more effective proposals, conduct effective research, and avoid the most common pitfalls grantseekers encounter.

February 25 | Dream ▪ Play ▪ Build: Hands-On Community Engagement for Enduring Spaces and Places | Smart Growth Network

Join the Maryland Department of Planning and the Smart Growth Network as they share their insights into building common ground and inviting active participation among diverse groups. Their approach, “Place It!,” draws upon three methods: the interactive model-building workshop, the pop-up, and site exploration using the senses. This webinar will offer lessons learned distilled from workshops held around the world, and a deep dive into the transformational approach and results from a community in southern California.

In-Person Events:  

Visit the GCEDD website for information and links to local, regional, and partner organizations that have additional resources and information on economic recovery. A select list is presented below.