It feels like a slow week – possibly because I’ve been doing a lot of training this week. But I did come across a list of grants and awards that I thought might be of interest to readers. Some might require a little bit of a stretch to include broadband – but I’m sure you can make it work. (Or maybe it’s helpful even without the broadband connection.)

• The Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG) at USDA will make up to $5.8 million available nationwide to Rural Cooperative Development Centers, which in turn, provide technical assistance to individuals and entities improving the economic condition of rural areas by supporting start-up, expansion or operational improvement of rural cooperatives and other business entities. Cooperatives have often been the mechanism used by small and midsized producers to work together to access new markets or market value-added products. Applications accepted through June 30, 2014.
• The Small, Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant program (SSDPG) at USDA will make $3 million available nationwide to provide technical assistance to small, socially-disadvantaged agricultural producers through eligible cooperatives and cooperative development centers. Awardees will be able to conduct market research, product and/or service improvement, feasibility studies, training, and implement business plans. Applications are being accepted through June 30, 2014.
• The National Science Foundation is offering grants to nonprofits, public agencies, and others for STEM Learning Projects. Deadline: 7/10/2014. Grants will be offered to advance new approaches to and evidence-based understanding of the design and development of STEM learning in informal environments.  They will also provide multiple pathways for broadening access to STEM learning experiences, and provide other activities. Click here for guidelines and an application
• The Job Creation Fund (JCF) program is DEED’s newest program to encourage job creation and capital investment in new or expanding businesses. The program provides job creation awards of up to $500,000 and capital investment rebates of up to $500,000 for qualifying businesses.
• The Bush Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2014 Bush Prize for Community Innovation from now until June 5, 2014. The Bush Prize honors and supports organizations with a track record of making great ideas happen. Winners receive a flexible grant equal to 25% of their last fiscal year budget, up to $500,000. This is creative capital that can be used however the winners choose. The Bush Prize is open to nonprofits and government entities of all sizes in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography.   Take time now to learn more about the Bush Prize.   Questions? Contact Mandy Ellerton, Bush Prize Manager at: CommunityInnovation@BushFoundation.org or 651-379-2266.
• CURA Kris Nelson Community Based Research Program. The Kris Nelson Community Based Research Program builds partnerships between community-based organizations and suburban government agencies and local colleges and universities. The research needs of organizations are matched with students to carry out community-defined and guided projects. Applications are due June 30th. Projects will run from August 25, 2014, to January 7, 2015. http://www.cura.umn.edu/Nelson-Program