Grants and Set-Asides

Grants
Grant monies for the Empowerment Zone program are made available through Congressional appropriations. Unfortunately, no funds have been allocated for Round III zones, including the Aroostook County Empowerment Zone, at this time. Representatives of the Aroostook County Zone are working with Maine’s Congressional delegation to try to change that fact. If monies become available, education sessions will be held to educate area organizations about the amount and the application process. Potential projects must fit the goals of the strategic plan.

Set-Asides
USDA – Rural Development has a variety of low interest loan programs and grant programs it works with on an annual basis. Each year funds are set aside in some of those programs that can only be applied for by rural Empowerment Zones. The programs for this year have not yet been identified. When they are identified, educations sessions will be held to educate area organizations and municipalities about the amounts and the application process. Potential projects must fit the goals of the strategic plan.

More information about USDA – Rural Development programs can be found on the following site.

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov