Project Development Services

The RPCGB’s Economic Development Department helps member governments develop projects and access grant opportunities. These projects and opportunities often involve federal or state agencies, like the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the Economic Development Administration (EDA), and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). The department’s goal is to support communities in achieving their economic development goals by providing technical assistance services. These services include:

  • Project Prioritization: The RPCGB’s Economic Development Department meets with member governments to assist communities with determining goals, prioritizing needs, and identifying possible funding sources to support local projects. This process is helpful when determining which grant applications to pursue given project timeframes, grant deadlines, and budget requirements. 

  • Connecting to Grant Resources: The department also works to connect municipalities with state and federal grant resources that are applicable to local projects. Staff are available to also provide education on grant processes, types of funding available, and project eligibility requirements for different grant sources. 

  • Grant Proposal Development Assistance: Finally, the department bolsters local capacity in regional communities through grant proposal development for funding sources, including ARC, EDA, and ADECA programs.  

Contact Allie Haynes, Economic Development Specialist, with any questions or projects at ahaynes@rpcgb.org.

Common Grant Programs

  • ARC is a regional economic development agency created with the mission of building capacity and strengthening economic growth in Appalachia. This program invests in activities within the 13 states and 420 counties of the Appalachian region. Program funding can be used for a broad variety of programs and projects, such as expanding economic opportunities, enhancing workforce development, and improving critical infrastructure.

    To learn more about ARC funding programs, visit the ARC website.

    ARC funds are administered on the local level through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). This means all ARC grants are submitted to ADECA for funding. As the ARC designated Local Development District (LDD) for our region, RPCGB partners with ADECA to identify prioritized projects for funding within our region. Visit the ADECA website for more information.

  • The CDBG program provides annual grants to cities and counties to support projects that provide decent housing and suitable living environments and expand economic opportunities to low- and moderate-income persons.

    The basic requirements for projects seeking CDBG funding are:

    1) To meet at least one National Objective: At least 51% of project beneficiaries are low-and moderate-income persons; aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight; or meet other urgent community needs posing a serious and immediate threat

    2) Meet at least one Performance Goal: Create suitable living environments; provide decent affordable housing; create economic opportunities;

    3) Achieve or improve one of three Outcomes: Improve availability or accessibility of units or services; improve affordability of housing or other services; improve sustainability by promoting viable communities

    This grant program, like ARC, is administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). For more information about CDBG funds and its requirements, visit ADECA’s website.

  • The EDA exists as the economic development agency for the federal government, designed to establish sustainable job growth and economic resiliency throughout the United States. This agency has several investment priorities, as described on the EDA website.

    As the EDA designated Economic Development District (EDD) for our region, RPCGB is committed to assisting our member government plan, develop, and manage their EDA grants and projects.

  • The USDA-RD division is dedicated to improving the economic stature and quality of life in rural communities. Their office offers grants, loans, and loan guarantees to assist these communities in creating jobs, supporting, economic development, and enhancing essential community services such as housing, healthcare, and water infrastructure.

    A comprehensive list of the USDA-RD Programs & Services for communities and nonprofits can be found on the USDA-RD website.

Grant Requirements

  • On April 4, 2022, the federal government stopped using DUNS numbers. The DUNS Number was replaced by a new, non-proprietary identifier that is provided by the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). This new identifier is called the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), or the Entity ID. If your entity is registered in SAM.gov today, your Unique Entity ID has already been assigned and is viewable in SAM.gov. This includes inactive registrations. The Unique Entity ID is located on your entity registration record. Remember, you must be signed in to your SAM.gov account to view entity records.

    To learn how to apply for and receive a UEI, reference this Quick-Start Guide.

    For assistance with viewing your agency’s UEI, view this article.

  • An EIN, also known as a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), is used to identify a business, municipality, or organizational entity. This number is needed to register your organization in Grants.gov.

    For more information, visit the IRS website.

  • Grants.gov is the website used as a platform for agencies to search and apply for federal grants. To learn more and register an account, visit the grants.gov website.

  • A Systems of Award Management (SAM) account is required for all federal grant submissions. This registration is used to allocate awarded funds to grantees. To register for an account, visit the SAM.gov website.