The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) is a 16-county regional development organization that encourages collaboration between local government officials, community-based organizations, and the private sector. NENEDD provides the link between federal and state programs at the local level where development actually occurs.

Our staff of professionals work together to assist communities and individuals with economic development, housing, and business loan opportunities. Any community located within our 16-county region is able to apply for membership to NENEDD and receive the benefits listed below.

Active Membership (Villages/Cities/Counties):
• Conduct income and attitude surveys.
• Conduct townhall meetings to share attitude survey results.
• Prepare Action Plan for the priorities of the attitude survey.
• Identify available federal, state, local and private resources to address the action plans.
• Assist in preparation of grants for community and economic development projects outlined in the action plan.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development currently has the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF), Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF) and Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NAHTF) programs to assist NENEDD member communities.

CDBG Funding Opportunities & Application Deadlines

• Economic Development (ED) – Loans to businesses or infrastructure construction projects undertaken for economic development purposes.
Application Period: July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025

• Tourism Development (TD) – Historic restorations; scientific and educational interpretive sites; cultural and heritage recreational sites/facilities; removal of architectural barriers that restrict mobility and accessibility to facilities. Funding is for tourist attractions expected to draw 2,500 visits annually. Match is 25% with a minimum grant amount of $250,000 and a maximum grant amount of $450,000. National Objective is LMI, S/B
Application period: July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025

• Public Works Infrastructure (PW) and Public Works Facilities (PWF)– Involves sewer and water systems, streets, sidewalks, fire stations & trucks, senior centers, community centers, libraries, tornado shelters, removal of architectural barriers, parks, and other public infrastructure. Match is 10% for villages, 20% for second class cities, 25% for counties, and 30% for first class cities, with a minimum grant amount of $250,000 and a maximum grant amount of $450,000. National Objective is LMI
Anticipated application deadline is September 15, 2025

• Planning (PP) – Studies, analysis, data gathering, identification of implementation action, and preparation of plans – such as Housing studies, Comprehensive plans, Downtown Revitalization Plans, Historic Preservation studies. Match is 10% for villages, 20% for second class cities, 25% for counties, and 30% for first class cities, with a minimum grant amount of $20,000 and a maximum of $50,000 (or $70,000 if a joint application). National Objective is LMI
Anticipated application deadline is September 15, 2025

• Downtown Revitalization (DTR) – Involves revitalization efforts located within the downtown business district, including streets, sewer, and water systems, historic restoration, removal of architectural barriers, and/or loans to business for façade improvements, signage, and/or to meet community codes. Match is 25% with a minimum grant amount of $250,000 and a maximum grant amount of $400,000. National objective is LMI, S/B
**Requires planning prior to application**
Anticipated application deadline is September 15, 2025

CCCFF Funding Opportunities & Application Deadlines

• Planning – Preliminary planning related to the development or rehabilitation of eligible projects. Match is 1:1, and the grant cannot account for more than 50% of total project costs. Minimum grant amount is $3,000, and maximum grant amount is $15,000. If awarded, half of the CCCFF funding will be available at the beginning of the project. The other half of the CCCFF funding will be reimbursed following the completion of the project.
Letter of intent/pre-application anticipated deadline is January 15, 2025
Anticipated full application deadline is February 15, 2025

• Project – A CCCFF grant may be used to construct and/or improve community facilities such as libraries, recreation, and wellness centers, gathering spaces, convention centers, town squares, and cultural centers. Projects may include the conversion, rehabilitation, or reuse of historic buildings. Match is 1:1, and the grant cannot account for more than 50% of total project costs. Maximum grant amount is either $375,000 or $562,000, depending on the amount of tax dollars collected the previous year.
Letter of intent/pre-application anticipated deadline is January 15, 2025
Anticipated full application deadline is February 15, 2025

Games and Parks Funding Opportunities & Application Deadlines

• Recreational Trails Program (RTP) – Maintenance and restoration of existing trails; development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailside facilities and trail linkages; purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment; construction of new recreational trails; acquisition of easements, title fees; education projects; administration of project (7%). Match is 20%, and all grant funds are REIMBURSED after the completion of the project. Maximum grant amount is $250,000.
Anticipated application deadline is September 3, 2025

• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – Camping facilities; wildlife habitat viewing opportunities; education related facilities and partnerships; picnicking facilities; fishing access; hiking/biking trails; playgrounds; swimming opportunities (both beach and pool). Match is 1:1, and all grant funds are REIMBURSED after the completion of the project. Maximum grant amount is $500,000.
Anticipated application deadline is September 17, 2025

NAHTF Funding Opportunities & Application Deadlines

• Housing Development – Increase supply and improve quality of affordable housing in Nebraska. Match is not required with a grant amount of up to $750,000.
Anticipated pre-application deadline is March 2025
Anticipated full application deadline is May 2025

• Technical Assistance – Financial resources to undertake activities to increase capacity to create affordable housing. Match is not required with a grant amount of up to $50,000.
Anticipated pre-application deadline is March 2025
Anticipated full application deadline is May 2025

RWHF Funding Opportunities & Application Deadlines
• RWHF – matching grants to non-profit development organizations who administer workforce housing investment funds; invested in eligible projects to increase supply and reduce costs of workforce housing in Nebraska’s rural communities. Match is 25% with a minimum grant amount of $250,000 and a maximum grant amount of $5,000,000.
Application Period: October 17, 2024, to January 15, 2025

If your community is interested in learning more about these grant programs or applying, please contact one of our three Planners as soon as possible as it can take up to 6 months to plan and prepare for your project.

Andrea Larson, Community Planner (402) 379-1150|ext. 104
andrea@nenedd.org
Zach Fisher, Community Planner (402) 379-1150|ext. 106
zach@nenedd.org
Sandra Goode, Community Planner (402) 379-1150| ext. 111
sandra@nenedd.org
Grace Petersen, Community Planning Assistant (402) 379-1150|ext. 102
grace@nenedd.org

NENEDD is committed to providing the highest level of support and guidance to our member communities in securing grant funding for various projects, as well as providing the necessary support to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines. To ensure that we maintain the integrity and effectiveness of these processes, NENEDD partners directly with our members. As we continue to work together towards the growth and development of Northeast Nebraska communities, we encourage you to schedule a time that works for you to stop into our office for a visit to meet our staff and discuss what your membership includes and the services we offer, as well as how we can make the best out of our partnerships.