Open through mid-July
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (June 5, 2017) – Last Fall, the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Development Authority (RDA) allocated Regional Cities funding to a portfolio of projects, each of which is strongly aligned with our region’s goal of creating and sustaining Smart Connected Communities. The eighteen projects selected to receive an allocation from the RDA must have final submissions and full commitment for all matching funds completed by June 15, 2017.
The RDA is encouraged by the process and expects most of the identified projects will meet all criteria and receive funding. However, it is anticipated that some funds may become available for re-allocation to other projects. At their July 13th board meeting, the RDA will review documentation provided by the eighteen projects that were conditionally approved during the 2016 allocation period and determine the availability of any released funds. It is estimated that approximately $1.5 million may become available.
Organizations interested in being considered for this new round of regional cities funding should complete the Intake Form by July 15, 2017. Projects that were included in the Regional Development Plan (Regional Cities Application – RDP), that did not receive funds during the 2016 allocation are eligible to update their Intake Form. The RDA will also accept Intake Forms (available online) for projects that were not initially included in the RDP, as additional projects for consideration. RDP Projects that received funds during the 2016 allocation period are not eligible for additional funding during this second round of allocations.
Following their July meeting, if the RDA determines funds are available, projects that have completed an Intake Form will be invited to submit a full application by August 15th. The RDA will announce the allocation of funding into the next set of projects at their September 14th meeting.
The RDA is seeking applications for projects that enhance the community to improve the economy and quality of place, ultimately attracting talent which will support our growing innovation-based economy. While programming may be a critical element of the overall plan, the matching funds will be focused on brick and mortar projects.
The IEDC criteria requires distinct, feasible projects with realistic budgets, return on investment calculations and clear timelines. Projects must be implementable within a 12-month timeframe and their budget should represent a public-private partnership that consists of 60% private sector funding, augmented by 20% co-investments from both the local and state government.
These quality of place focused projects should address one of the following major areas: Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness, Economic Development, or Housing.
To view the project Intake Form, visit RegionalCitiesofNorthernIndiana.com.
About the Regional Development Authority (RDA)
The Regional Development Authority (RDA), comprised of a five-member board representing Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties, is guided by the Smart Connected Communities plan produced in 2015 for the Regional Cities Initiative and works to advance economic development projects of regional importance.
Board members include John DeSalle, Chair, President of Hoosier Racing Tire Corp., Kristin Pruitt, Vice Chair, Vice President and General Counsel of Lakeland Financial Corp., Dallas Bergl, Secretary-Treasurer, President & CEO of INOVA Federal Credit Union, Pete McCown, Member, President of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, and John Affleck-Graves, Member, Executive Vice President, University of Notre Dame.
About the Regional Cities Initiative (South Bend-Elkhart Region)
The Regional Cities Initiative represented over half a million people in 22 interconnected cities and towns in Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties. The group consists of and leverages the collective experience and services of the South Bend-Elkhart region’s leading business, academic, philanthropic and government leaders to support transformational economic development projects and strategic initiatives that will improve quality of life and spur population growth.
The South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership, which helped lead the effort to secure the $42 million Regional Cities grant for the South Bend-Elkhart region also serves as the administrator for the RDA.
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Media Contact:
Regina Emberton (South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership) – 574.400.5432 or REmberton@MichianaRegion.com
