ABOUT THE PROCESS
Round Three Allocation of RCI Funds
The South Bend - Elkhart Regional Development Authority (RDA) is now accepting project applications for the final $862,000 of Regional Cities Initiative (RCI) grant funding available for Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties. The application period will run through March 12, 2021. Project applications should be completed and submitted via the online form.
The RDA will accept applications from new projects or projects that were allocated RCI funds during the Round Two allocation process in 2017 (Project List). Projects that were allocated RCI funds during the Round One allocation process in 2016 (Project List) are not eligible to apply for additional funds.
TIMELINE
For Applicants
February 22 – March 12, 2021
Project Application Window
- Any new projects or projects that were included in Round Two of funding awards during 2017 who wish to request funding may apply.
- A separate application must be completed for each project.
- Projects can apply for a grant or no-interest loan with a preference for loan.
- Projects may request grants or loans for any amount between $250,000 and $862,000.
- The RCI fund amount requested may not exceed 20% of the total capital expenditures of the project.
- Projects must be within the following Categories:
- Arts/Culture/Trails
- Athletics/Wellness
- Project must be within Elkhart, Marshall, or St. Joseph counties.
- Projects must demonstrate readiness to be substantially under construction by June 15, 2021.
March 15 - March 26, 2021
RDA Review Period
- The RDA will review applications and identify the project(s) most aligned with the program goals.
- The RDA will award grants of up to 20% of the total capital expense for each project.
- Approved applications will be advanced to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) for their review and approval.
March 26 - April 26, 2021
IEDC Review Period
- The RDA will submit an application to the IEDC for the approved project application(s). The IEDC shall have up to thirty days to evaluate a submitted application.
- The IEDC retains the right to approve or deny a project application, as solely determined by the IEDC, including if the application proposes to use RCI Funds for broadband activities.
- Concurrent with the IEDC review, the RDA will work with the Project Administrators on the most suitable financing structure for the project and on an agreement for the anticipated fund disbursement and project process.
May 2021
Final Project Awards Announced for Approved Projects
- Disbursements of RCI Funds from the IEDC to the RDA shall be made within thirty-five (35) days of the IEDC’s notice of approval of the project application.
- The RDA will then disburse those funds to the Project Administrator on a pro rata basis with the private and other match funds and as agreed upon in a RCNI Project Contract entered into by the RDA as Grantee and the Project Administrator as Subrecipient.
INDIANA'S REGIONAL CITIES INITIATIVE
About the Program
The Indiana Regional Cities Initiative helped communities across Indiana come together to transform their regions into nationally-recognized destinations to live, work and play. With employers continually stressing the need for a large, skilled workforce, Indiana is building upon its strong economic foundation to create a quality of place that attracts and retains future generations of Hoosiers. In 2015, that need led seven Indiana regions to collaboratively create compelling strategic regional development plans that include more than 420 projects. Because of the Regional Cities Initiative, 70 percent of the state's population now lives in a region with a bold and viable plan for transforming its future. Learn more.
