DATE: October 22, 2020
TO: Members of the Economic Development Authority
FROM: Nate Carlson, Economic Development Coordinator
Title
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) Inclusive Communities Grant Review
Body
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff intends to apply for the “Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grant” through the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. The EDA Board shall make a motion to approve the application for this grant.
BACKGROUND:
As the EDA continues to invest in developing services more equitably, staff has been proactively searching out grant opportunities to supplement this work. Utilizing the framework developed by Strong & Starlike at the end of 2019, staff has developed a grant application for the SMIF “Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grant.” Here is the link to the SMIF website: <https://smifoundation.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/inclusive-and-equitable-communities/>
The application is attached for the EDA Board’s review. Because the funding will be directed to the NEC, the NEC Board has also reviewed the application and provided staff with feedback. The NEC also submitted a letter of support. A secondary letter of support from the Chamber will be included as well. The Chamber intends to be a partner when collaborating on workshops.
Beth Kallestad, Program Coordinator for the City of Northfield, reviewed the initial draft application and provided assistance with necessary revisions.
Staff welcomes feedback from the EDA Board. The application is due October 26.
ANALYSIS:
The grant application is for $20,000 to be invested in building capacity within the NEC to continue the momentum of the EDA’s business equity work.
OPTIONS:
The EDA can make a motion of approval or take no action.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the grant application.