Applications are received on an annual basis. No specific deadlines are provided. For deadlines, application and additional information about the Flex-E-Grant program, please call the West Virginia Development Office at (800) 982-3386 or (304) 558-2234.

A Flex-E-Grant is a small grant, up to $10,000, that may be used to support local leadership, civic engagement and capacity building. Flex-E-Grants may be provided: (1) For existing leadership activities for curriculum development and expansion of current offerings to encourage the incorporation of regional development focus. (2) To universities/colleges (and/or their affiliates), regional planning and development councils, nonprofit training providers and other eligible applicants to establish scholarship programs for individuals from distressed counties to attend leadership training and capacity building programs. (3) To increase the effort to train locally elected officials and their staff in leadership development and regional development concepts and techniques as well as strategic planning principles. (4) To expand the base of local persons motivated and prepared to serve as locally elected officials, staff and civic volunteers by preparing local youth for civic responsibility through participation in established programs. (5) To expand the base of local persons motivated and prepared to serve as locally elected officials, staff and civic volunteers by providing extensive outreach and/or programs with an emphasis on leadership and/or capacity building activities with opportunities for women and minorities. (6) To support organizations that provide training and technical assistance to nonprofit and community/economic development organizations. (7) To assist organizations that strive to obtain national accreditation or industry professional designation. (8) To industry associations and networks to provide training opportunities and other organizational capacity building activities for member organizations from distressed counties. (9) To regional planning and development councils, local economic development authorities and other eligible local technical assistance organizations to assist communities that wish to participate in established community capacity building programs. (10) To aid units of local government and community organizations in developing community strategic and implementation plans. Types of projects receiving emphasis include: (1) Economic opportunity: Building capacity by developing strong local and regional economic development organizations, assisting to diversify and expand local industry including destination tourism development and supporting small business development activities. (2) Infrastructure: As a non-construction program, Flex-E-Grant funding can be provided to build capacity around infrastructure issues such as the development of water, sewer, housing, public safety management and access road facilities to meet critical public health/safety needs and support business development activities. (3) Human resource development: Supporting career development, work-based learning and the number of schools that participate in school reform initiatives. The activity may involve public education, higher education, adult, job training, employment, welfare reform, economic development and/or workforce development. (4) Local capacity: Build local capacity from the ground up, through leadership training activities, assistance with community strategic planning processes and telecommunications initiatives that will increase collaboration, interaction and access to information. This can include capacity building activities for boards and commissions and activities to increase access to programs and information that leverage private-sector involvement. (5) Health care: Provide basic primary health care, health education, maternal and child health care and maintenance of reasonable access to emergency/acute care facilities. Programs must be designed with specific outcomes and measurable impacts. The purpose and objectives of this program are very specific in nature. The distinct subject matter of this funding opportunity necessitates a thorough review of the official program guidance referenced at the URL provided in the contact section of this summary.

None is available.

Varies

Name: West Virginia Development Office

Street: 1900 Kanawha Blvd.

Capitol Complex Building

City: Charleston

Zip: 25305-0311

Fax: 304-558-0449