NEK Project Development Initiative 2021-2022
OVERVIEW
The NEK Project Development Initiative seeks to advance community-supported projects that address a pressing community need by providing funding for professional project development services.
If your NEK business or organization could benefit from contracted services to advance your project, we want to hear from you.
The NEK Project Development Initiative seeks projects that:
Address a clear community need (e.g., housing, child care, health care)
Demonstrate community support
Create or retain jobs in the NEK
Have a clear beginning and end
Require expertise or capacity that the business/organization doesn’t have on staff
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible businesses/organizations:
Generate less than $1M in annual revenue
Have fewer than 50 employees
Are located within Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans County, Vermont
Eligible contract services include, but are not limited to, project management, general contracting, fundraising, feasibility studies, and other capacity building activities required to advance the project.
This initiative will not fund:
Ongoing operations
Professional services that displace existing or planned jobs within the organization
*The scope of work covered by the funding shall be completed within 6 months of receipt of funds.
AWARD AMOUNT
Projects may apply for up to $7,500 to cover the cost of hiring contracted professional(s).
USE OF FUNDS
The Northeast Kingdom Collaborative (NEKC) will release funds directly to selected awardees. Awardees are responsible for finding, hiring and paying contractors. The NEKC may be able to help make connections between awardees and contractors if desired.
HOW TO APPLY
The deadline to apply for this round of funding is Friday, November 5. Some applicants may be invited to virtually present their proposed projects at NEK Connects, the region’s only cross-sector convening, on November 12.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This initiative is made possible in part by a Rural Business Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
