(a) Funds have been set aside for planning only grants. Planning grants will be available to local governments and non-profit entities to perform feasibility studies related to increased economic development and community development. However, nonprofit start-ups in the very early stages of development may be referred to other programs. . There are three types of planning grants available: - (i) Community Development and Economic Development plans, $50,000 maximum award with a cash match of 25% of the total project cost . Preference will be given to communities with current plans seven years old or older;
- (ii) Housing plans, assessments or development codes which will benefit low and moderate income people, $20,000 maximum award with a 25% of the total project cost;
- (iii) Feasibility studies and site specific development studies that may create job opportunities or otherwise benefit low and moderate income people , $15,000 maximum award with a cash match of 25% of the total project cost.
(b) Each APPLICATION must also address the following requirements: - (i) Description of the project;
- (ii) Impact on the community;
- (iv) Number of potential jobs to be created or retained;
- (vii) Principals involved;
- (viii) Which National Objective could be met and the potential for compliance with that National Objective;
- (ix) Existing non-profits must furnish three years of financial statements and their current business plan;
- (x) New non-profits must furnish three years of pro-forma financial information and their business plan;
- (xi) Consulting work must be obtained from a qualified, disinterested third party;
- (xii) Applicant must demonstrate methodology for funding implementation of the project;
- (xiii) A narrative explanation of how the project will positively impact local, regional and State economic development efforts.
(c) Ineligible activities for planning grants. - (i) Payment of costs associated with the implementation of:
- (A) Marketing studies/strategies;
- (C) Targeted industry studies;
- (D) Economic development plans.
- (ii) Payment of reproduction costs of any promotional materials.
- (iii) Payment of salary costs of local government or non-profit organization employees.
- (iv) Payment of travel costs for anyone other than consultants.
(d) Grant numerical rating system. In determining the process for selection of the projects, the Wyoming Business Council staff will evaluate each application for completeness based upon the requirements listed previously. Each application will be rated to determine the amount of points to be awarded by using the numerical system that follows (100 points possible)-Please note that housing applications will be scored differently. - (i) Comprehensive Community and Economic Development and Planning only feasibility study application grant numerical rating system.
- (A) Job creation - Up to 20 points. Emphasis is placed upon the projected number and type of jobs created/retained should the results of the study prove positive.
- (B) Integrated Effort -Up to 50 points.
- (I) Partners-Up to 20 points. Are there partners in the project? Please describe them and their contribution.
- (II) Percentage of CDBG funds-Up to 10 points. What percentage of CDBG of the total project?
- (III) Operation and Maintenance-Up to 10 points. How will operations and maintenance expenses be addressed?
- (IV) Community Readiness-Up to 10 points. Is there community readiness potential in this project?
- (C) Potential economic benefit - Up to 20 points. It is important to demonstrate the overall economic boost that would accrue to a community or region if the results of the study were implemented. Considerations include: Will jobs be retained and if so, is proper documentation of such provided? Will new jobs be created? How many and what type? What is the current economic condition of the community or surrounding area (i.e. unemployment rate)? What will the overall positive impact be to the local, regional and State economic development efforts?
- (ii) Housing application numerical rating system:
- (A) Housing-Up to 20 points. Considerations include the basis for the housing study to be conducted, how additional units will contribute to the economy of the community.
- (B) Integrated efforts-Up to 50 points.
- (I) Partners-Up to 20 points. Are there partners in the project? Please describe them and their contribution.
- (II) CDBG Percentage-Up to 10 points. What percentage is CDBG of the total project funding?
- (III) Operations and Maintenance- Up to 10 points. How will maintenance and operational expenses be addressed?
- (IV) Community Readiness-Up to 10 points. Is there community readiness potential in this project?
- (C) Potential Economic Benefit- Up to 30 points. It is important to demonstrate to overall economic boost that would accrue to a community or region if the results of the study were implemented. Considerations include: Would the addition of housing have an effect on jobs being retained or created? What is the current economic condition of the community or surrounding area (i.e. unemployment rate)? What will the overall positive impact be to the local, regional and State economic development efforts?
- (D) Additional review criteria for all planning grants:
- (I) It is important that applicants and (if applicable) sub-applicants have a clear view of how study findings will be implemented and financed. Therefore, when reviewing and approving proposals the Wyoming Business Council will give favorable consideration to projects that:
- (1) involve municipalities and organizations that have a track record of success, as well as the personnel and resources in place for project implementation, and
- (2) have funds available and dedicated for implementation of study recommendations.
- (II) The Wyoming Business Council may not approve a proposal if the applicant cannot demonstrate how the project would either directly or indirectly create or retain jobs in the community.