Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program

What is the purpose of the program? Who is eligible to apply? How can funds be used? How much assistance can our group apply for?           When can we apply for assistance? How will our application be evaluated? How do we apply?

What is the purpose of the program?  return to top
The Technical Assistance and Training Grant program is designed to assist communities with water or wastewater systems through free technical assistance and/or training provided by the grant recipients. The objective of the training involves identifying and evaluating solutions to water and waste disposal problems in rural areas, assisting applicants in preparing applications for water and waste loans/grants, and improving operation and maintenance of existing water and waste disposal facilities in rural areas.

Who is eligible to apply?  return to top

• Private, non-profit organizations that have been granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service.
• Must have the proven ability, background, experience, legal authority, and actual capacity to provide technical assistance and/or training.
• Technical assistance and/or training must be provided to entities located in rural communities with less than 10,000 residents.

How can funds be used?  return to top

• Funds can be used for:
• Identifying and evaluating solutions to water problems of associations in rural areas relating to source, storage, treatment, or distribution
• Identifying and evaluating solutions to waste problems of associations in rural areas relating to collection, treatment, or disposal
• Assisting associations in the preparation of water and/or waste loan and/or grant applications
• Providing technical assistance and/or training to association personnel that will improve the management, operation and maintenance of water and waste disposal facilities
• Paying expenses associated with providing technical assistance and/or training
• Examples of recently funded projects:

How much assistance can our group apply for?  return to top

• No minimum/maximum amounts

When can we apply for assistance?  return to top

• Applications are accepted from October 1st to December 31st of each year.

How will our application be evaluated?  return to top

• Evaluations will take place from January 1st through March 1st.
• Applications are evaluated on a number of criteria:
• Applicant's demonstrated capability and past performance in providing technical assistance and/or training to rural associations
• Income and size of communities being served
• Amount of leveraged funds
• Cost effectiveness
• Proposal timeframe
• Degree to which assistance is delivered by organizational staff versus contract personnel
• Degree to which proposal coincides with program objectives

How do we apply?  return to top

• Applications are processed through the Community Programs Division at the State Office. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their local Rural Development Office to discuss potential projects.
• For more information, access to the Notice of Funding Availability, and to obtain application documents, visit the National Office website at http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/tatg.htm.

Please send any comments or suggestions to:
keith.bastow@ia.usda.gov
Iowa Rural Development
Revised on: April 16, 2008