1 Expansion of Economic Development Opportunities Alan E. Pigg Regional Program Manager for Rural Community Assistance USDA Forest Service Atlanta, GA

Expansion of Economic Development Opportunities2 Overview Community input and ownership-Visioning, brainstorming, desired future Getting organized for success Developing a plan- How are we going to get there? Finding sources of funding Writing proposals Implementation – Doing the work Reporting accomplishments- telling the story

Expansion of Economic Development Opportunities3 Achieving a Balance  Strong economy  Creation, maintenance and distribution of wealth and income within a community  Healthy environment  Land, water, air, plants, animals and people interacting  Stable/livable community  A sense of place, history, culture, common goals and values- who we are

Expansion of Economic Development Opportunities4 Community Involvement You can’t do it all by yourself Ownership of the process and the success-with me, not to me Visioning, brainstorming, desired future Methods of getting community involvement Meeting management/facilitation techniques

Expansion of Economic Development Opportunities5 Visioning, brainstorming and desired future -exercises What would you like to read in the headlines about your community in 5 or 10 years? If money and resources were no object, what would you desire to happen in your community? What is the biggest need in your community? What do you like most about your community?

Expansion of Economic Development Opportunities6 Organize for Success Set up temporary working committees or ad-hoc committees based on issues or tasks. Link into other organizations or organized groups- Resource Conservation and Development, Economic Development Organizations, etc. Establish legal entity- Non-profit status, local government, tribal, institutional Formalize your organization- establish credibility Identify local leaders and interested persons that have surfaced from the community involvement process.

Expansion of Economic Development Opportunities7 Plan of Action Organization description- who are you? Desired future or outcome Problems, needs, opportunities Planned actions Description Time- Frame Who is responsible

Expansion of Economic Development Opportunities8 Funding sources- exercise Based on your Plan of Action what part do you want to implement? Develop ideas/solutions that work- get technical expertise. Research sources of funding- Foundations, Corporations, State & Federal Government, Non-profits, Faith-based Be creative in your approach-

Expansion of Economic Development Opportunities9 Writing grant proposals Develop ideas that work Follow the instructions, deadlines, and criteria from RFP Get community support and backing, especially those who will supply in-kind matching and volunteer time- Refer to community involvement section Include a contact person name, phone, fax, address, .

Expansion of Economic Development Opportunities10 Implementation Don’t expend any funds until authorized. Set up work schedule of all tasks that need done by ending date of grant. Assign people to oversee different tasks. Keep accounting records of expenditures in line with approved grant including matching and in-kind documentation. Keep grantor informed of progress. Do not vary from original intent of grant.

Expansion of Economic Development Opportunities11 Reporting Accomplishments Complete reporting requirements of the grant. Involve the community in the successes of the project- celebrate successes. Get media and others involved in reporting the story. Success breeds success- everyone wants to be part of a winning team

Expansion of Economic Development Opportunities12 Expansion of Economic Opportunities- Summary Plan for success Research funding sources Develop proposals and requests for funding Implement the plan as planned Build on successes and tell the success stories