Each year the Arizona Department of Commerce awards $60,000 in grant funds, in essence 6 individual grants of no more than $10,000 each. The purpose of the Growing Smarter Planning Grant Program (GSPG) is to assist rural communities and counties in meeting their basic planning needs to meet state statutory (Growing Smarter/Plus) requirements. The GSPG funds are available as matching grants, and may be used to fulfill various components of the Growing Smarter and Growing Smarter Plus Acts, including but not limited to: public participation program development and implementation, research and analysis, the development of the general or comprehensive plan, map and graphics preparation, and implementation of the general/comprehensive plan by updating the zoning ordinance, capital improvement plan, or other specific plans. Only those communities/counties committed to the development and implementation of a general/comprehensive plan, as evidenced by the completed application, will be considered.
Priority consideration will first be given to those city, towns or counties mandated to meet Growing Smarter statutory requirements (see ARS 9-461.05 and 11-821), although cities, towns, counties and tribal jurisdictions that are developing plans due to current circumstances or changing trends (i.e. growth, infrastructure, housing affordability, annexation) are also eligible to apply. EVALUATION CRITERIA for Growing Smarter Grant Applications:
The award will be made to the applicant whose proposal is determined to be reasonably susceptible for award and is the most advantageous to the State based on the following criteria and weight:
How to Obtain Grant Application Materials: The Growing Smarter Planning Grant program awards funding in August of each year. A letter of intent to solicit applications will be distributed to communities, counties and tribes across the state during the month of April, 2007. In May, 2007 the grant round will open to applicants and beginning at that time you may request an application. The grant round will close during the month of July, 2007. Awardees will be announced in August/September, 2007. Specific dates will be announced via the NOI (Notice of Intent).
For questions about the grant process please contact Procurement Services
We welcome your questions and look forward to receiving your application!
Other Grant Opportunities Across the State: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available through the Arizona Department of Housing. Please call them at 602.771.1000. Through the Arizona Preserve Initiative, the State provides additional matching grants for the preservation of open space through Arizona State Parks. For more information, please contact Doris Pulsifer, Chief of Grants, Arizona State Parks 602.542.7127. Arizona State Parks Growing Smarter State Trust Land Acquisition Program The Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA) was created by the Arizona State Legislature to assist local and tribal governments and special districts with the development of public infrastructure. Housed in the Arizona Department of Commerce, this $20 million bond authority leverages funding for infrastructure projects, helping to accelerate project development and lower costs of financing. Both technical and financial assistance are available through the Authority. |