Upcoming Grant Opportunities
Looking for funding opportunities? Here’s a quick snapshot of grants currently available this month.
- Economic Development Agency Funding
- Appalachian Regional Commission Grants
- (Coffee, Franklin, Lawrence, and Lewis)
- Downtown Improvement Grant – $300,000 max request
Economic Development Agency
Funding available
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) provides funding for public infrastructure projects that support economic growth. There is no set funding limit, with awards based on project need and impact.
Eligible projects include:
- Water, sewer, road, broadband, and other public infrastructure
- Infrastructure that supports business expansion, private investment, and job creation
Please note: EDA funding is for public infrastructure only and cannot be used for private development.
Learn more: https://www.eda.gov/funding/funding-opportunities
Questions?
Lorie Fisher
lfisher@sctdd.org
Appalachian Regional Commission
Funding available for Coffee, Franklin, Lewis, and Lawrence
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has funding opportunities available to support projects that strengthen communities, grow the economy, and improve quality of life in eligible counties.
Funding may be available for:
- Infrastructure improvements that support business and industrial growth, including road, water, sewer, and energy upgrades.
- Business expansion projects that require infrastructure or community investment.
- Tourism development initiatives, including funding for regional tourism plans and market analyses to help communities prepare competitive tourism projects.
Interested applicants are encouraged to discuss project ideas early to determine eligibility and next steps.
Learn More: https://www.arc.gov/grants-and-opportunities/
Questions?
Lorie Fisher
lfisher@sctdd.org
Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG)
$300,000 max request – 25% match required
APPLICATIONS DUE AUGUST 28th, 2026
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) offers grants of up to $300,000 for eligible Tennessee Main Street communities and Tennessee Downtowns alumni pursuing certified status.
Funding may support:
- Building façade improvements (minimum 50% of the total project)
- Streetscape, gateway, and courtyard improvements
- Downtown signage and wayfinding
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Safety and stability improvements, including roofs and sprinkler systems
- Eligible entertainment venue improvements, such as stages
Learn More: https://www.tn.gov/ecd/rural-development/tennessee-main-street/downtown-improvement-grant-program.html
Questions?
Nicole Poag
npoag@sctdd.org
###
Media Contact:
Sydney Brewer, Marketing & Communications Director
sbrewer@sctdd.org
