RESOURCES

By working together on local RC&D Councils, communities, all levels of government, and grass-roots organizations develop opportunities that sustain and improve our communities, local economies, and natural resources.

Click on the links below!

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Federal Government Branch Links
Federal Resources
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Department of Commerce (DOC)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Department of Energy
Department of the Interior
Other U.S. Departments
National Associations
Sustainable Development Links
Other Links
Foundations & Resources for Grant Seekers

Federal Government Branch Links

• U.S. House of Representatives – Information about the 435 Congressmen and their states, offices and committees.
• U.S. House of Representatives Committees – Provides a comprehensive list of links to the various committees within the House of Representatives. It also provides a practical search engine to find all committee data.
• U.S. Senate – Information about the 100 senators and their states, offices and committees.
• U.S. Supreme Court – Provides information and links about the highest court of our Nation.
• White House – Provides information and links about the Executive Branch of our government, as well as, other links to important facets of the Federal Government.

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Federal Resources

• Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance – Provides detailed information on accessing information as to all Federal programs available to State and local governments (including the District of Columbia); federally-recognized Indian tribal governments; Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals. In addition the site provides information as to how to write a proposal and how to apply for assistance. Browse the CFDA Contents page to learn more about the guidebooks.
• Legislation and U.S. Code (provided by AgNIC)
• Library of Congress
• Thomas – Provides detailed legislative information.
• U.S. Code Search – Provided by the United States House of Representatives Office of Law Revision Counsel. This is a searchable site giving guidance to finding U.S. Code.
• U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO Access) – Provides quick and easy access to bills, laws, codes, the federal register, and the congressional record. Includes a guide to the U.S. Government for kids.
• U.S. House of Representatives; The Legislative Process – Provides information as to how a bill becomes a law. Includes click-able links for more detailed information on the legislative process.

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Department of Agriculture (USDA)

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - General web site for the USDA; Provides useful links to USDA's major issue areas including top stories and events.
• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – Provides links to issues involving conservation and use of natural resources; (View the site map to obtain specific information as to NRCS' programs and technical resources.)
• Agricultural Marketing Service - Provides information on commodity marketing programs. Provides information about the USDA's Farmers' Market.
• Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service – Provides links to issues involving animal health and welfare, agricultural and plant trade, health, and technology, and invasive pest and species management.
• Economic Research Service (ERS) - Provides economic analysis regarding major issues areas including the Farm Bill, food safety, rural and urban poverty, rural technology and development, and agricultural efficiency and marketability.
• Farm Service Agency – Provides information and resources regarding access and stabilization to farm income, conservation and wise use of land and water resources, and disaster assistance.
• Forest Service – Provides information and resources regarding the promotion of the uses and benefits of public lands including forests and grasslands.
• Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Service – Includes the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP). The FNS provides information regarding assuring children and low-income people access to food. The FNS provides accessibility and information as to contracts and grants with regard to access to food. The FNS also provides information and funding opportunities for farmers to become involved in farmers' markets that participate in programs such as WIC.
• National Agricultural Library (NAL) – Maintains; AGRICOLA, which is the AGRICulture On-Line Access bibliographic database. This database contains agricultural literature dating back to the 15th century; AgNIC, the Agriculture Network Information Center, links users to various agricultural information on the Internet; NAL also includes a comprehensive lists of Publications.
• National Agricultural Library (Rural Information Center) - Provides information and referral services involving: economic revitalization issues, local government planning projects, rural health topics, funding sources, technical assistance programs, research studies, and other related issues to a variety of actors. Provides and excellent source of funding mechanisms for rural America.
• NAL (Projects and Experiments for Young Scientists) – An interactive web site designed for young scientists. Offers and explores additional web links and readings specifically designed for young scientists in the following areas: animals, environment, food and nutrition, general science, and plants. Also offers community resources so young scientists can get hands on expertise.
• Research, Economics & Education – Research arm of the USDA. Clearing house for current agricultural information and education. Provides links to the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) providing information about scientific knowledge (click on the site map for detailed information as to topics covered), Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service (CSREES) providing information to scientists and educators for the advancement of agricultural research; also includes a link to funding opportunities for research, Economic Research Service (ERS) [see above], and the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) providing statistical analysis for the agricultural community.
• Rural Development – Provides resources with regard to helping improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America. Includes information regarding public facilities and services, economic development, funding opportunities, technical assistance and information, and community empowerment programs.
• USDA Rural Programs / Agencies – Provides a useful listing of various USDA sources on rural issues including development, infrastructure, education, and natural resources.

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Department of Commerce (DOC)

• Bureau of the Census – Provides statistical data as to population data and trends, includes data sets for individual states and counties.
• Economic Development Administration – Provides funding, development, and grants, to help urban and rural areas overcome periods of economic distress.
• NOAA – Provides information as to the oceans, weather, coastal issues, climate issues, mapping and research.

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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – General website for HUD.
• Office of Community Planning and Development – Provides information regarding economic development, housing assistance, energy and environmental awareness, historic preservation, transportation and health.
• Community Development Block Grants – Including Colonias Block Grants, State Administered Community Development Block Grants, Entitlement Communities Block Grants, Insular Areas Community Development Block Grant Program.
• Grantees – Provides intensive information for grantees and non-profits.
• Farm Workers and Colonias Communities – Specific information for farm workers and Colonias Communities, the site includes a list of academic and research aids, advocacy organizations and a specialized list of contacts for the above.
• Consolidated Plan Information Sheet - Provides information regarding the planning process used by governmental entities to identify housing, homeless, community and economic development needs and resources.
• Disaster Recovery Grant – Provides information regarding the obtainment of disaster recovery grants.
• Brownfields Economic Development Initiative – Provides information regarding grants, loans, and other funds available to foster the clean up and redevelopment of brownfields.
• National Rebuilding Initiative – Provides funding information and technical guidance for non-profits to assist in the rebuilding of infrastructure from acts of arson or terrorism.
• Canal Corridor Initiative Fact Sheet – Provides specialized assistance for development projects located on the Erie Canal and its connecting waterways.
• Public and Indian Housing Agencies – Provides information regarding opportunities for affordable housing, family self-sufficiency, economic efficiency, and capital investment for housing for individuals, agencies, and non-profits in need of assistance.
• HUD Clips – Provides technical, legal, and administrative guidance.

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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Main site for the EPA. Provides information as to EPA rules, regulations and current topics. Provides information for Funding Opportunities for programs with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Highway Administration, Natural Resource Conservation Office, and the Office of Water. Provides information with regard to Grant opportunities.

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Department of Energy (DOE)

• Department of Energy – Provides information on energy issues regarding health, homes, transportation, education, business, community and the world.

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Department of the Interior (DOI)

• Fish and Wildlife Service – Provides information regarding how the Fish and Wildlife Service works with others, to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Also provides a short history of the Fish and Wildlife Service.
• National Park Service – Provides information about the Nations National Parks and how the service preserves the natural and cultural resources of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. Also provides a short history of the National Park Service.
• Bureau of Land Management – Provides information regarding land management and how the agency sustains the health, diversity and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations including specific information as to wildland fire. Also provides a short history of the Bureau of Land Management.
• Bureau of Reclamation – Provides information as to water use, recycling, and enjoyment, as well as, water use as a means of power. Also provides a short history of the Bureau of Reclamation.

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Other U.S. Departments

• Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) and Other Educational Clearinghouses – Provides information by acquiring, cataloging, summarizing, and providing access to educational material. Specific areas of information include: educational management, elementary and early childhood education, information and technology, rural education and small schools, and comprehensive school reform.
• Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( Formerly HFCA) – Provides information and support regarding Medicare and Medicaid.
• Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) – Website temporarily unavailable due to the Cobell Litigation.
• Rural Information Center Health Service (RICHS) – Is a co-founded venture of the USDA’s NAL and the Office of Rural Health Policy (DHHS). The site provides extensive information with regard to issues effecting rural health and the rural community.
• United States Census Bureau – Provides detailed information regarding United States population trends and statistics, including quick facts with regard to states and counties.
• Health and Human Services – Provides information and resources about the health of the American people and provides links regarding the essential services such as the National Institute of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Disease Control, Indian Health Services, Administration for Children and Families. Also includes information on grant and funding opportunities.
• United States Chamber of Commerce – Provides links and information to business owners on their rights and responsibilities in the field of commerce.

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National Associations

• American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials – Provides information on new highway technology, meetings, discussion groups, news, and issues. Also provides information as to environmental stewardship projects and current success stories.
• Association of State & Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials – Provides technical and conference material regarding issues of solid waste, hazardous waste, CERCLA, and superfund.
• American Public Transportation Association – Provides information relevant to the public transportation community, including information as to current technology, trends, public awareness campaigns, and legislative information.
• American Public Human Resources Association – Provides information with regard to welfare, child welfare, health care reform, and other issues involving families and the elderly.
• American Water Works Association – Provides information regarding drinking water standards and what is being done to provide safe drinking water throughout the country and in specific communities.
• National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) – Provides education, information, public outreach, and assistance to local conservation districts.
• National Association of Counties – Provides information and a collective voice for various counties throughout the county, provides information for communities and individuals through legislative fact sheets, as well as, helps to provide opportunities for many various projects and programs nationwide.
• National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) – provides information on training, and representation for regional development organizations in small metropolitan and rural America.
• National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials – Provides information to agencies and governmental officials about housing and community development. Provides informational links to other organizations that provide assistance to individuals and local organizations.
• National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals – Providing an informational clearinghouse of information for policy makers including topics and resources such as brownfields, water, waste management, smart growth and air quality, as well as, current environmental projects.
• National Conference of State Legislatures – Provides comprehensive information regarding National, State and Local issues. Provides current and regularly updated information regarding a variety of topics including, Agriculture, Education, Energy, Environment, Health, Human Services, Natural Resources, Transportation, and Technology.
• National Governors Association – Provides information and support to State Governments primarily pertaining to the following three areas; Economic Development and Commerce, Human Resources, Natural Resources, as well as, any current national priority issues. View the site index to review current topics.
• National League of Cities – Provides legislative information effecting cities across the nation. Produces a weekly report that discusses current problems facing our cities and how some cites are adjusting.
• National Association of State Foresters - Provides management assistance to private landowners disseminates information to assist in the protection of natural resources.
• National Rural Development Partnership - The National Rural Development Partnership (NRDP) provides information to help strengthen rural America through collaborative partnerships. The NRDP brings together partners from local, state, tribal, and federal governments, as well as from the for-profit and nonprofit private sector.
• U.S. Conference of Mayors – Provides a wide array of information affecting cities with populations of 30,000 or more. View the site index and look under projects and services tab to review current topics and solutions to those topics.

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Sustainable Development Links

• The Local Government Commission – Includes the Center for Livable Communities, which provides information regarding waste management, community and economic development, energy, and transportation. Review the site map to locate issues, information and free publications.
• The Center for Renewable Energy & Sustainable Technology – Provides education and outreach materials including interactive policy tools covering renewable energy (including solar, wind, bio-energy, geothermal, and hydro) and job growth in the energy field.
• The Center for Rural Affairs – Provides information to assist in the to strengthening of small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities.
• The EcoGateway Home Page – Is a guide that contains over 5,000 online resources regarding issues that provide resources that help individuals and organizations protect the environment promote sustainability.
• The Joint Center for Sustainable Communities (JCSC) – Joint effort between the National Association of Counties and the U.S. Conference of Mayors that provides dialogue between the counties and cities to foster job growth, environmental stewardship and social equity.
• The Nature Conservancy – International Organization that provides information and assistance for social conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
• Sustainable Communities Network – Provides an informational exchange among community members regarding livability issues.
• The W. K. Kellogg Collection of Rural Community Development Resources – Provides information on rural community development. The collection includes guidebooks, manuals, workshop materials, reports, books, and videos.

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Other Links

• The Technology Grant News – Publication produced four times per year that provides information for new technology funding for programs. Click on the "Grants Index Sampling" link for current information as to grants available.
• National Trust for Historic Preservation – Provides education and assistance to assist in the preservation of historic places and help to revitalize communities. Provides information for funding opportunities to assist in historic preservation and links to other sites for other types of preservation.
• National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) – Provides education, information, public outreach, and assistance to local conservation districts.
• Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) – Provides information specific to individuals and organizations within the Appalachian Region. Provides useful information on grant funding and how to develop a grant proposal.
• Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) – Provides information and resources regarding federal, state, and local policy that effects rural communities.

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Foundations & Resources for Grant Seekers

• The Benton Foundation – Major focus pertains to communication issues.
• The Carnegie Corp. Foundation – General grant making foundation that seeks to provide grants for the good of the people.
• The Annie E. Casey Foundation – Major focus is to assist disadvantaged children in the United States.
• The Council on Foundations – Membership association focused mainly for the grant maker, but includes a membership list of all grant makers affiliated with the Foundation.
• The Ford Foundation – Provides funding for the advancement of democratic values, reduction of poverty and injustice, the promotion international cooperation, and the advancement of human achievement.
• The Foundation for the Mid South – Provides funding opportunities to help improve the quality of life in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
• The Foundation Center – Provides free and fee based information regarding grants. Provides free electronic newsletters for grant seekers and offers a short course in grant seeking.
• The John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation – Provides grants for individuals and organizations that promote healthy human societies. The foundation provides grants to assist in the support of research, policy development, dissemination, education and training, and practice for healthy human societies.
• The Rockefeller Foundation – Provides funding through grants to assist poor and excluded people around the world.
• The Sloan Foundation - Offers grants to individuals and organizations in the following areas: Science and Technology, Standard of Living and Economic Performance, Education and Careers in Science and Technology, and Selected National Issues and Civic Programs.

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