SAN LUIS OBISPO — Uplift Central Coast is excited to announce the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase is available for download on Uplift’s website (UpliftCentralCoast.org). This funding opportunity marks a significant step in supporting projects that will drive economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and equitable growth in the region, in line with the California Jobs First initiative and Uplift’s Regional Plan Part II Report. Submission deadline for the Letter of Intent is October 18, 2024, and the Application is due December 13, 2024.
The Catalyst Predevelopment Funding is designed to assist sector-specific, exploratory projects that align with regional strategies. “Our primary goals are to foster economic development, promote sustainability, and ensure that disinvested communities are among the primary beneficiaries of these efforts,” MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya said.
Funding will prioritize projects that support key regional sectors, leverage existing federal, state, and private funds, and contribute to long-term regional growth and stability. “This is an incredible opportunity to seed community-driven efforts that will strengthen the future for our region and its residents,” said REACH President & CEO Melissa James.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, local governments, community foundations, and labor organizations. Grant awards range from $25,000 to $1,000,000 with exact budget amounts outlined in the NOFO.
Uplift strongly encourages all potential applicants to attend the upcoming Bidders Forum, October 11 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm. This event will provide detailed guidance on the application process, including critical information on program goals, eligibility requirements, and project evaluation criteria. The Bidders Forum will also offer an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and engage directly with Uplift staff regarding the NOFO.
The release of this funding opportunity follows months of careful planning and consultation with regional stakeholders as detailed in Uplift’s September 2024 Regional Plan Part II Report, which provides a comprehensive framework for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase. “We are excited to share this report with the community and the strategies which are aimed at supporting priority sectors such as precision manufacturing and advanced business services, while also upgrading job quality in key industries like agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare,” said EDC President & CEO Bruce Stenslie. The full report, community snapshot, and executive summary are also available on Uplift’s website.
All necessary resources and application documents, including the NOFO and related materials, are available on the Uplift Central Coast website(UpliftCentralCoast.org). Applicants are encouraged to review these documents carefully as they prepare their proposals.
About Uplift Central Coast Coalition:
Uplift Central Coast is a six-county partnership convened by three economic development agencies—the Economic Development Collaborative, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, and REACH—with the shared goal of creating an equitable economic resilience plan through creative and sustainable community-led efforts for residents throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties.