Item E - Revata Consulting - Grant Opportunities Proposal

Strategy – Ongoing Research and Application Support Tiffin has a number of projects important to them: (1) a new recreational center in the area currently occupied by soccer fields; (2) a new fire station with a joint EMA building with the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency (must occur AFTER recreational center); (3) round-about infrastructure improvement where 4 entities meet at a crossroads; (4) all-access (inclusive) playground; and (5) a community amphitheater. In initial conversations, Tiffin had some ideas in mind for funding sources already. Revata spent time focused on large-impact high- probability opportunities that aligned with the order of operations expressed by Tiffin City Administrator Mr. Boldt. Most notably, the recreation center project must occur before the fire station project. Therefore, we wanted to tackle that project first and foremost. Three projects have relatively clear grant opportunities either currently open or opening shortly. The fire station and all-access playground projects also have clear grant opportunities, though we will need some of the details around budget, timing, and overall partnership strategy around both projects to more confidently acquire grant opportunity targets. Grant Opportunities – Water Retention Project Existing Opportunities (USDA – RD) Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program in Iowa (Recreation Center project) Application Deadline: Ongoing This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. Funds can be used for up to 75 percent of the cost to develop the facility, notwithstanding that other contributions may be from other Federal sources. Grants: 7 CFR Part 3570, Subpart A Award Floor: $0 Award Ceiling: Discretionary; 75% of the project costs, with the exact percentage determined by population size and income levels.