Opportunity Information: Apply for EDA HDQ RNTA 2021
The FY 2021 - 2023 Economic Development RNTA opportunity is a discretionary, competitively awarded funding program run by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Its main purpose is to make strategic investments that strengthen economic development in parts of the country experiencing economic distress, with a clear emphasis on fostering job creation and helping communities attract private investment. Rather than focusing on direct construction or traditional infrastructure alone, this notice is centered on research and technical assistance efforts that can help regions plan, coordinate, and execute stronger economic development strategies.
Funding under this NOFO supports projects through EDA's Research and National Technical Assistance (RNTA) umbrella, specifically referencing EDA's RampE and NTA programs. In practical terms, the opportunity is designed for work that helps communities and regions build on what they already have: existing regional assets, institutional capacity, industry strengths, workforce capabilities, innovation ecosystems, and collaborative networks. The program is looking for ideas that go beyond routine planning and instead advance new concepts or creative approaches that can be replicated, scaled, or used to modernize how distressed communities pursue economic prosperity. Awards may be made as either grants or cooperative agreements, meaning the EDA may be more actively involved in some projects depending on the award structure and the nature of the work.
A key feature of this opportunity is the required two-step application process. Applicants must first submit a Concept Proposal, and only those who complete that first step can move forward. EDA will not review, and will consider ineligible, any Full Application submitted by an organization that did not first submit a Concept Proposal. For the Concept Proposal, EDA provides an optional template that applicants can use, available on EDA's RNTA resources page (https://eda.gov/programs/rnta/resources/). After EDA responds to the Concept Proposal, it will provide a link for the applicant to submit the Full Application through Grants.gov. This structure is intended to reduce unnecessary effort by having EDA assess the basic fit and competitiveness of an idea before an applicant invests the time required for a full federal grant package.
The opportunity is open on an ongoing basis rather than having a single fixed deadline. The original closing date is listed as having no submission deadlines, and applications can be submitted continuously until EDA terminates the NOFO or replaces it with a newer RNTA notice. This rolling intake format can be helpful for organizations that need time to build partnerships, refine a regional strategy, or align a proposal with other planning cycles, but it also means applicants should pay attention to the possibility of the NOFO being superseded and should plan their submission timeline accordingly.
In terms of funding scale, the award ceiling is listed as $1,500,000, and EDA anticipated making approximately 15 awards. The CFDA numbers associated with this opportunity are 11.303 and 11.312. The eligible applicant category is listed broadly as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice, which typically means prospective applicants need to consult the NOFO's eligibility section to confirm whether their organization type and project approach qualify under EDA's program rules.
Overall, the FY 2021 - 2023 Economic Development RNTA opportunity is best understood as a federal investment in the "know-how" and strategic capacity behind economic development: applied research, technical assistance, and strategy implementation support meant to help distressed regions design and carry out approaches that lead to measurable economic gains, stronger regional competitiveness, and greater private-sector investment. The program is competitive, merit-based, and intentionally structured to encourage thoughtful, high-impact proposals that can leverage local strengths while addressing the specific challenges that hold back economic growth in distressed communities.Apply for EDA HDQ RNTA 2021
- The Department of Commerce in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2021 - 2023 Economic Development RNTA" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.303, 11.312.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 09, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by There are no submission deadlines under this NOFO. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the termination of this NOFO or publication of a superseding RNTA NOFO.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 15 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: FY 2021 - 2023 Economic Development RNTA (EDA)
What is the FY 2021 - 2023 Economic Development RNTA opportunity?
This is a discretionary, competitively awarded federal funding opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the Economic Development Administration (EDA). It funds projects intended to strengthen economic development in parts of the country experiencing economic distress, with an emphasis on job creation and helping communities attract private investment.
What is the main purpose of this program?
The purpose is to make strategic investments that help distressed communities and regions plan, coordinate, and execute stronger economic development strategies. The focus is on building the practical capacity and know-how that supports economic prosperity, not on routine planning or standard infrastructure alone.
Is this program focused on construction or traditional infrastructure projects?
No. This notice is centered on research and technical assistance efforts rather than direct construction or traditional infrastructure alone. The funded work is meant to support stronger economic development strategies and implementation.
What types of activities and projects does RNTA support under this notice?
Funding supports work under EDA's Research and National Technical Assistance (RNTA) umbrella, specifically referencing EDA's RampE and NTA programs. In practical terms, the opportunity is designed for applied research and technical assistance that helps regions build on existing assets and improve how they pursue economic development.
What kinds of regional strengths is EDA expecting applicants to build on?
The program is looking for approaches that build on existing regional assets, institutional capacity, industry strengths, workforce capabilities, innovation ecosystems, and collaborative networks.
What does EDA mean by "ideas that go beyond routine planning"?
Based on the description provided, EDA is looking for concepts that advance new ideas or creative approaches that can be replicated, scaled, or used to modernize how distressed communities pursue economic prosperity, rather than standard, business-as-usual planning.
What award types are available under this opportunity?
Awards may be made as either grants or cooperative agreements. This means EDA may be more actively involved in some projects depending on the award structure and the nature of the work.
How does the application process work?
This opportunity uses a required two-step application process. Applicants must submit a Concept Proposal first. Only after completing that step can an applicant move forward to a Full Application.
Is the Concept Proposal optional?
No. Submitting a Concept Proposal is required. EDA will not review, and will consider ineligible, any Full Application submitted by an organization that did not first submit a Concept Proposal.
Is there a template for the Concept Proposal?
Yes. EDA provides an optional Concept Proposal template that applicants may use. It is available on EDA's RNTA resources page at https://eda.gov/programs/rnta/resources/.
How do applicants submit the Full Application?
After EDA responds to the Concept Proposal, EDA will provide a link for the applicant to submit the Full Application through Grants.gov.
Why does EDA use a two-step process for this opportunity?
The two-step structure is intended to reduce unnecessary effort by allowing EDA to assess the basic fit and competitiveness of an idea before an applicant invests the time required to prepare a full federal grant application package.
Is there a deadline to apply?
The opportunity is open on an ongoing basis and does not have a single fixed deadline. Applications can be submitted continuously until EDA terminates the NOFO or replaces it with a newer RNTA notice.
What does "open on an ongoing basis" mean for applicants?
It means organizations can submit when they are ready rather than trying to meet one national deadline. At the same time, applicants should pay attention to the possibility that the NOFO could be terminated or superseded by a newer RNTA notice and plan their submission timeline accordingly.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $1,500,000.
How many awards does EDA expect to make?
EDA anticipated making approximately 15 awards under this opportunity.
Is this funding competitive?
Yes. The program is described as discretionary and competitively awarded, and it is intended to be merit-based.
Who is eligible to apply?
The eligible applicant category is listed broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice. Prospective applicants should consult the NOFO's eligibility section to confirm whether their organization type and project approach qualify under EDA program rules.
Which CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA numbers associated with this opportunity are 11.303 and 11.312.
What kinds of outcomes is EDA trying to achieve through this funding?
The opportunity emphasizes fostering job creation, helping communities attract private investment, and enabling measurable economic gains through stronger regional competitiveness and improved strategy execution in economically distressed areas.
What is the best overall way to think about this program?
It is best understood as a federal investment in the strategic capacity behind economic development: applied research, technical assistance, and strategy implementation support that helps distressed regions design and carry out approaches that can lead to stronger economic performance and private-sector investment.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Global Reach II
Previous opportunity: Access Alumni program to support Civic Engagement projects in Eastern Ukraine
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for EDA HDQ RNTA 2021
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (EDA HDQ RNTA 2021) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Notice of Funding Opportunity to Support Women in the Film Industry Apply for PAS LIMA FY21 NOFO 002 Funding Number: PAS LIMA FY21 NOFO 002 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Peru Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Strengthening ties between the U.S. and Cyprus Apply for PAS CY600 FY21 001 Funding Number: PAS CY600 FY21 001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Cyprus Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| American Spaces Grant Funding 2021 Apply for PAS MOROCCO FY21 03 Funding Number: PAS MOROCCO FY21 03 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Morocco Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Global Chemical and Biological Weapons Terrorism Prevention Apply for SFOP0008203 Funding Number: SFOP0008203 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,500,000 |
| Global Program of Support to Accelerate Action to Eliminate Child Labor and Forced Labor Apply for NOI ILAB 21 02 Funding Number: NOI ILAB 21 02 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| Notice of Funding Opportunity on Rule of Law Community Engagement Apply for PAS LIMA FY21 NOFO 003 Funding Number: PAS LIMA FY21 NOFO 003 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Peru Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Project to Combat Forced Labor and Child Labor in the Production of Goods in Malaysia Apply for NOI ILAB 21 06 Funding Number: NOI ILAB 21 06 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Developing Innovative Ideas through Leadership and Entrepreneurship Apply for AF BAMAKO FY21 02 Funding Number: AF BAMAKO FY21 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mali Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Notice of Funding Opportunity: State’s use of Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) - Based Cost-Effectiveness Reports to Inform Medicaid Coverage for Prescription Drugs Apply for NCD 21 01 Funding Number: NCD 21 01 Agency: National Council on Disability Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $65,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 State Fire Training (SFT) Systems Grant Program Apply for DHS 21 USFA 043 00 01 Funding Number: DHS 21 USFA 043 00 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Fostering Access, Rights, and Equity (FARE) Apply for FOA WB 21 02 Funding Number: FOA WB 21 02 Agency: Department of Labor, Womens Bureau Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Community-Led Monitoring Apply for PSG MBA FY21 02 Funding Number: PSG MBA FY21 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Eswatini Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| National Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI) Executive Leadership Series Apply for 21JD12 Funding Number: 21JD12 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Public Health Informatics & Technology Workforce Development Program (The PHIT Workforce Development Program) Apply for ARP PHIT 21 001 Funding Number: ARP PHIT 21 001 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the National Coordinator Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Safety Matters: Managing Relationships in Women’s Facilities Apply for 21JD05 Funding Number: 21JD05 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $90,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa PAS Notice of Funding Opportunity Apply for AFADD 21 01 Funding Number: AFADD 21 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ethiopia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Networking and Professional Development of State and Large Urban System Healthcare Administrators Apply for 21PR02 Funding Number: 21PR02 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $85,000 |
| Strengthen Partnerships Against Violent Extremism in Kollo Apply for SFOP0008237 Funding Number: SFOP0008237 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Engaging a New Generation of NATO citizens Apply for DOS USNATO PAA 2021 003 Funding Number: DOS USNATO PAA 2021 003 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to NATO Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| GCJ Rapid Response Apply for SFOP0008214 Funding Number: SFOP0008214 Agency: Department of State, Office of Global Criminal Justice Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "EDA HDQ RNTA 2021", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.