Georgia Trust & 1772 Foundation
There's a new funding opportunity for historic preservation in Georgia. Thanks to a generous grant from the 1772 Foundation, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation will be awarding matching grants for exterior rehabilitation of historic buildings up to $10,000.
Full information about the program can be found here: https://www.georgiatrust.org/resources/grants-fellowships/
A 501(c)3 organization must own the building or have an approved fiscal agent agreement in place. Unfortunately, buildings currently in use as schools or churches are not eligible for this grant.
The Georgia Trust is asking for any interested parties to submit a Letter of Inquiry by December 1, 2022. Invited applicants will submit a full application package in early 2023.
I encourage you all to consider specific projects that you may have, but also ask that you share this opportunity with anyone in your communities and networks that could benefit. We hope to have a strong diversity in geography and resources to fund.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or to pass my contact info along to others who may have interest in the opportunity.
Sincerely,
Ben
Ben Sutton
Director of Preservation
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation
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The City of Donalsonville is soliciting sealed bids from qualified contractors for the replacement of culverts at 10 sites across the city as part of a federally funded CDBG-DR project
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Meigs Announces Housing Repair Assistance for Low-Income Homeowners The City of Meigs has been awarded a Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) grant to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners with critical home repairs. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), this initiative ensures that local residents can access safe and sanitary housing. Eligible homeowners within Meigs city limits may qualify for assistance with: roof replacement structural repairs electrical and plumbing upgrades heating system improvements weatherization and lead hazard removal How to Take Advantage of This Opportunity Homeowners interested in benefiting from this transformative program are encouraged to participate in the upcoming call-in event. Call-In Event Tuesday, May 19, 2025 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In every corner of Southwest Georgia, dedicated public servants have quietly ensured the smooth operation of our local governments. Among them are our municipal clerks—unsung heroes who have faithfully served their communities with professionalism and care. This spring, we want to take a moment to recognize and honor three exceptional individuals who have recently retired or are transitioning into new roles after years of service. Judith Young – Jakin, Georgia Judith Young, a long-serving clerk, will be retiring at the end of April. We extend our deepest gratitude and wish her joy and relaxation in her well-earned retirement. Sandra O’Steen – Terrell County Sandra O’Steen has also recently retired, closing a chapter of dedicated service to her municipality, Sandra’s presence will be missed by colleagues and residents alike. Celeste Tyler – Thomas County While we bid farewell to Celeste Tyler in her role as Clerk, we also celebrate her exciting new journey. Celeste is not retiring from public service but stepping into a new leadership role as County Manager of Grady County. These individuals exemplify the heart of public service, and we are honored to recognize their dedication. As they move forward, we celebrate their achievements and wish them the very best in their new endeavors. If you know of other clerks or public servants who deserve recognition, please reach out. Let’s continue to honor those who keep our local governments strong.
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Camilla, GA – March 24, 2025 The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) is inviting qualified Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to submit proposals for audit services for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. This Request for Proposals (RFP) represents a unique opportunity for firms to support a high-performing regional organization known for accountability, innovation, and securing transformative funding. In FY2022 alone, SWGRC helped secure over $22.2 million in funding across its 14 counties and 43 cities, supporting housing, broadband, infrastructure, and economic development efforts (Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, 2022). As the designated Rural Partners Network Community Partner for Southwest Georgia, SWGRC plays a vital role in connecting local governments with federal and state resources to promote community resilience and equity. 🗓️ Important RFP Dates to Remember: • Notification of Interest Due: Monday, April 7, 2025, by 5:00 PM EST • Pre-Proposal Questions Due: April 14, 2025, by 5:00 PM EST • Proposers' Conference: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST Location: SWGRC Conference Room, 181 E. Broad Street, Camilla, GA (Carriage House) • Final Addenda Issued (if necessary): April 21, 2025 • Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday, May 16, 2025, by 4:00 PM EST • Tentative Interviews (if conducted): Week of May 26, 2025 • Final Selection & Award Notification: June 6, 2025 • Start of Services: July 1, 2025 📬 Submit proposals to: Traci Hall, Finance Director Southwest Georgia Regional Commission P.O. Box 346, Camilla, GA 31730-0346 Email: thall@swgrc.org Phone: (229) 522-3552 Proposals must include: one signed original RFP, five technical copies, and a sealed cost proposal. Late submissions will not be accepted. 💼 About SWGRC With an annual budget of over $13 million and a regional impact reaching more than 352,000 residents, the SWGRC delivers planning, transportation, grant writing, GIS, and economic development services. Its dedicated team of professionals, under the leadership of Executive Director Suzanne Angell, continues to champion long-term sustainability and innovation for rural Southwest Georgia. Source: Southwest Georgia Regional Commission. (2022). FY2022 Annual Report
The U.S. Census Bureau has officially launched data collection for the 2024 Annual Integrated Economic Survey (AIES). This initiative marks a significant step in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of business data collection across the country. The AIES is one of the Census Bureau’s latest surveys, designed to integrate and replace seven separate business surveys into a single, streamlined process. By consolidating these surveys, the AIES enhances the ability to provide accurate and timely insights into the nation’s economic landscape. The survey captures vital measures of economic activity, including comprehensive national and subnational data on business revenues, expenses, and assets annually. Why Is This Important? The data collected from the AIES serve a variety of purposes, including: - Tracking economic trends at both national and local levels. - Assessing industry performance across different sectors. - Supporting the development of informed policies for economic growth. - Helping businesses, investors, and policymakers with economic planning and resource allocation. - Informing market research efforts for companies and organizations. What Businesses Need to Know Approximately 298,000 businesses across the country will receive the survey, with responses requested within 30 days of receipt. The first round of AIES data is set to be released this summer, offering crucial insights into the U.S. economy. For further details on the AIES and the innovations behind it, visit the Census Bureau https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCENSUS/bulletins/3d6d40e blog post, "Integrating Our Business Statistics for an Ever-Changing U.S. Economy." Stay tuned for updates on the AIES results and how they impact local businesses and economic development in our communities. Your participation helps build a clearer picture of economic trends that shape policy and business decisions nationwide.
