EDA Disaster Supplemental Grant Intent to Apply

EDA Disaster Supplemental Grant Intent to Apply

This is not a formal grant application. This is an intent to apply submission.
Intent to Apply – EDA Disaster Supplemental Grant

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is preparing to submit a grant application under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Disaster Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This long-term grant opportunity is designed to support communities recovering from natural disasters that occurred in calendar years 2023 and 2024. Eligible LEAs are located in Georgia counties where a major disaster was declared during 2023 and 2024 and public assistance funds were available according to the FEMA website. The EDA aims to fund projects that not only aid recovery but also improve the economic trajectory of affected regions beyond their pre-disaster conditions.

GaDOE intends to submit a coordinated application that includes 5–7 eligible LEAs, with a target total funding request of $2–3 million. Final participation and funding levels may be adjusted based on the strength and scope of responses to this Intent to Apply. Each selected LEA may request up to $400,000, supporting no more than two career pathways to ensure manageable documentation and reporting. Pathways may be new or existing, but should align with Georgia’s High Demand Career List and demonstrate strong potential for economic impact. In line with the requirements of the EDA’s grant, GaDOE’s application will focus on supporting economic resiliency in communities affected by natural disasters through workforce development and the CTAE pathways that create talent pipelines for high-demand careers that enable communities to recover via job creation and related economic development strategies.

This is an 80%-20% matching grant, with EDA typically funding up to 80% of eligible costs. Matching funds of the LEA must be readily available and unencumbered. Final match percentages are at EDA’s discretion based on project scale, community distress, and other factors.

Important Notes:
- Funds must be used for equipment purchases only, similar to Construction-Related Equipment (CRE) grants; construction is not allowed.
- LEAs must be located in counties officially designated as impacted by natural disasters in 2023 or 2024 eligible for public assistance.
- Grant awards are expected before the end of FY26 (May 2026), though this is an estimate based on current EDA and GaDOE timelines.
This Intent to Apply is a non-binding, good faith expression of interest. GaDOE is applying for this funding on behalf of selected LEAs, and a funding award is not guaranteed. Selected LEAs that submit an Intent to Apply best aligned with the overall application will be notified and invited to complete the formal grant application process at that time.

We strongly encourage LEAs to partner with local economic development stakeholders in preparing their Intent to Apply. These partnerships can strengthen the application and ensure alignment with broader regional recovery and workforce development goals.

Please direct all questions to Patrick Ledford at patrick.ledford@doe.k12.ga.us.

Intent to Apply submissions due: September 5, 2025, 5 p.m.

Eligibility
1. Eligible LEAs are located in Georgia counties where a major disaster was declared during 2023 and 2024, and public assistance funds were available according to the FEMA website.
2. Eligible LEAs must have read the introduction above thoroughly, understand this submission is only a good faith Intent to Apply, and understand a funding award is not guaranteed.
I acknowledge and affirm that:*

I agree that eligible LEAs are located in Georgia counties where a major disaster was declared during 2023 and 2024, and public assistance funds were available according to the FEMA website. Additionally, I agree that eligible LEAs must have read the introduction above thoroughly, understand this submission is only a good faith Intent to Apply, and understand a funding award is not guaranteed.

Applicant Information
FEMA maps are available showing counties eligible for public assistance in disaster areas. From the link, click on the declared disaster name > Designated Areas > Public Assistance.
Name of LEA*
Geographic Location - LEAs MUST be located within one of these counties listed to be eligible. *
Fiscal Contact Name*

PrefixFirst NameLast Name
Fiscal Contact Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Fiscal Contact Email*

Confirmation Email
Please select one.

Existing LEANew LEA
Current Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Grant Activities Contact Name*

PrefixFirst NameLast Name
Grant Activities Contact Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Grant Activities Contact Email*

Confirmation Email
Is this application on behalf of a school or schools currently identified as CSI, TSI, ATSI, or Tier IV?*

YesNo
Enter official names of site locations where grant activities will be implemented. If applicable, indicate CSI, TSI, ATSI, or Tier IV status.*

Needs Assessment
Describe how your community was impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and/or 2024. Include relevant data to support impact. *

250-word maximum0/250
Current Economic Conditions - Area of Impact. Briefly describe the economic conditions of the estimated area of impact with a focus on available data describing the level of distress, if applicable. This should also include a concise overview of the economic development needs, area’s workforce, industry clusters, main economic drivers, challenges, and assets. Describe the economic adjustment problems or economic dislocations the area is experiencing (or is likely to experience in the next 24 months). Relevant data may be drawn from the regional CEDS, https://eda.gov/resources/tools/.

500-word maximum0/500
Underserved Populations/Geographies - Does the majority of the proposed project’s planned area of impact serve an underserved population or represent an underserved geography? If so, briefly describe. Use data, if available.

250-word maximum0/250

Pathway Alignment
Please provide a detailed description of the CTAE pathway(s) that will be supported through this grant. Include relevant data and clearly explain how the pathway aligns with high-demand career opportunities and job creation within your community and region. Additionally, describe how this pathway will contribute to your community’s resilience and recovery from the effects of the natural disaster(s) that impacted your area.*

250-word maximum0/250

Matching Funds and Budget
Total amount of requested grant funds (maximum $400,000)*
Provide a short narrative and commitment statement on official letterhead indicating where the matching 20% funds would be obtained. If matching funds are coming from the LEA, use LEA letterhead. If the matching funds are coming from an external stakeholder, such as your local development authority or industry partner, provide on their official letterhead. Matching funds must NOT be from a federal grant.
Upload letter declaring 20% matching funds here.*

Cancelof
Provide a budget for expected purchases. If your project is accepted into the formal application for the grant, a more detailed budget will be requested.
Upload budget here.*

Cancelof

Industry Partners
Please identify 2-3 specific industry partners for the CTAE pathway(s) that you are seeking funding. Describe the company and industry sector they serve. Include the number of employees and their level of support of your application. Describe how the pathway supported by the grant will create or support jobs for that employer (include specific high demand positions the pathway(s) will be training students for). Indicate if the company is expanding/bringing more jobs to your community. If your LEA is selected for the formal application, your business partners will be asked to complete a letter containing the required information from the application.*

500-word maximum0/500
Should be Empty: