2012 University Center Economic Development Program Competition
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With that, the EDA has stipulated that the resources included in the program can be within the likes of technology commercialization, feasibility studies, market research, economic impact analyses, training, and several other technical assistance initiatives that could assist communities in the process of fostering vibrant economic ecosystems.

The University Center Economic Development Program Competition has been running since the year 2004, but in 2012, the EDA will specifically administer the program competition in its Atlanta and Seattle Regional Offices.

In addition, the EDA has also stated that they will give priority to grant application which intend to create and nurture regional economic ecosystems through applied research and development, technology commercialization, and targeted activities that cultivate entrepreneurship through three primary components:

a) A vastly networked regional talent pool, with specialized expertise relevant to the region’s innovation clusters;

b) A support system that is intended for researchers and scientists who are seeking to turn their discoveries into marketable goods and services;

c) Diverse innovation infrastructure that are very much necessary in the process of supporting innovation such as education, workforce development, and financial infrastructure.

In order to fuel the drive of this program, the EDA is set to administer funds in the amount of $8.4 million.

The institutions and organizations who are eligible to submit an application and receive funding under this program are accredited institutions of higher education, including community colleges, or a consortium of accredited institutions of higher education.

2012 University Center Economic Development Program Competition
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About The Author Michael Saunders is an editor of TopGovernmentGrants.com one the the most comprehensive Websites offering information on government grants and federal government programs. He also maintains Websites providing resources on environmental grants and grants for youth programs.

Additional Resources

category - Civic Engagement Grants

Replication Research on Sexual Violence Case Attrition Program
The Office of Justice Programs has recently announced the establishment of the Replication Research on Sexual Violence Case Attrition Program in an attempt to fund one research grant that could replicate the National Institute of Justice's Police Decision-Making in Sexual Assault Cases: An Analysis of Crimes Reported to the Los Angeles Police Department.

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Department of Agriculture: Value Added Producer Grants
The Value-Added Producer Grants program is geared towards helping the Independent Producers of Agricultural Commodities, Agriculture Producer Groups, Farmer and Rancher Cooperatives, and Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Ventures in developing techniques that would create marketing opportunities and establish business plans involving viable marketing opportunities that involve the production of bio-based products from agricultural commodities.

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Family Planning Services Grants
OPHS has recently established a funding opportunity entitled Family Planning Services Grants, a program wherein the OPHS, along with the HHS, will award grants to eligible individuals who seek to operate voluntary family planning services projects that would provide family planning services to everyone who desires to avail of such services, including low-income families in under-served areas.

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Youth Leadership Program: Algeria
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has established the Youth Leadership Program with Algeria which allows them to bring in young and adult Algerian students to the United States have them undergo a four-week exchange program.

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