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

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Federal Emergency Management Agency: Earthquake & Building Science Program Support Implementation
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently proposed to enter into a cooperative agreement entitled Earthquake and Building Science Program Implementation with the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc.(FLASH).

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National Integrated Water Quality Program
In accordance with this mission, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture has recently established the National Integrated Water Quality Program (NIWQP) in an attempt to substantially contribute to the improvement of the quality of our nation's surface water and groundwater resources through research, education, and extension activities.

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Scale-Up of Care and Support Services for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nigeria
The USAID office in Nigeria has recently established a program called Scale-Up of Care and Support Services for Orphans and Vulnerable Children wherein it intends to improve the health and well-being of orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria by way of developing a sustainable, comprehensive and coordinated program that will potentially help these kids live a normal, and healthy life.

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