Reservations for 2008 EDCUtah Match Grants Golf Tournament Sponsorships are Now Complete

Economic development news often focuses on the large, flashy projects that create compelling headlines in local news media outlets. Behind the scenes, however, many Utah communities are quietly expanding their economic development bases through the Community Match Grants Program, which is funded annually via EDCUtah's Golf for Grants Tournament and the generous support of its sponsors.

This year's Golf for Grants Tournament is slated for June 4 at the Wasatch Mountain State Park – Mountain Course, with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. It's an exciting opportunity to join EDCUtah's many partners in some friendly golf competition while raising money for the Community Match Grant Program.

“EDCUtah is grateful to our Platinum sponsor, CB Richard Ellis, for helping to make this event happen; to the Gold sponsors: SelectHealth, Price Realty Group and Qwest; and to the many other partners that give so generously to the tournament,” says Arthur Franks, EDCUtah's Director of Membership.

The Community Match Grant Program has become an important economic development tool that supports grassroots economic development efforts by Utah's cities, counties and other non-profit organizations. Last fall EDCUtah awarded approximately $45,000 in matching funds for the 2007-2008-grant year.

“Every year EDCUtah receives dozens of grant requests,” says Franks. “Through the generous support of Golf for Grants sponsors we are able to raise enough money to fund many worthwhile projects at the local level.” Since the programs inception 20 years ago, EDCUtah has awarded more than $700,000 in matching grants.

Regarding the Community Match Grant Program, EDCUtah offers three grant types and is encouraging applications for the upcoming grant cycle this fall:

• * Marketing Match Grant – provides matching funds for economic development initiatives, such as development of direct marketing materials, website development, research projects that are directly applicable to recruitment strategies, and work related to potential SURE Sites properties, including the completion of environmental and geo-technical studies, infrastructure assessments and other preparatory analysis.
• * Sponsorship Match Grant – provides matching funds for specific economic development events. Selections are based upon the quality of the event, how well the event addresses an economic need in the community, and the audience. Special consideration is given to projects that provide an interface among economic development partners.
• * Professional Development Assistance Match Grant – provides matching funding to economic developers in their efforts to enhance their professionalism and expertise. Applicants must have one year of experience in economic development, as well as experience in the communities they are representing, before participating. Applicants may apply for one training opportunity per year.

Eligible courses are those sponsored by the International Economic Development Council. Other courses may be considered if they demonstrate a resource for the tools necessary to the economic development profession. Information on professional development courses can be found online at www.iedconline.org.

How the Program Works

EDCUtah uses the Community Match Grant Program to reimburse up to half of the cost of a pre-approved project (to a maximum of $5,000). Established guidelines specify allotment amounts according to the three grant types. Franks says grant awards are based on the quality of the project, how well the project fits into the community's overall marketing strategy, the distribution plan, audience, follow-up plans and the ability to measure results. Special consideration is given to certain projects, including:

• * Those headed by a full-time economic development staff person.
• * Projects that have available matching funds from the applying organization.
• * Projects that leverage resources and partnership with local and regional partners, as well as with EDCUtah.

Click here to access the online Community Match Grant Application.

Sponsorship reservations for the 2009 EDCUtah Match Grants Golf Tournament can be made with Art Franks 801.323.4242 after June 4, 2008