If you have a great idea that could promote business growth or job creation in Humboldt County, consider applying for a grant award through the County of Humboldt’s -Headwaters Grant Fund. Applications for the 2021-22 grant round will be accepted from July 16 through Aug. 20, with awards anticipated to be announced in September. Application forms and instructions can be found on the county’s website.
The Headwaters Grant Fund supports projects that benefit Humboldt County’s industry clusters or contribute to the region’s competitive advantage. Preference is given to projects that maintain and increase the number of sustainable jobs paying near or above the median income, enhance the quality of life, and promote healthy communities while protecting the natural environment.
Funding Focus
The primary funding focus of the Headwaters Grant Fund is to support projects that are consistent with Humboldt County's overarching economic development strategy, Prosperity! 2018. This strategy identified industry clusters and major industries in the county as priorities for economic development going forward.
Target industry clusters based on Prosperity! 2018:
- Diversified Healthcare
- Specialty Food, Flowers & Beverages
- Building and Systems Construction
- Investment Support Services
- Management and Innovation Services
- Niche Manufacturing
Major industries based on Prosperity! 2018:
- Forest Products
- Tourism
- Arts & Culture
- Alternative Agriculture (Cannabis)
Eligibility and Amount Available
Nonprofits, as well as government agencies located within Humboldt County, are eligible to receive grant funding. Private businesses cannot receive grants directly but can partner with a nonprofit or government agency. If you are a business with an idea for a project, please contact staff for connections to potential collaborators from the public or nonprofit sectors.
The total award available through this funding cycle is $150,000 which will be divided among selected projects with a maximum grant amount of $75,000. The past few years of competitive grants can be viewed on the county’s website.
The Headwaters Fund Board anticipates making additional funding available in this next fiscal year. Awards from the Headwaters Grant Fund are typically in the $20,000 to $30,000 range. The Headwaters Fund Board also provides $20,000 annually for its Mini-Grant Program. The typical award is $1,000 to $1,500 with a maximum award of $5,000.
For more information, contact Ryan Heitz at 707-476-4804 or rheitz@co.humboldt.ca.us.