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Better Health for the Delta
| Topics |
Community development
Networking and collaboration
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| States served |
Louisiana
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| Description |
The Southeast Louisiana AHEC grantee for the Louisiana Mississippi Delta initiative combined our activities during Phase I and Phase II with the Robert Wood Johnson RWJ) Southern Rural Access Grant Program (SRAG) rural loan fund component and created "Better Health For the Delta". The combination with the rural loan fund has been so successful that RWJ suggested we apply for Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certification status. The rural loan fund has facilitated close to $58,000,000 in direct or participated loans to improve access to primary care in rural and underserved areas of Louisiana. The Delta Initiative partners were instrumental in marketing the value of such a loan fund. |
| Services offered |
A unique feature of becoming a CDFI would permit U.S. Treasury Department "match" of certain RWJ funds linked to the rural loan fund. The process of gaining certification as a CDFI is a detailed process. Once certified the CDFI is eligible to apply to the Treasury Department during their Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
We are pleased to report that in August of 2006 we were notified of approval of our request for certification as a CDFI. In September of 2006 we were notified of a match award of $585,000.00 from the U.S. Treasury Department. This essentially means sustainability for the rural loan fund with total funding now $3,334,000.00. |
| Replication |
This is clearly a major victory and will enable our Delta network partners to have a knowledgeable, convenient and sympathetic partner to assist in funding worthy Delta initiated projects. |
| Source |
Brian P. Jakes, Sr. Louisiana Delta Initiative |
| Contact person |
Brian P. Jakes, Sr. Louisiana Delta Initiative |
Summaries of success stories are provided for your convenience. Please contact the success story contact person directly for the most complete and current information.
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