Economic Development Funding & Financing Case Studies
This collection showcases 22 real-world projects that turned vision into reality across rural and underserved communities—from renewable energy microgrids and Tribal healthcare centers to historic arts districts and sustainable agriculture hubs. Each case study reveals exactly how innovative leaders assembled funding, partnerships, and strategies to build inclusive prosperity, with detailed breakdowns of funding sources, capital stacks, timelines, and measurable economic impact.
Projects range from $500K catalyst grants to $500M federal initiatives, spanning five key sectors: energy, health and caregiving, arts and tourism, working lands and blue economy, and workforce development. Whether you're a community leader, economic developer, or grant writer, you'll find proven models showing how successful projects layer federal grants, tax credits, local investment, and private capital. Examples include California's first multi-customer microgrid ($6-7M), an Appalachian healthcare campus ($22M), New York's 750-mile Empire State Trail ($266-297M), and Alaska Native integrated health systems. Download the full packet below to access detailed funding strategies, key lessons learned, and replicable frameworks for transforming your community.