Panhandle Improvement Project Cash Fund

The Panhandle Improvement Project Cash Fund was created under LB 818 Section 41, to promote community development in Nebraska's panhandle region. The Department of Economic Development may provide a grant for the renovation or construction of eligible County Fairgrounds. An eligible Village may qualify for a grant to renovate a community facility that serves the surrounding rural area. Eligibility Information Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-3,114 prohibits foreign adversarial companies from receiving benefits under an incentive program of the State of Nebraska. Prior to applying, please see the Foreign Adversarial Company Memo found in the Guidance Documents section. Applicants meeting the definition of foreign adversarial company will not be approved for benefits. What Can the Grants Be Used For? The Department of Economic Development may provide a grant not exceeding $995,000 (nine hundred ninety-five thousand dollars) for the renovation or construction of eligible County Fairgrounds. An eligible Village may qualify for a grant not exceeding $5,000 to renovate a community facility that serves the surrounding rural area. Who is Eligible to Apply? Eligible applicants will be a County located in the Panhandle of the third congressional district and a Village in the Panhandle with a population of less than ten (10) people. Application Information Panhandle Improvement Project - County Application Period: Open Date - 2/26/2024 9:00 AM Central Standard Time Close Date - 3/8/2024 5:00 PM Central Standard Time Panhandle Improvement Project - Village Application Period: Open Date - 2/26/2024 9:00 AM Central Standard Time Close Date - 3/8/2024 5:00 PM Central Standard Time Letters of Intent Letters of Intent should be submitted by Friday, February 9, 2024, at 5:00 Grant applicants must have an approved Letter of Intent. For additional information and questions contact the program manager. Letter of Intent Notice County Fairgrounds Letter of Intent Notice Village Project Award Amount Grants may be awarded up to the amount allocated by the Legislature. DED reserves the right to partially fund any request. County: $995,000 Village: $5,000 Program Resources Title File Type Date Foreign Adversary Company Form May 4, 2026 LOI Notice Panhandle Improvement Program – County Fairgrounds PDF February 2, 2024 LOI Notice Panhandle Improvement Program – Village Project PDF February 2, 2024 MEMO 25-04: LB 644 (2025) Foreign Adversarial Company PDF October 22, 2025 Grant Management Resources This page will provide technical assistance on using AmpliFund to apply for and manage grants awarded by DED. Learn More Stay up to date on the latest news. Subscribe to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development email lists here. Subscribe Have questions? Benjamin Goins Attorney [email protected]   |  402-471-0822