ABOUT THE HEADWATERS FUND

The Headwaters Fund is comprised of three programs: the Grant Fund, the Community Investment Fund and the Revolving Loan Fund.

The Grant Fund provides grants for projects benefiting base industries in Humboldt County. Non-profit and government jurisdictions in Humboldt County are eligible to apply. In an average grant round, total awards are between $200,000 and $300,000. Grants are typically accepted on an annual basis with a deadline in the early winter or spring. The deadline for grants for 2009 was February 9th and a deadline for 2010 has not yet been set. For more information contact the Headwaters Fund Coordinator: delsbree@co.humboldt.ca.us.

The Community Investment Fund is a loan and grant program for infrastructure related projects that will result in permanent and tangible economic beneift to the community. Applications to the Community Investment Fund are accepted on a monthly basis. Please contact the Headwaters Fund Coordinator for more information: delsbree@co.humboldt.ca.us.

The Revolving Loan Fund makes loans to businesses and non-profit organizations in Humboldt County. These loans fill gaps in the market for available financing while maintaining sound banking practices. Currently the Headwaters Fund is contracted with the Arcata Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) http://www.aedc1.org and Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (RREDC) http://www.rredc.com to manage a portion of the Revolving Loan Funds. Loan applicants should apply directly to these financial institutions, not the Headwaters Fund itself.

$20,000 is now available annually in mini-grants for local programs and projects to promote economic development. Headwaters Mini-Grants are available in $1,000 -$1,500 increments and request letters are accepted on an ongoing basis. See the link below for more information.

Mini-Grant Program

Recently approved $200,000 grant for mariculture expansion on Humboldt Bay. Developed by local oyster farmers in collaboration with the Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District, the grant pays for permitting additional acreage in the bay for mariculture. This project should result in doubling the available acreage from the 325 currently in production to over 600 and result in at least 33 additional jobs.

Mariculture Expansion Proposal