A champion community refers to a rural area that has been designated as such by the Secretary of Agriculture. This designation is granted to communities that applied for recognition as either a rural Empowerment Zone or an Enterprise Community but were not selected for those specific statuses. The champion community designation aims to support rural development and empowerment initiatives.
The term "champion community" is primarily used in the context of rural development and economic empowerment. It falls under agricultural law and community development initiatives. This designation can help communities access federal funding and resources aimed at improving their economic conditions and quality of life. Users may find relevant forms and templates on platforms like US Legal Forms to assist in applying for grants or funding opportunities related to this designation.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
For instance, a rural town that applies for designation as an Empowerment Zone but does not receive it may still be recognized as a champion community. This status allows the town to pursue additional funding for community development projects.
(hypothetical example) A small farming community in the Midwest applies for the Empowerment Zone designation but is not selected. However, it receives champion community status, enabling it to access federal resources to improve local infrastructure and support economic growth.
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Empowerment Zone | A specific designation for economically distressed areas eligible for federal funding. | Empowerment Zones have more stringent criteria and benefits compared to champion communities. |
| Enterprise Community | A designation for areas that focus on economic development and revitalization. | Similar to Empowerment Zones but may offer different types of support and funding. |
If you believe your community may qualify for champion community status, consider the following steps:
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A champion community is a rural area recognized by the Secretary of Agriculture for its potential in economic development, despite not receiving Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community status.