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RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA), RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Information Contact

USDA Rural Development

USDA State Office

6200 Jefferson NE

Albuquerque, NM 87109

Phone: 505.761.4953

Eligibility

Non-profit 501(c)3 Other
Other: Institutions of Higher Education

Type of Aid

Grant

Program Purpose

Establish and operate centers for cooperative development to improve the economic condition of rural areas by assisting individuals or entities in the startup, expansion or operational improvement of rural cooperatives and other business entities. Grants are awarded competitively on an annual basis to Rural Cooperative Development Centers who in turn provide technical assistance to individuals and entities.

Deadline to Apply

Yearly cycle, date for 2017: May 26, 2017 for electronic applications (through grants.gov) and June 2, 2017 for paper applications.

Eligibility Description

Non-profit corporations and institutions of higher education. Please note that public bodies and individuals are not eligible to apply for the RCDG program.

Special Conditions

Activities must take place in a rural area. Nationwide competition.

Funding Availability

Range of Awards: Maximum grant amount: $200,000. Cost sharing requirement: 25% of the total project cost (5% for 1994 Institutions)

Funding Cycle – Duration – Grants shall be for one year or less.

Source of Funds: Federally funded through the US Department of Agriculture – Rural Development

Application Process

Deadline: Yearly; date TBD each year; for FY 2017: May 26, 2017 for electronic applications (through grants.gov) and June 2, 2017 for paper applications.

How to Apply

You are encouraged to contact the State Office (contact below) to discuss your application. Applications are available by contacting the State Office or the National Office website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_RCDG.html. Check with the State Office as to application delivery location as the location has changed from year to year.

Selection Criteria & Decision Authority

Applicants must meet specific selection criteria including a minimum 25 percent fund match. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Some funds are reserved for applicants that focus on assistance to small, minority producers through their cooperative businesses (governing board or membership at least 75 percent minority).

Authorization

7 CFR 4284 Subpart B