Deadline: 26-Jun-2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is inviting applications for the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program that improves the economic condition of rural areas by helping individuals and businesses start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses through Cooperative Development Centers.
Grants are awarded through a national competition.
Funding Information
- Program Funding: $5.8 million.
- Maximum Grant Amount: $200,000
- Twenty-five (25) percent of total project costs (5 percent for Native American tribally-controlled colleges and universities that were granted land-grant status under an Act of Congress in 1994).
How may the funds be used?
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Grant and matching funds can be used for developing and operating a Rural Cooperative Development Center. Examples of technical assistance and other services the Centers provide are:
- Conducting feasibility studies.
- Developing business plans.
- Providing leadership and operational improvement training.
- Facilitating strategic planning.
- A Center can be located in any area, but the individuals and business assisted must be located in an eligible rural area.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for this program.
- Public bodies, cooperatives, for-profit business and individuals are not eligible.
- A Center can be in any area, but the individuals and business assisted must be located in an eligible rural area.
For more information, visit U.S. Department of Agriculture.