Rural Community Development Initiative

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Description: Rural Community Development Initiative grants are awarded to help non-profit housing and community development organizations, low-income rural communities and federally recognized tribes support housing, community facilities and community and economic development projects in rural areas.

Eligible Applicants:

  • State governments
  • City or township governments
  • County governments
  • Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
    • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
  • Special district governments
  • Nonprofits having a 501©(3) status
  • Nonprofits that do not have a 501©(3) status
  • Small businesses
    • For profit organizations other than small businesses
  • Independent school districts
  • Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
  • Private institutions of higher education
  • Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Eligible Activities: Grants must be used to improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas – such as:

Training sub-grantees to conduct –

  • Home-ownership education
  • Minority business entrepreneur education

Providing technical assistance to sub-grantees on –

  • Strategic plan development
  • Accessing alternative funding sources
  • Board training
  • Developing successful childcare facilities
  • Creating training tools, such as videos, workbooks, and reference guides
  • Effective fundraising techniques

Award Ceiling (MAX): $250,000

Award Floor (MIN): $50,000

FY 2020 Funding Availability: $6 million

Application Cycle: March 4 – May 13, 2020

Special Considerations:

  • Matching fund requirement is equal to amount of grant
    • In-kind contributions cannot be used as matching funds
  • Partnerships with other federal, state, local, private and nonprofit entities are encouraged
  • Funds must be used for projects that benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more.

More Information: Visit the USDA website and the Federal Register Notice of Solicitation

Who Can Tell Me More? Contact your USDA State or Area Office for guidance related to your specific project.

To Apply: Visit HERE