Rural Cooperative Development Grant

The primary objective of the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program is 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. • The program provides funding for projects that benefit rural areas. • Applicants must provide a cash match, which can come from various sources such as checking or savings accounts, certificates of deposit, or program income from executed contracts. • The applicant's governing body must formally resolve or confirm the cash matching contribution amount. • The grant period has a beginning and end date, which should be specified by the applicant. • The program is an annual competition, with an estimated $5.8 million in funding available and an award ceiling of $200,000.