Description
The Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program provides financial assistance to improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development. Grants are awarded competitively to non-profit corporations or institutions of higher education. The program supports the establishment and operation of centers for rural cooperative development, which provide technical assistance to individuals and entities in the startup, expansion, or operational improvement of rural businesses, especially cooperative or mutually-owned businesses. Key strategies for the program include achieving e-Connectivity for rural America, developing the rural economy, harnessing technological innovation, supporting a rural workforce, and improving quality of life.
• The RCDG program is authorized under section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
• Eligible applicants include non-profit corporations or institutions of higher education.
• The maximum award amount per grant is $200,000.
• The grant period should begin no earlier than October 1, 2019, and no later than January 1, 2020.
• The program has a one-year grant period, with the possibility of a 12-month extension.
• Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements, including cost sharing or matching requirements.
• The program has a total funding of $5,800,000.