Rural Business Development Grant Program - Rural Transportation Systems
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- RDBCP-RBDG-RT-2026
- Agency
-
Rural Business Cooperative Services
Washington Office, Department of Agriculture
- Applications due
- Award size
- Up to $650,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Grant
- Category
-
- Transportation
- Eligible applicants
-
- City/Township Governments
- Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)
- County Governments
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
- Special District Governments
- State Governments
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of Agriculture Rural Business Cooperative Services is soliciting applications for Rural Business Development Grants focused on rural transportation systems, with an application deadline of June 30, 2026. Approximately $995,500 is available for Fiscal Year 2026, divided into a $650,000 ceiling for general rural transportation systems and $345,500 designated exclusively for Federally Recognized Native American Tribes, with approximately three awards anticipated.
Eligible applicants are city and township governments, county governments, state governments, tribal governments (federally recognized), 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and special district governments. Applicants must be qualified national organizations with experience providing technical assistance and training to rural communities for improving passenger transportation services or facilities. Partnerships are permitted provided the lead applicant maintains ultimate control of grant administration. For tribal funding, at least 75 percent of project benefits must be received by tribal members. No cost-sharing or matching requirements apply.
Grant funds support technical assistance only and cannot be used for construction or equipment. The period of performance runs October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. The program prioritizes projects in communities with large low-income populations, those that create or preserve jobs, and areas with elevated unemployment rates.
Applicants must have an active System for Award Management registration with a valid Unique Entity Identifier before submission and submit the standard SF-424 application form. Technical assistance requests must be submitted by June 1, 2026. Required documentation includes environmental documentation, SF LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, RD 400-4 Assurance Agreement, and board authorization letters. Grantees must submit semi-annual Financial Status Reports and Project Performance Activity Reports until initial funds are expended, then annual reports, and a final Project Evaluation Report within 120 days after project conclusion.
The Assistance Listing number is 10.351 (RDBCP-RBDG-RT-2026).
Synopsis
The purpose of this program is to improve the economic conditions of rural areas by providing technical assistance that will enhance the operation of rural transportation systems.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| RBDG-RTS Announcement FR VC.docx | DOCX document | |
| RBDG Transportation NOFO FY26 Final 5.19.26.pdf |
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