Rural Cooperative Development Grant

The Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program is a federal grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service and Rural Business Cooperative Services. The program's primary objective 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 mutually-owned businesses through Cooperative Development Centers. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and higher education institutions, public or private. The application will be evaluated based on criteria such as administrative capabilities, technical assistance, economic development, past performance, networking, matching funds, work plan/budget, and personnel qualifications. The application deadline is June 3, 2024.

Grants are awarded competitively on an annual basis, with no specified award range or budget. The grant period is up to one year, starting between October 1, 2024 and January 1, 2025. Applicants must provide both cash and in-kind matching contributions, with verification templates provided. The program is authorized under CFDA 10.771 Rural Cooperative Development Grants and aims to assist rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses through technical assistance.