Rural Cooperative Development Grants
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- USDA-NIFA-OP-011616
- Agency
-
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Department of Agriculture
- Applications due
- Award size
- Up to $1,000,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Grant
- Category
-
- Agriculture
- Eligible applicants
-
- Other
- Points of contact
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Rural Cooperative Development Grants (RCDG) program, administered by the Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, seeks to improve rural economic conditions by providing grants to nonprofit institutions that offer technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations capable of establishing and operating cooperative development centers, with a focus on creating jobs and supporting rural economic development. The program requires a 25% cost-sharing contribution (5% for 1994 Institutions) and will evaluate applications based on ten key criteria, including administrative capabilities, technical assistance quality, economic development potential, networking capabilities, and qualifications of key personnel. Applicants will be ranked according to these evaluation criteria, with preference given to those demonstrating experience in cooperative development, ability to assist underserved areas, and commitment to multi-organizational approaches. The application deadline is set for September 15, 2025, at 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time.
The total anticipated program funding is $5,800,000, with individual award maximums of $1,000,000 and approximately 15 awards expected to be made. Grants will typically be approved or disapproved within 60-90 days of receipt, with funding periods likely starting between October 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026. The program is designed to support cooperative development across various sectors, including agriculture, fishing, utilities, retail, and credit unions, with a particular emphasis on supporting minority producers and communities experiencing persistent poverty. Funding will be distributed through a national competitive process, with awards focused on providing technical assistance, feasibility studies, and business planning services to rural cooperative enterprises.
Synopsis
The purpose of the RCDG program is to enable nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development (Center). The primary objective of the program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations who in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| FY25-RCDG-RFA.pdf |
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar grant opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity