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.
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