Bill Davis, USDA Rural Development acting state director, today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to boost rural economic development through the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program.
“This funding increases economic opportunity in rural areas by building up the capacity of the regional organizations that serve them,” said Davis. “USDA supports those organizations by providing grant funding to focus on rural housing, community facilities and economic development projects.”
Eligible applicants under the RCDI program include public or private intermediaries, non-profit organizations and nationally recognized tribal organizations. The grant funding may be used to provide training that focuses on homeownership education and minority business entrepreneurship. Funding may also provide technical assistance for strategic community planning, creating training tools or accessing alternative funding sources. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000.
For more information on how to apply for a RCDI grant, contact the North Dakota Rural Development office at (701) 530-2037 or see page 27887 of the May 15 Federal Register. Applications must be submitted by August 13, 2015.