Agriculture Under Secretary Lisa Mensah announced the selection of 31 community-based organizations in 17 states and the District of Columbia to receive grants to help small rural communities create jobs and boost economic development, including a $250,000 grant to Northeast South Dakota Community Action Program, Inc. in South Dakota. The grants are being made available through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program.
“These grants bring increased economic opportunities to rural residents and communities by strengthening the capacity of the regional organizations that serve them,” Mensah said. “They help organizations that are experienced in economic development create more job opportunities for rural residents. RCDI grants are an important part of USDA’s ongoing efforts to address rural poverty. They help boost growth in our most economically vulnerable rural communities.”
In South Dakota, the Northeast South Dakota Community Action Program, Inc. (also known as GROW South Dakota) based in Sisseton, is receiving a $250,000 grant for technical assistance and training for housing, community facilities and economic development activities in South Dakota.
Rural Community Development Initiative grants support rural housing, community facilities and economic development projects. Funds may be used to develop child care facilities; provide education, technical assistance and training; conduct strategic planning, and conduct other projects that help local communities develop their capacity. Eligible grant recipients are non-profit housing and community development organizations.
USDA is awarding $6.3 million in grants for 31 projects nationwide under this announcement. Funding is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of their grant agreements. View the list of recipients.
Seven states, including South Dakota, receiving support through this announcement are part of USDA’s StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity initiative, which coordinates USDA assistance in the Nation’s most economically challenged rural areas. Through StrikeForce, USDA works with community partners to feed kids, assist farmers, secure safe homes, conserve natural resources and create jobs. USDA StrikeForce teams are working with more than 500 community partners to address rural poverty in more than 800 counties in 21 states and Puerto Rico.
President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.