USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer today announced the selection of two community-based organizations in Minnesota for grants to help small rural communities create jobs and boost economic development. These grants will be 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," Landkamer said. "They help organizations that are experienced in economic development create more job opportunities for rural residents by supporting housing, community facilities and community economic development projects."
Rural Community Development Initiative grants 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.
Here in Minnesota, the Initiative Foundation, based in Little Falls, has been selected for a $250,000 grant to help nine low-income rural communities develop their capacity to undertake housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects through technical assistance, training and financial support.
The Minnesota Housing Partnership has been selected for a $130,000 grant to provide technical assistance and training for the Rosebud Economic Development Corporation – a non-profit organization of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Funding will go towards the development of sustainable affordable housing and community and economic development programs on the Rosebud Sioux reservation.
The two organizations selected for RCDI grants in Minnesota are among 31 community-based organizations in 17 states and the District of Columbia chosen to receive funding – a total investment of $6.3 million. Three of the organizations selected for grants received their matching funds from foundations and/or charitable donors – demonstrating the importance of philanthropy and public-private partnerships. View the list of recipients.
Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested over $5.2 billion, through more than 40 programs, in rural communities throughout Minnesota. For more information on programs administered by Rural Development, please visit www.rd.usda.gov/mn.