The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is inviting applications for grants to support economic development in rural communities. The grants are being provided through USDA's Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Program in order to strengthen the rural economy.
The grants are not provided directly to businesses or individuals. Instead, qualified intermediary organizations receiving RCDI grants will provide technical assistance and training to help nonprofit organizations and communities develop their capacity to undertake housing, community facility, or economic development projects. Grant amounts will range from $50,000 to $250,000.
Nonprofits, low-income rural communities, and federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply. Applicants must have capacity-building experience for these types of projects, and they must provide matching funds at least equal to the RCDI grant. Grants are awarded through a competitive process.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, July 25, 2017. In Oregon, application should be submitted to the USDA Rural Development State Office:
USDA Rural Development
ATTN: Community Programs
1220 SW 3rd Avenue
Suite 1801
Portland, OR 97204
For more information, including details on how to apply, see page 24281 of the May 26 Federal Register.