The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting grant applications to support economic development in rural communities. Grants of $50,000 to $250,000 are available through the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Program.
The grants may be used to provide support to entities in developing their capacity to undertake housing, community facility, or economic development projects. USDA also encourages applications that will support efforts to combat substance use disorders, including opioid misuse, in high-risk rural communities by strengthening their capacity to address prevention, treatment, and/or recovery needs.
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 nonprofits, federally-recognized tribes, or rural communities develop their capacity to undertake economic development projects.
Public bodies, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide matching funds in an amount at least equal to the federal grant.
These grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Electronic applications must be submitted to grants.gov by 9:00 pm on March 22, 2021. Paper applications must be received by 4:00 pm PST on March 29, 2021. In Oregon, paper applications should be submitted to the Rural Development state office:
USDA Rural Development
ATTN: Community Programs
1220 SW 3rd Avenue
Suite 1801
Portland, OR 97204
To discuss a project proposal, contact Ella Nichols, Community Programs Specialist, (503) 414-3354. For additional information, see page 1923 of the January 11, 2021, Federal Register.