The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for technical assistance grants to help rural communities expand their capacity to access financial resources to support the construction or upgrade of essential facilities.
Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grants can be used to help rural communities identify and plan for essential facility needs; identify resources to finance community facility needs; prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial assistance, improve the management of community facilities; and prepare applications for funding from USDA Rural Development.
These grants are not awarded directly to rural communities. Instead, public entities, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes can apply for funding to provide technical assistance and training to rural communities with limited resources and a population of 20,000 or less.
Funding will be awarded in the fall of 2021. The grants will be available for use between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022.
These grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Electronic applications must be submitted via grants.gov by 9:00 pm PST on March 22, 2021. Paper applications must be postmarked and shipped 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
Prior to submitting an application, applicants may request technical assistance or other application guidance from Rural Development, as long as the request is made prior to March 17, 2021.
Join USDA for a webinar too learn more about this program and the application process.
What: Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Webinar
When: Tuesday, February 16, 2021
11:00 am - 12:00 pm PST
Where: Online
How: Register today
For questions, or to discuss a potential application, contact Ella Nichols, Community Programs Specialist, (503) 414-3354. Additional information is also available on page 1920 of the January 11, 2021, Federal Register.