USDA Rural Development announced today it is seeking applications for technical assistance and training grants in the Community Facilities program.
“Rural organizations often lack the technical expertise to access federal funding,” said Mark Wax, USDA Rural Development Community Programs Director. “Through these grants, more community organizations will receive help in fully utilizing USDA programs to build essential community facilities.”
The grants are being provided through the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program. Congress authorized this new program in the 2014 Farm Bill to help rural communities develop their applications for Community Facilities loans and grants.
Communities can use the grants to hire specialized personnel, pay for feasibility studies, retain consultants to prepare financial assistance applications and identify and plan for long-term community facilities needs.
Providing technical assistance will help more rural communities qualify for loans and grants. Many lack access to specialized personnel who complete financial and environmental analyses, for example. These analyses often must be included in applications for USDA loans and grants.
Public bodies, non-profit organizations and Federally-recognized Tribes are eligible to apply for this funding. The maximum grant is $150,000.
Interested applicants may find more information about this program on page 23525 of the May 23, 2017, Federal Register.
The Community Facilities programs help underserved rural communities develop essential community services, which in turn helps attract investments, create and retain jobs and businesses, and attract residents. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/nd.