Approximately $4 million is being made available under the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program nationally.
Anthony Preite, USDA Rural Development State Director announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to support rural community economic development.
“The financial and technical assistance that can be provided by these grants can help give rural communities the tools they need to increase opportunities for local economic growth and improve their quality of life," Preite said.
Eligible applicants include public, private, and non-profit intermediaries, and federally recognized tribes.
RCDI grants can be used to provide training or technical assistance. Training may be focused on homeownership education, minority business entrepreneurship, strategic community planning or accessing alternative funding sources. Intermediary organizations must provide matching funds at least equal to the RCDI grant. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000.
USDA has invested more than $450 thousand in Montana through the RCDI program since 2011. In 2014, the Native American Development Corporation received a $152,492 grant to provide technical assistance focusing on helping recipient tribes increase their capacity and ability to conduct sustainable community and economic development.
For information on how to apply contact your Rural Development state office or see Page 27887 of the 5/15 Federal Register. Applications must be submitted by August 13, 2015.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.