The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to help rural cooperatives develop new markets for their products and services announced State Director Vicki Walker today.
USDA is making $5.8 million in grants available nationwide. The funding is being provided through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) Program. Under this program, USDA provides grants to nonprofits and institutions of higher learning. These entities use the funding to help individuals or businesses create, expand, or operate cooperatives. A recipient may receive a grant of up to $200,000 and is required to provide matching funds equal to 25 percent of the total project costs.
For information on how to apply for the RCDG Program in Oregon, contact Brandon Doyle at leslie.doyle@or.usda.gov or (541) 923-4358 ext. 126, or see page 16127 of the March 25, 2016 Federal Register. The deadline for the first round of applications is June 20, 2016.
Since 2009, USDA has invested more than $44 million in 228 grants through the RCDG Program.
President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his 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.