The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to assist with the start-up or expansion of rural cooperatives.
Through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) Program, USDA provides funding to help individuals or businesses start, expand, or improve the operation of rural cooperatives. Nonprofit corporations and higher education institutions are eligible to apply.
The maximum grant award allowed under this program is $200,000. Recipients must provide matching funds equal to 25 percent of the total project costs. Grants and matching funds must be used to operate a Rural Cooperative Development Center that can provide services such as conducting feasibility studies, developing business plans, facilitating strategic development, and providing leadership training. While these centers can be in any location, the individuals and businesses assisted must be located in eligible rural areas.
Paper applications must be submitted by Friday, June 2, 2017. In Oregon, applications should be submitted to the Rural Development state office:
USDA Rural Development
ATTN: Business Programs
1220 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 1801
Portland, OR 97204
For questions or to discuss a potential project, contact Brandon Doyle, (541) 923-4358 extension 126. You can also find more information on page 14680 of the March 22, 2017, Federal Register.