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USDA Seeks Applications to Spur Economic Development in Rural Communities

Name
Erin McDuff
City
Portland
Release Date

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to support economic development in rural communities. The grants are being made available through USDA's Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Program in order to strengthen the rural economy.

The grants are not provided directly to businesses or individuals. Instead, qualified intermediary organizations receiving RCDI grants will provide technical assistance and training to help nonprofit organizations and communities develop their capacity to undertake housing, community facility, or economic development projects. USDA also encourages applications that will support efforts to combat substance use disorders, including opioid misuse, in high-risk rural communities by strengthening their capacity to address prevention, treatment, and/or recovery needs.

Grant amounts will range from $50,000 to $250,000. Nonprofits, low-income rural communities, and federally-recognized tribes are eligible to apply. Applicants must have capacity-building experience for these types of projects, and they must provide matching funds at least equal to the RCDI grant.

Grants are awarded through a competitive process. Electronic applications must be submitted to grants.gov by 9:00 p.m. PST on June 5, 2019. Paper applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. PST on June 10, 2019. In Oregon, applications should be submitted to the USDA Rural Development State Office:

          USDA Rural Development
          ATTN: Community Programs
          1220 SW 3rd Avenue
          Suite 1801
          Portland, OR 97204

For more information, including details on how to apply, see page 11493 of the March 27, 2019, Federal Register.

Questions related to USDA Community Programs in Oregon may be directed to a local Community Programs Specialist. Those with project proposals outside of Oregon should contact USDA Rural Development in the corresponding state.