Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help rural communities develop locally-based solutions and access financial resources to build economic prosperity.
USDA is making grants available under the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant Program. These grants are intended to address capacity challenges faced by small, low-income rural communities with limited resources and staff. The assistance helps communities access USDA funding for essential community facilities.
Eligible recipients are private, public or nonprofit organizations and Tribal entities that have experience in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities. Eligible projects include those involving multi-jurisdictions and collaborations among rural communities.
Applications are due July 2, 2018. For more information, see page 19521 of the May 3 Federal Register.
USDA encourages applications that will support recommendations made in the report to the President from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to help improve life in rural America. Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships and innovation. Key strategies include:
• Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America
• Developing the Rural Economy
• Harnessing Technological Innovation
• Supporting a Rural Workforce
• Improving Quality of Life