PrintProgram Status: CLOSED
Notice of Solicitation of Application (pdf)
What does this program do?
The primary objective of the RCDG program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by assisting individuals and businesses in the startup, expansion or operational improvement of rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses through Cooperative Development Centers. Grants are awarded through a national competition. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register and through an announcement posted on grants.gov.
Program Funding: $5.8 million
Maximum Grant Amount: $200,000
Who may apply for this program?
Nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for this program. Public bodies, for-profit business, and individuals are not eligible.
Estimated Program Funding: $5.8 million
Maximum Grant Amount: $200,000
Matching Funds Requirement: 25% of total project costs (5% for 1994 institutions)
How may funds be used?
Grant and matching funds can be used for operating a Rural Cooperative Development Center. Examples of work that the Centers can do are:
- Conducting feasibility studies
- Developing business plans
- Providing leadership and operational improvement training
- Facilitating strategic planning
Note that the Center can be located in any area, but the individuals and business assisted must be located in an eligible rural area.
How do we get started?
Before you apply:
- Request a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number if your organization doesn’t already have one. It should not take more than a few business days to get your number. However, you should plan on requesting it at least a month before the application deadline because you’ll need that number for the next pre-application step (see below).
- Register your organization with the System for Award Management (SAM) if you aren’t already registered. The registration is free, but you need to complete several steps. It’s a good idea to start the registration process at least a month before any application deadline. Before you start the registration process, we suggest reading through the HELP materials available on the SAM website. Then, you’ll need to create an account. After you create your account by setting up a user id and password, you can register your organization. Remember, you’ll need your DUNS number to complete your registration. Also, make a note of your Commercial And Government Entity (CAGE) code and expiration date because you’ll need those for your application.
Forms & Resources
- Select the Forms & Resources tab to access program forms and resource information.
Who can answer questions?
If you have questions, you can contact your nearest Rural Development Office.
Will I Need to Send Any Reports if I Receive a Grant?
If you receive a grant, you will need to send regular financial and performance reports. Your grant agreement will tell you how often you need to send the reports, what forms you need to use, and what information you need to put in the reports.
Where Can I Get More Information about the Program?
In addition to many Federal regulations, the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program has a regulation that is just for this program. It contains details about the program’s purpose, what you can and can’t do with grant money, application requirements, and information about how applications will be selected for funding. Remember that you need to read the Federal Register Notice to get all the details about how to apply, but the program regulation also has useful information that you will need before applying for a grant.