National Institute of Food and Agriculture · Department of Agriculture
Rural Cooperative Development Grants
In short: National Institute of Food and Agriculture expects to make 12 awards of $200,000 to $1 million.
Key facts
- Deadline
- Next round: about Jul 7 – Jul 24, 2027 Estimate, not confirmed by the funder ?
- Award size
- $200K – $1M
- Total available
- $5M · about 12 awards
- Match ?
- Required · Work out your budget and match
- Who can apply
- Set by the official notice: see Who can apply below
- Where
- Anywhere in the U.S., including Tennessee
Before you apply: federal grants require an active SAM.gov registration (Unique Entity ID) and a Grants.gov account. Registration is free but can take weeks, so start now, not when the deadline is close. Get-ready checklist
How this fits you
- Available in Tennessee (nationwide program)
- Needs a match (see how much in the notice)
Tell us who you are to see whether you're eligible.
About this grant
The purpose of the RCDG program, under assistance listing number 10.771, is to enable nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development (Center). The primary objective of the program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations that in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas.
Who can apply, from the official notice
Applications will only be accepted from nonprofit institutions. A “nonprofit institution” is defined as any organization or institution, including an accredited institution of higher education, no part of the net earnings of which inures, or may lawfully inure, to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements in 7 CFR 4284.520(a). Applicants are ineligible for assistance through this program if one or more of the items defined in 7 CFR 4284.520(b) occurs.
Official notice: https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/3b656526-871a-4bfe-b6cb-a2b9f23a6fa5 · Printed from grantme.click/grants/fd917796-e1e4-4d6e-966e-92ff6ab0188a
View on Grants.gov Add deadline to my calendar
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About the federal program
Rural Cooperative Development Grants, also called “RCDG”
Program number 10.771 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Business Cooperative Service · Project grant
How applications are judged
Applications are evaluated based on 10 criteria: (1) Administrative Capabilities, (2) Technical Assistance and Other Services, (3) Economic Development, (4) Past Performance in Establishing Legal Entities, (5) Networking and Regional Focus, (6) Commitment, (7) Matching Funds, (8) Work Plan/Budget, (9) Qualifications of Key Personnel, and (10) Local and Future Support. Applicants should review 7 CFR � 4284.513 and the annual Federal Register notice for details on how these criteria will be scored.
Match
Cost Sharing or Matching. A match of at least 25 percent (5 percent for 1994 Institutions) of the total project cost is
required for the application as provided in 7 CFR 4284.513(f).
Examples of funded projects
Fiscal year 2025: This Rural Development investment will be used to assist agricultural producers in reducing input costs, conserving energy resources, and diversifying operations through new energy crops and energy generation facilities. The investment will also help expand markets for agricultural commodities while utilizing practices that enhance the environment, natural resource base, and quality of life.