Rural Cooperative Development Grants

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.

Applicants are not eligible if they have been debarred or suspended or otherwise excluded from participation in Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, �Debarment and Suspension.� Applicants are not eligible if they have an outstanding judgement obtained by the U.S. in a Federal Court (other than U.S. Tax Court), are delinquent on the payment of Federal income taxes, or are delinquent on a Federal debt. Any corporation that has been convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the past 24 months or that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, is not eligible for funding.

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.

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).

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.