USDA RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

Rural Cooperative Development Grants are used to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping individuals and businesses start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses through rural cooperative development centers.

An applicant must be a nonprofit corporation or institution of higher education (the “Grant Applicant”).

A successful Grant Applicant may use the proceeds of its Rural Cooperative Development Grant to develop and operate a “Rural Cooperative Development Center,” including (a) conducting feasibility studies; (b) developing business plans; (c) providing leadership and operational improvement training; and (d) facilitating strategic planning.