National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Supporting the economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities.

NSAC's Blog

Rural Coop Development Grants Available

On Friday, June 25, USDA announced the availability of almost $8 million in competitive grant funds through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG). The RCDG program is designed to improve the economic conditions in rural areas by funding the establishment or operation of Coop Development Centers that can help start up, expand or improve rural coops and mutually-owned businesses.

This year USDA is specifically interested in projects that help create wealth in rural communities through strategies that stimulate economies and create jobs through:

  • Local and regional food systems
  • Renewable energy generation, energy conservation, and climate change adaptation/mitigation
  • Broadband and other critical infrastructure
  • Access to capital, or
  • Innovative uses of natural resources

USDA expects to award about 35, one-year grants with an average grant size of $225,000.  Paper applications must be postmarked by August 9, 2010 and electronic applications must be received by August 9, 2010.  Visit the Rural Development website for more information or contact your local Rural Development office.