The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has announced the availability of $6.5 million as part of its Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program.  The Notice of Funding Availability was published in the May 23 Federal Register.

The goal of RCDG is to improve the economic condition of rural areas through the use of cooperative development.  Grants are awarded competitively on an annual basis to Rural Cooperative Development Centers who in turn provide technical assistance to individuals and entities.

The deadline to apply for a grant is July 15, 2013.  Grants are available to nonprofits and institutions of higher education.  A 25 percent cost-sharing requirement applies.  Tribal colleges are allowed to substitute a 5 percent cost-sharing requirement.

For more details on how to apply please visit USDA’s RCDG website.