Rural Cooperative Development Grants
This grant funds nonprofits to run centers that help start, expand, or improve rural cooperatives and mutually owned businesses through technical assistance.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
National Institute of Food and Agriculture has archived this opportunity.
Funder: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA)
Due Dates: September 15, 2025 (5:00 p.m. ET)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000,000 per award | Total program funding: $5,800,000 | 1-year project period
Summary: Supports nonprofit institutions in establishing and operating centers that provide technical assistance to develop and strengthen cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas.
Key Information: 25% matching funds required (5% for 1994 Institutions); only one application per applicant allowed.
Description
This program enables nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development, with the primary objective of improving the economic condition of rural areas. Funded centers provide technical assistance to help start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural communities. The program aims to facilitate job creation, value-added processing, and rural business development through these centers.
Preference is given to applicants with a proven track record in cooperative development, technical assistance in rural areas, and those committed to serving underserved and economically distressed rural communities. Networking, multi-organizational, and multi-state approaches are encouraged.
