Rural Cooperative Development Grants
Funds nonprofit centers that help rural cooperatives and mutually owned businesses start, grow, or improve by providing technical assistance to boost rural economies.
Funder: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Due Dates: July 24, 2026 (Full application deadline, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time)
Funding Amounts: $200,000–$1,000,000 per award; approx. $5,000,000 total program funding; 12–36 month duration
Summary: Supports nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers that provide technical assistance for rural cooperative and mutually owned business development.
Key Information: 25% cost share required (5% for 1994 Institutions); only nonprofit organizations are eligible.
Description
This program funds nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development, aiming to improve the economic condition of rural areas. Funded centers provide technical assistance to help start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses, with a focus on job creation, value-added processing, and rural business development. The program prioritizes applicants with a track record in cooperative development, demonstrated expertise, and a commitment to serving economically distressed or underserved rural areas.
