Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program

What does this program do?

The Rural Cooperative Development Grant program improves the economic condition of rural areas by helping individuals and businesses start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses through Cooperative Development Centers. Grants are awarded through a national competition. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register.

Program Funding: $5.8 million.

Maximum Grant Amount: $200,000

Who may apply for this program?

Grants may be made to Nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education. Grants may not be made to Public bodies. A Center can be in any area, but the individuals and business assisted must be located in an eligible rural area. Contact your local RD office for details.

What is the matching fund requirement?

Twenty-five (25) percent of total project costs (5 percent for Native American tribally-controlled colleges and universities that were granted land-grant status under an Act of Congress in 1994).

How may the funds be used?

Grant and matching funds can be used for developing and operating a Rural Cooperative Development Center. Examples of technical assistance and other services the Centers provide are:

• Conducting feasibility studies.
• Developing business plans.
• Providing leadership and operational improvement training.
• Facilitating strategic planning.

A Center can be located in any area, but the individuals and business assisted must be located in an eligible rural area.

How do we get started?

Before you apply:

• Register your organization with the System for Award Management (SAM) if you aren’t already registered. The registration is free. You need to complete several steps. It’s a good idea to start the registration process at least a month before any application deadline. Before you start the registration process, we suggest reading through the HELP materials available on the SAM website. Then, you’ll need to create an account. After you create your account by setting up a user ID and password, you can register your organization. Remember, you’ll need your DUNS number to complete your registration. Also, make a note of your Commercial And Government Entity (CAGE) code and expiration date because you’ll need those for your application.
• UEI Unique Entity ID - Effective April 4, 2022, USDA will look for the UEI instead of the DUNS from an applicant as the DUNS will no longer be required for recipients of federal financial assistance. The UEI (SAM) is assigned automatically to all active SAM.gov registered entities. To see your UEI please refer to the UEI to locate your UEI. More information about UEI can be found on SAMS.Gov. 

Forms & Resources:

Select the 'To Apply' tab to access program forms and resource information.

Who can answer questions?

If you have questions, you can contact your nearest Rural Development office.

Will I need to send any reports if I receive a grant?

Yes, if you receive a grant, you will need to send regular financial and performance reports. Your grant agreement will tell you how often you need to send the reports, what forms you need to use and what information you need to put in the reports.

Where can I get more information about the program?

Please read the Federal Register Notice for important information needed before applying for the grant. You can find the Rural Cooperative Development Grants program regulations here.

What law governs this program?
Regulation: 7 USC 1932 (310)(B)(e)

NOTE: Because citations and other information may be subject to change, please always consult the program instructions listed in the section above titled “What law governs this program?” You may also contact your local office for assistance.